NAICU Washington Update

GEAR UP Applications Now Available

May 07, 2021

The Department of Education announced that it is now accepting applications for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). Institutions can apply for a partnership grant and states can apply for a state grant and must do so by the Department’s June 28, 2021 deadline.

To be eligible for a partnership grant, applicants must consist of at least one Local Educational Agency and one degree-granting institution. The announcement includes two competitive preference priorities: 1) fostering flexible and affordable paths to obtaining knowledge and skills (up to three additional points on application); and 2) promising evidence (up to two additional points on application). 

Only states without an active state GEAR UP grant, or states that have an active state GEAR UP grant that is scheduled to end prior to October 1, 2021, are eligible to receive a new state GEAR UP award. States with grants remaining open beyond October 1, 2021 are not considered active if they are remaining open due to a no-cost extension period or for the sole purpose of data collection and analysis activities. 

Both grants can also include up to three invitational preference priorities: 1) building capacity for remote learning; 2) addressing the impact of COVID–19 on students’ mental health and academic outcomes; and 3) providing GEAR UP services to schools located in rural areas. 
 

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