A federally funded national initiative, Louisiana GEAR UP (Louisiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, which gives grants to states or institutions of higher learning to create partnerships with high-poverty middle or high schools.
This is the third GEAR UP grant awarded to the State of Louisiana. Louisiana was awarded a seven-year grant for $24.5 million in 2016.
In 2008, Louisiana GEAR UP received a six-year grant for $18 million, with a cohort of 6th and 7th grade students. In 2002, the U.S. Department of Education awarded Louisiana a six-year, $12.5 million GEAR UP grant, which became a seven-year, $15 million award.
In partnership with 15 school districts, Louisiana GEAR UP aims to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.
