Gear Up UNCG

Contact Gear UP

243 Mossman Building
In Division of Student Success
UNC Greensboro
Voice: 336-256-8542
Email: wshollow@uncg.edu

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a national initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal of GEAR UP is to prepare students to enter and succeed in college.

The UNC System was awarded over 4 million dollars for the seven-year grant in 2019 to provide GEAR UP services. UNCG is one of five 4-year institutions from the UNC System to partner with GEAR UP North Carolina in implementing this initiative. Other UNC System institutions include North Carolina A&T State University, UNC Pembroke, East Carolina University, and Elizabeth City State University.

Here at UNCG, GEAR UP provides academic coaching for students to achieve their academic and personal goals. GEAR UP students also have the opportunity to build relationships with other program participants and engage with campus activities and resources.

The federal goal of GEAR UP is to significantly increase the number of students in disadvantaged communities who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. On a federal level, GEAR UP has three program objectives:

  • To increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of participating students;
  • To increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of participating students; and
  • To increase educational expectations for participating students and increase student and family knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.

GEAR UP NC partners with the College Foundation of North Carolina for statewide dissemination of college information. GEAR UP NC is included in the University of North Carolina System Higher Expectations Strategic Plan as a strategy for promoting and improving access to higher education in North Carolina.