Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded program designed to elevate the academic achievement, college attendance, and graduation rates of first-generation, low-income, underrepresented, and underserved students.

In partnership with local entities, UC Irvine has two GEAR UP Partnership Projects that serve 2,000 students in Compton, beginning at the middle schools. The seven-year GEAR UP project provides multiple academic activities and services for four cohorts of students in the Compton Unified School District, the Classes of 2024, 2025, 2027, and 2028. GEAR UP will follow these students through high school and their freshman year in college.

UCI Gear Up has three primary goals:

  • Increase academic performance and college preparation 
  • Increase high school graduation and college enrollment rates
  • Increase college knowledge for students and families

GEAR UP promotes science, technology, engineering and math education through increased access to Advanced Placement and dual enrollment classes; provide academic tutoring, counseling and workshops; offer teachers, counselors and staff professional development and enrichment activities; and increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options and financial aid.

UCI will collaborate with a variety of community groups – including the Compton Unified School District, Compton College, the city of Compton, the Verizon Foundation and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – to provide support and services.

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