The grant program, Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), is funded by the US Department of Education in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin. LISD is one of eight Texas school districts selected this school year to participate in the program, which provides support to students in this cohort beginning this school year through their first year in college.

Current LISD seventh graders will receive access to advanced academic courses, college advising and counseling, mentoring and academic tutoring, and participate in college tours and job site visits. Additionally, parents of participating students will benefit from support to learn more about postsecondary readiness, college options, and ways to pay for college.