Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) was enacted by Congress in 1998.  Primarily funded through a grant from the United States Department of Education, GEAR UP Mississippi operates as part of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Office of Academic and Student Affairs in collaboration with the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, and the Mississippi Department of Education.  The services provided by GEAR UP Mississippi include:

• Encouraging students to set high academic expectations, stay in school, and to take the appropriate courses for post secondary success.

• Partnering with community/junior colleges, colleges, universities, community organizations, businesses and schools to work with entire grades of students in order to provide tutoring services.

• Promoting college preparation and financial aid awareness, placing an emphasis on core academic preparation and access to scholarship opportunities.

• Providing long-term mentoring in order to assist students in staying on track for college.

• Encouraging partners and other community organizations to collaborate with the schools to leverage non-federal and private resources.

Additional Services include:

• Family and Community Outreach

• Tutoring and Mentoring

• Professional Development

• Technology Resources and Support

• ACT Testing

• Summer Academies

• Cultural Tours

• Cultural Events

• GEAR UP Mississippi Quarterly Parent Newsletter

• Information on Scholarship Opportunities

• Dual Enrollment Opportunities in 10th, 11th, 12th  Grades

• College Tours

• Youth Advisory Council (YAC)