Each fall, schools and universities across the nation celebrate National GEAR UP Week in the last week of September to highlight the impact of Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP is a federal grant program created to support low-income students in preparing for and succeeding in education beyond high school, so participants can achieve their college and career goals.
Since 1999, Cal State Fullerton has received seven GEAR UP grants, serving more than 10,000 students and families in the surrounding community. These grants have fostered strong partnerships with the Anaheim Union High School District and, more recently, with the La Habra, Buena Park and Fullerton Joint School Districts. The ultimate goal of GEAR UP is to increase student success while developing sustainable practices that benefit students across these partnerships. Today, CSUF GEAR UP serves two cohorts of students from its partner schools — the classes of 2027 and 2029.
In the last academic year, CSUF GEAR UP supported students from the Class of 2024 during their first year of postsecondary education through the GEAR UP- Level Up efforts, including over 80 first-year students at Cal State Fullerton. Level Up provided tailored support and guidance to the cohort, resulting in over 400 individualized advisement sessions for program participants to support them in their postsecondary success.
An alum from the Class of 2024 said: “I am committed to a four-year university, and I feel like if it wasn’t for GEAR UP and the support that they gave me and also my parents, I would not be where I am today or who I am today.”
This year, during National GEAR UP Week, CSUF GEAR UP sites are hosting activities and workshops designed to inspire participants to pursue higher education. The week also highlights the importance of federally funded college access programs like GEAR UP and other TRIO initiatives.
To learn more about National GEAR UP Week and see CSUF GEAR UP’s work in action, follow the program’s social media channels, @csufgearup.