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 18 middle and receiving high schools from around the state, 13 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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Fund the ACT + Writing test for all Montana public high school juniors
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Support for Montana Common Core Standards implementation
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Implement Montana College Application Week campaign
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Support Graduation Matters Montana initiatives
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Funding for the annual Montana School Counselor Association Conference, Montana Indian Education for All conference and the Montana College Access Network
Funding
- The U.S. Department of Education awarded the Montana Office of Commissioner of Higher Education a seven-year, $28 million GEAR UP grant in 2017 (Montana was also awarded grants in 1999, 2005 and 2011).
Goals & Objectives
Goal 1: Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of GEAR UP students
- Objective 1.1 - Increase student academic performance in mathematics
- Objective 1.2 - Increase student demonstration of academic preparation for college
Goal 2: Increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary education for GEAR UP students
- Objective 2.1 - Increase graduation rates of GEAR UP students from high school
- Objective 2.2 - Increase enrollment rates of GEAR UP students in postsecondary education
Goal 3: Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing
- Objective 3.1 - Increase student knowledge of available financial aid and the costs and benefits of pursuing postsecondary education
- Objective 3.2 - Increase family knowledge of available financial aid and the costs and benefits of pursuing postsecondary education
