About NYGEAR UP

NYGEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a competitive grant program of the U.S. Department of Education.

At NYGEAR UP, we believe that young people who start planning in middle school have a better chance of entering college and completing their degrees. With programs in ten school districts in New York State, our focus is on students from high-need schools being empowered to navigate and gain access to financial aid and prepare for college and careers. This federal initiative is designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and excel in postsecondary education.

About the NYGEAR UP Federal Grant

In August 2022, New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) was awarded a $28 million, seven-year GEAR UP grant by the U.S. Department of Education to increase college readiness and success for more than 6,400 low-income New York State students. HESC administers the GEAR UP grant in New York State, awarding NYGEAR UP sub-grants to qualified sub-grantees statewide through a competitive request for proposal process. 

Beginning in 7th grade through their freshman year in college, students who are participating in the program will have access to support services, including tutoring assistance, academic counseling, mentoring, college and career counseling, financial literacy, and professional development to help them enroll and succeed in college.  NYGEAR UP also provides school districts with professional development opportunities for teachers, counselors, and administrators.