Montana GEAR UP Program
About Us
Mission
Montana GEAR UP believes that postsecondary education is possible for all Montana students, regardless of economic background. Montana GEAR UP supports schools, students and their families to increase students’ college and career readiness through academic preparedness, postsecondary planning, and financial aid knowledge so that they may succeed in their education beyond high school.
Vision
Montana GEAR UP will be the model for elevating the potential of all students to pursue postsecondary success.
Social Media
Social Media
GEAR UP Newsletter
GEAR UP Newsletter
Student and School Services
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Partners with 12 middle and receiving high schools from around the state, 8 of which are located on or near Montana’s seven American Indian reservations, to improve high school graduation and college enrollment rates.
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Serves students in grades 7 through 12, providing college and career readiness services such as tutoring, financial aid information, dual enrollment, college applications, enrollment in rigorous academic courses, comprehensive mentoring, college visits, supplemental curriculum materials, summer programming, and professional development for school staff.
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Works with colleges and universities to support GEAR UP college freshman with their transition to and retention in college.
State Services
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Implement Montana College Application Week campaign.
- Provide funding for the annual Montana School Counselor Association Conference.
Funding
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The U.S. Department of Education awarded the Montana Office of Commissioner of Higher Education a seven-year, nearly $30 million GEAR UP grant in 2024 (Montana was also awarded grants in 1999, 2005, 2011, and 2017).
Goals and Objectives
- Goal 1: Increase the academic performance and preparation of postsecondary education
for GEAR UP students.
- Objective 1.1 Increase the percentage of students who complete Algebra I by the end of 9th grade.
- Objective 1.2 Increase the percentage of Montana GEAR UP students who are proficient on state assessments for English Language Arts and Math.
- Objective 1.3 Increase the percentage of Montana GEAR UP high school students who do not fail any classes.
- Goal 2: Increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary
education for GEAR UP students.
- Objective 2.1 Increase the percentage of Montana GEAR UP seniors who graduate on time.
- Objective 2.2 Increase the percentage of students and former Montana GEAR UP students enrolling in institutions of higher education.
- Objective 2.3 Increase the percentage of Montana GEAR UP students who are retained from year one to year two in institutions of higher education.
- Objective 2.4 Increase the percentage of Montana GEAR UP students who complete dual enrollment or Advanced Pacement work.
- Goal 3: Increase the GEAR UP student's and family's knowledge of postsecondary education
options, preparation, and financing.
- Objective 3.1 Increase the percentage of Montana GEAR UP students who complete the FAFSA each year.
- Objective 3.2 Increase the knowledge Montana GEAR UP students have about postsecondary education.
- Objective 3.3 Increase the percentage of families/parents who engage in Montana GEAR UP activities each year.
