Washington’s GEAR UP Program receives a $35 million grant to help low-income students prepare for college

(OLYMPIA)- The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has received a seven-year, $35 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue supporting students from low-income backgrounds through the Washington State GEAR UP Program. GEAR UP is a federally funded program that partners with high-poverty school districts to increase the number of students who are prepared to attend and succeed in postsecondary education, according to a news release from WSAC.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this funding,” says Isaac Kwakye, Deputy Executive Director of WSAC. “GEAR UP has a proven record of providing services and support to students and families from low-income backgrounds, allowing them to achieve their educational aspirations.”

WSAC will administer the grant in partnership with 13 rural school districts, including Aberdeen, Brewster, Elma, Entiat, Lake Chelan, Manson, Mossyrock, North Beach, Oakville, Okanogan, Pateros, Rochester and White Pass.

Approximately 6,800 students each year are supported, beginning in 7th grade and continuing through their first year of postsecondary college or training. Eligible students will receive up to $800 in scholarships. This is Washington’s fifth consecutive state GEAR UP grant. The University of Washington has also received a $21,246,400 grant for its own GEAR UP program.

Washington State GEAR UP provides tutoring, mentoring, academic advising, financial aid counseling, FAFSA completion support, access to dual enrollment courses, and career and college exploration activities to help more students enroll and succeed in college.