GEAR UP
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) State Grant is a seven- year federal initiative designed to increase early college awareness, readiness, and success for low-income and historically underrepresented students. The grant follows a cohort of students starting in 7th grade through their first year of postsecondary education.
Nationally, GEAR UP outcomes have shown positive student gains for participating students (e.g. students graduate from high school at a higher rate than their peers - regardless of ethnicity or income - and attend college at a higher rate). For more information about the federal grant program, visit the Department of Education’s GEAR UP homepage.
What is Tx GEAR UP?
The Texas Education Agency (TEA), as the governor-appointed agency to apply for the state grant in Texas, was awarded a GEAR UP state grant starting in 2025. The Tx GEAR UP Grant is working with over 2500 students a year and 9 East Texas School Districts including 11 junior highs, and 9 high schools, in rural communities in East Texas, Northeast Texas, Central Texas, Southeast Texas, and the Gulf Coast region. The criteria for selecting these schools included a high economically disadvantaged student population and located in a rural or semi-rural community. The GEAR UP districts include:
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| School District | Region | Middle School(s) | High School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corsicana ISD | Region 12 | Corsicana Middle School | Corsicana High School |
| Crockett ISD | Region 6 | Crockett Junior High | Crockett High School |
| Gladewater ISD | Region 7 | Gladewater Middle School | Gladewater High School |
| Marshall ISD | Region 7 | Marshall Junior High | Marshall High School |
| McGregor ISD | Region 12 | Isbill Junior High | McGregor High School |
| San Augustine ISD | Region 7 | San Augustine Middle School | San Augustine High School |
| Shepherd ISD | Region 6 | Shepherd Middle School | Shepherd High School |
| Tyler ISD | Region 7 | Moore Middle School Boulter Middle School |
Tyler High School |
| Willis ISD | Region 6 | Lynn Lucas Middle School Brabham Middle School |
Willis High School |
Who does Texas GEAR UP serve?
Texas GEAR UP provides targeted services to two specific cohorts of students. The Primary Cohort consists of students who were in Grade 7 during the 2025-2026 school year. This Primary Cohort will receive services through their first year of postsecondary education (i.e., through the 2031-2032 academic year). The Priority Cohort of students consists of all other students in Grade 9-12 attending the district high schools during each year of the seven-year grant (i.e., from school years 2027-2032).
What are the Texas GEAR UP Program Initiatives?
Through the Texas GEAR UP: Beyond Grad Program, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will expand students' preparation for college and career through multiple interrelated initiatives:
- Promote early understanding of career opportunities and pathways by developing high-quality, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)-aligned curriculum and instructional materials for middle school educators and students;
- Increase student access to individualized college and career advising though enhanced training and professional development for district staff and strategic partnerships with community organizations;
- Develop and pilot an Effective Advising Framework (EAF) to offer districts a blueprint for developing and continuously improving a coordinated, high-impact, CCR Advising Program.
- Ensure access to a portfolio of high-quality tools and resources that support the work of college and career advisors with resources for students, parents and educators.
Who are the Texas GEAR UP Program partners?
Technical Assistance Partners
- TNTP, EAF (effective advising framework)
- Communities in Schools
- College Possible
- Texas OnCourse
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Legislation and Rules
Legislation and rules guiding GEAR UP can be found below:
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 2
- 34 CFR 694.21 - outlines required activities (outside source)