Primarily funded through a grant from the United States Department of Education, GEAR UP Mississippi is a collaborative effort of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, Mississippi Department of Education and various organizations and community groups. GEAR UP Mississippi is part of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Office of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

Enacted in 1998, the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) funds partnerships of colleges and universities, community organizations, businesses and schools in economically limited communities, to work with entire grade levels of students. The partnerships provide tutoring, mentoring, information on college preparation and financial aid, an emphasis on core academic preparation and access to scholarship opportunities.

GEAR UP Mississippi provides educational support services to partner high schools. These schools were selected based upon parameters of the federal initiative related to socioeconomic challenges, graduation rates, and higher education enrollment rates as well as interest and commitment of the districts to embrace the program.

The services are provided in the following areas:
1. Family & Community Outreach
2. Tutoring & Mentoring
3. Professional Support for Teachers, Counselors and Administrators
4. Technology Resources & Support
5. Access to Post-secondary Educational Opportunities & Scholarship Sources.