GEAR UP

Who We Are

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) at Tennessee Tech University aims to grow the college-going culture in Tennessee. By using a 7-year empowerment model that recognizes the assets and needs for local communities, GEAR Up at Tennessee Tech looks to shift the state’s educational culture. We aim to develop long-term, successful partnerships to support students in reaching college and providing them with the resources to succeed in college.

The GEAR UP Grant is a federally funded initiative aimed at increasing college and career readiness among students from underserved communities, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. GEAR UP supports students starting in middle school and continues through high school and into their first year of college.

We provide the tools, and resources they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.

The goal is to increase college readiness, enrollment, and success for students who may face barriers to higher education.