As a community, we know that GEAR UP works. We see it every day. We see it in the students who begin to see college as a reality when they go on their first college tour. We see it in the schools when GEAR UP helps facilitate professional development for the teachers or brings dual enrollment opportunities to the students. We see it in the families when they are overjoyed that their students will be able to attend college because of scholarships and financial aid. We see it in each other, as we spend nights and weekends hosting FAFSA workshops, summer camps, tutoring classes – doing everything we can to support the dreams of our students.

Every year, our community comes together to celebrate the success of the GEAR UP program. The success in our schools, in our communities, and across the country. National GEAR UP Week is an opportunity for us to rise up and show the strength of the GEAR UP movement. It is our opportunity to engage our partners, advocate with our stakeholders, and share our students’ and families’ stories.

This year was different.

Despite the challenges 2020 brought, the GEAR UP community stood stronger than ever in the GEAR UP mission. The mission to increase the postsecondary expectations and readiness of students; improve high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates; and raise the knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financing among students and families.

The commitment to the mission of GEAR UP was evident throughout this year’s National GEAR UP Week. Despite not being able to hold large pep rallies or in-person college fairs, GEAR UP showed up and showed the world that GEAR UP truly does work, no matter the circumstances.

GEAR UP leaders reflected on the past year and the strength of the community.

GEAR UP educators produced creative videos to connect with their communities.

GEAR UP programs shared exciting videos to kick off the week.

GEAR UP champions on the hill voiced their support.

GEAR UP students took part in the celebrations. 

GEAR UP partners celebrated the impact GEAR UP has had in their schools and communities.

GEAR UP alumni inspired the community with their stories of success.

The creativity, innovation, and resilience we saw throughout National GEAR UP Week emulated the creativity, innovation, and resilience of our community over the past year. We know, because of your hard work and dedication, that #GEARUPworks and GEAR UP is here to stay.

Congratulations on the best National GEAR UP Week yet, we can’t wait to see all that you do over the next year.