Through the creation of early intervention programs, enhanced academic assessments, and a statewide outreach campaign articulating the importance of college, GEAR UP TN aims to achieve the following goals:
- Increase educational expectations of GEAR UP TN students and their families through an expanded knowledge of postsecondary access and financial aid opportunities.
- Enhance the academic preparation of GEAR UP TN students to improve high school graduation rates and postsecondary enrollment, retention and completion.
- Provide effective professional development for classroom teachers and school staff to ensure increased academic rigor and postsecondary preparation.
- Encourage community engagement through GEAR UP TN to sustain an environment that supports college access and life-long learning.
GEAR UP TN directly serves students in Campbell, Cocke, Grundy, Hardeman, Johnson, Lake, Meigs, Union and Wayne counties.
About GEAR UP TN
In September 2005, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission was awarded a $21 million (over six years) GEAR UP grant by the U.S. Department of Education. GEAR UP TN, which directly serves nine counties across the state, provides services to students and their families, educators, 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, The 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.