Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)

Purpose

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a discretionary grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides six-year or seven year grants to states and partnerships to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP funds are also used to provide college scholarships to low-income students.

Wisconsin GEAR UP (WIGU) is a State grant. State grants are competitive matching grants that must include both an early intervention component designed to increase college attendance and success and raise the expectations of low-income students and a scholarship component. In 2019, Governor Tony Evers designated the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program (WEOP) as the sole state agency to administer the GEAR UP grant. The GEAR UP grant is funded through the Department of Education. 

Blaze a Trail to Postsecondary Success with GEAR UP!!

Objectives

• Increase academic performance and preparation for post-secondary enrollment for Wisconsin GEAR UP (WIGU) students
• Increase high school graduation and enrollment in post-secondary education rates (without the need for remediation) for WIGU students
• Increase WIGU students’ and families’ knowledge of post-secondary education options, preparation, and financing

Services Provided

• One-on-one academic, career, or personal advising
• Close monitoring of grades, attendance, and homework completion and early intervention via tutoring or referrals as needed
• Instruction and guidance on college and career readiness topics
• College visits and cultural events
• Personalized mentoring throughout senior year and first year of college
• Consideration for GEAR UP Scholarship

Eligibility ​​​

• Must be enrolled in a GEAR UP target school 

• Students must meet ONE of the following criteria listed below –

  • Eligible for free or reduced-price meals at time of GEAR UP enrollment
  • From groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education
  • First generation college bound, neither parent/guardian has a 4 year degree
  • Limited English proficient
  • Students with disabilities
• Must be between grades 6 through 12
• Must be a United States citizen or national, permanent resident of the United States, or be able to provide documentation from U.S. Immigration of their intent to become a permanent resident

How to Complete the WEOP Student Application

1. Complete the WEOP Student Application Form - must be signed by you AND a parent/guardian:

   1. PI-1576 WEOP Student Enrollment Application (English)
   2. PI-1576 WEOP Student Enrollment Application (Hmong)
   3. PI-1576 WEOP Student Enrollment Application (Spanish)
2. Have a Teacher/Coach/Counselor complete the DPI Teacher Recommendation Form and/or the DPI Counselor Coach Recommendation Form (optional, but highly encouraged).
3. Submit your application to the secure server through your local WEOP Office:
   1. Ashland WEOP Office
   2. Green Bay WEOP Office
   3. Milwaukee WEOP Office
   4. Wausau WEOP Office

4. WAIT to receive an upload link from the WEOP Office to send in your completed documents together.

Please contact your local WEOP Office for additional information.

Additional Partner Services Provided by UW - Green Bay

• Dual credit opportunities for high school students
• Summer camps for students grades 6-12
• STEM After-School programs
• Digital Badges for achievement from UW - Green Bay

Learn more about services provided through the GEAR UP partnership with UW - Green Bay web page.

In 2019, Governor Tony Evers designated the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program (WEOP) as the sole state agency to administer the GEAR UP grant. The GEAR UP grant is funded through the United States Department of Education.