About
About Oregon GEAR UP
Oregon GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) aims to ensure that Oregon’s low-income middle and high school students are prepared for, pursue, and succeed in postsecondary education, whether that be a Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, certificate, apprenticeship, or other training.
Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and contributions from community partners, Oregon GEAR UP collaborates with select middle and high schools over seven years to foster a college-going culture. We provide funding, technical assistance, professional development for educators, and summer opportunities for students. Our targeted support and coaching for educators enhance academic preparation, increase students’ aspirations, and raise awareness of postsecondary education. Our efforts help schools set high academic expectations, promote early awareness of college opportunities, and engage students in college and career planning.
Currently administered by Oregon State University, the program was previously managed by the Oregon University System from 2002-2014. Our most recent grant was awarded in September 2022. Note: Portland Public Schools has a separate GEAR UP partnership grant.
The GEAR UP initiative was authorized by Title IV of the 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 and was signed into law on September 29, 1998, by President Clinton. The first grants were awarded in 1999.
NCCEP serves as our voice in Washington and provides technical assistance to GEAR UP grantees at the Capacity Building and National GEAR UP conferences.
GEAR UP is a state grant, awarded as competitive six or seven-year matching grants. These grants include an early intervention component to increase college attendance and success, and a scholarship component. States can request a waiver of the scholarship requirement. Each state can have only one state grant, with budgets generally not exceeding $3 million, half of which is typically for scholarships.
Our Values
Anchored by a foundation of respect, our five core values influence why and how we do our work.
We believe in the transformative power of education for individuals and communities. College (which for us means any kind of postsecondary education or training) opens doors by giving people the knowledge and skills needed for personal and professional success.
Our work aims to level the playing field for all students in access and opportunity. We have high expectations and believe in the potential of every student. We affirm all students' right to explore and pursue postsecondary education that meets their physical, social, emotional, and educational needs.
We build collaborative relationships to enhance the culture around going to college. Our model is not one-size-fits-all; rather, we encourage creative, adaptable solutions that empower schools and students.
We support our colleagues, partners and students in personal and professional growth and provide opportunities that encourage perseverance and possibility.
We recognize the numerous demands on our colleagues and partners and therefore are positive, practical and flexible in order to achieve balance in work and life.
Our Schools
Our schools range in size but all serve low-income students in rural communities. School staff work as a team to design program activities that meet the needs of their community grounded in our research-based model. Examples include college visits, financial aid awareness nights for parents and students, tutoring and academic support, and career fairs.
Partners
The Oregon GEAR UP office and its regional and national partner organizations sponsor statewide activities that complement the efforts of school personnel to create a college-going culture in schools and communities.
Statewide Initiatives
In addition to working with GEAR UP schools, our program conducts outreach and offers college readiness resources to all of Oregon's low-income serving middle and high schools through Oregon Goes To College.
Oregon Goes To College is the go-to resource for information about how to get ready for college. Statewide initiatives like College Application Week and It's A Plan, offer comprehensive checklists for students, parents, and educators from middle school through college, helping them explore, apply, pay, and go to education beyond high school.