In September 2005, the state of Tennessee was awarded the $3.5 million GEAR UP grant by the U.S. Department of Education. GEAR UP TN, which serves nine counties across the state, provides services to students and their families, educators and counselors, and community and business leaders to significantly increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

Partnering together in the development and implementation of GEAR UP TN are the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Board of Regents, University of Tennessee System, and a host of other consultants and local/regional partnerships.

GEAR UP TN is housed at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in Nashville, Tennessee.