GEAR UP—Ignite Belief

GEAR UP is an acronym for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

It is a federally–funded grant designed to increase the number of cohort students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP—Ignite Belief grant is a partnership project with public schools, higher education, communities, financial institutions and business organizations who work together to provide students and their families a range of support services needed to prepare for them post-secondary education.

Eastern has partnered with 39 area schools (partner schools) to provide opportunities to students in 8th & 9th grades. GEAR UP will provide support for these students as they move from middle school to high school and into the first year of college.

The program does not cost the student, parent, teacher, or school administration anything!

How does my child become a part of GEAR UP?
Check the list of partner schools to see if your child is attending a GEAR UP—Ignite Belief partner school. Complete and sign the GEAR UP enrollment form and return it to your son’s or daughter’s school. It’s that simple!

GEAR UP Goals

performance
participation
knowledge

I

II

III

Increase GEAR UP student performance & preparation for post-secondary education

Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of GEAR UP students

Increase GEAR UP students' and their families' knowledge of post-secondary education options, preparation, and financing