Average number of students annually
Graduated
High School
Received College Credits upon graduating
FAFSA
completion
Enrolled
in College
students participated in the PSAT/SAT testing strategies.
college credits earned by gu students within 3 years of high school by their junior year.
Average number of students annually
Graduated
High School
Received College Credits upon graduating
FAFSA
completion
Enrolled
in College
The GEAR UP CT initiative was a seven-year federal grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education that ran from 2019 and will conclude on August 21, 2026.
The program supported a cohort of 2,472 students to increase their college and career readiness. It provided tools, resources, and programming starting in middle school to empower local students and increase educational success. Ultimately, the grant served the Class of 2025 through partnerships between East Hartford Public Schools and CT State Manchester; Meriden Public Schools and CT State Middlesex; and Waterbury Public Schools and CT State Naugatuck Valley.
1. Increase postsecondary expectations and readiness of students.
2. Improve high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates.
3. Increase student and family knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financial aid.
GU strives to build capacity within the local communities that are being served to ensure students have the opportunity, skills, knowledge, and confidence upon high school graduation to successfully pursue higher education [Certificate Programs, 2- or 4-year degree] and/or workforce opportunities that will enable them to achieve their career and life goals. GEAR UP teams are committed to working alongside local school districts and partner colleges where all students are empowered and equipped with an education and the skills to succeed in a diverse and global society.
“The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)" initiative is one of the largest and most effective programs focused on increasing the college and career readiness of low-income students in communities nationwide. GEAR UP is a highly competitive grant program that helps empower local partnerships comprised of K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, state agencies, and community organizations to achieve three strategic goals.
These goals are:
1. Increase postsecondary expectations and readiness of students.
2. Improve high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates.
3. Increase student and family knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financial aid.
Services include but not limited to:
• Tutoring / Mentoring
• College Awareness / Virtual Tours
• Testing Preparation
• Summer Programming
• Career Planning / Workshops
• College Planning
• Financial Aid Workshops
GEAR UP builds capacity within communities to ensure that underserved students have the opportunity, skills, and knowledge to successfully pursue the education and training that will enable them to achieve their career and life goals. Our committed GEAR UP teams along with partner colleges and school districts will work towards a future where all students are empowered and equipped with the education and training needed to succeed in a diverse and global society.
CT STATE (CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY COLLEGE)
What a team at the April 19 media event at Platt High School in Meriden, CT: Scott Burrell, NBA Champion;Christina Lapierre, State Program Director for GearUP CT; Fatima Islam, GEARUP student; Alice Pritchard from CSCU, and NCAA and WNBA Champion Morgan Tuck.
This program is funded (in whole or in part) by a $25.8 million Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant as implemented by the United States Department of Education.
