Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a discretionary grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. GEAR UP seeks to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The NJ GEAR UP State Project was awarded to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education in 1999, 2005, 2011, 2019. GEAR UP prepares students in 7th – 12th with graduating from high school and encouraging students to obtain college degrees by providing:

• After-school and Saturday tutoring
• Summer programs
• Mentoring

• Academic & personal counseling
• Test preparation: NJSLA SAT

Information about financial aid, and access to college visits. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of taking rigorous high school courses to prepare for postsecondary education.

Link to New Student Application

Link to Mentor Application

Read more about the services offered or contact us for more information.

The GEAR UP project works with students, families, and teachers in 70 middle and high schools in nine urban centers at eight higher education partner institutions:

• Brookdale Community College @ Asbury Park
• Kean University @ Elizabeth
• Mercer County Community College @ Trenton
• New Jersey City University @ Jersey City
• New Jersey Institute of Technology @ Newark
• Passaic County Community College @ Paterson
• Rowan University of South Jersey @ Bridgeton
• Rowan University @ Camden
• Stockton University @ Atlantic City and Pleasantville
• Salem Community College @ Penns Grove Carneys Point

Parents, teachers and school administrators of NJ GEAR UP students benefit as well. Parents receive early information about postsecondary education options and availability of financial aid, while teachers, counselors and administrators receive professional development in core content.