Early Outcomes of the GEAR UP Program – Final Report

This study evaluates the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), which targets low-income students and their families in order to increase knowledge, preparation and expectations for postsecondary education. The researchers compared a sample of 18 middle schools and 18 comparison schools. Overall GEAR UP had positive effects on parent and student knowledge of postsecondary education, higher parent involvement and expectations for their children. GEAR UP students also enrolled in above-grade-level science courses in middle school, however, there was no association between attending a GEAR UP school and grades or student attendance or disciplinary issues.