About Oregon GEAR UP

College...it’s not a dream, it’s a plan. That’s our motto at Oregon GEAR UP, and it guides our work with middle and high schools around the state. We support schools in their efforts to set high academic expectations, promote early awareness of college opportunities, and engage students in college and career planning. Our goal is to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary programs, and we work with school districts, colleges and universities, and a variety of partner organizations across Oregon to realize that goal.

Activities are concentrated in 36 Oregon schools that receive funding as part of the 2008-2014 cohort supported by the U.S. Department of Education or the 2011-2017 cohort supported by The Ford Family Foundation. Alongside the funding, GEAR UP provides these schools with technical assistance and coordinates a variety of statewide activities that support their development of successful college readiness initiatives.

Middle and high school staff design and carry out most of the GEAR UP program’s activities. Our partner organizations provide curriculum support, mentorship programs and professional development opportunities to the schools, as well as college campus-based events that expose students to college life.