Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, a federal initiative for students from low-income backgrounds, helps to make them aware of college and guides them to sign up for courses that prepare them.

GEAR UP works with Kentucky parents, schools, colleges, businesses, communities and nonprofit organizations to mentor and improve the skills of middle and high school students.

Five priorities

1. Thinking college: Students learn about college through a special class, summer programs, visits to colleges and special projects about how to choose a career.
2. Studying hard: GEAR UP works with schools to make sure that all middle school students are ready to take certain courses that they need in high school. Courses include algebra, science, language arts and world languages.
3. Talking with parents: The program helps parents understand all the possibilities students have when they plan for college early. Parents and guardians can learn through workshops, printed information and home visits from school staff.
4. Finding the money: Any GEAR UP student who gets ready for college can get a grant or scholarship to attend. 
5. Helping kids succeed: GEAR UP schools have many services and program staff or volunteers to work with students, including tutors and mentors.

Resources

• The Collaborative for Teaching and Learning leads plans for the annual statewide institute on creating a college-going culture. 

'Drive the Dream' scholarships

• 2012 recipients | 2011 | 2010