GEAR UP: Helping Students Build Resilience and Create Opportunities
GEAR UP – for College and Career Success
This federally funded program provides grants to schools to ensure that students—particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds—have access to college readiness resources, foster emotional wellness, and build resilience.
According to the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, GEAR UP services include academic, social, and planning support as students progress from middle school through high school and often into their first year of college. Both state and local partnerships can apply for GEAR UP funds, and since its inception in 1999, Congressional funding has increased from $100 million to over $350 million.
The program focuses on at-risk 7th-grade students in schools where at least 50% of the population qualifies for free or reduced lunch. The ultimate goal of GEAR UP is to create a culture where students believe college is within reach by:
- Increasing student expectations for postsecondary education.
- Improving high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates.
- Raising awareness among students and families about college preparation and financial aid opportunities.
- Providing resources to foster emotional wellness and build student resilience.
WhyTry Meets GEAR UP – Lake Chelan, WA Case Study
GEAR UP is not just about funding—it’s about creating a support system for all students, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked. These grants fund mentorship programs, tutoring, career exploration, financial aid guidance, and community engagement efforts that help students foster emotional wellness and build resilience, making higher education a real possibility.
Imagine what would happen if we gave more students the tools to foster emotional wellness and develop resilience to break free from the cycle of poverty. You know that smart financial decisions must be made when allocating GEAR UP funds, but have you considered the professional development opportunities that could help your entire school community?
Traditional staff development can feel uninspiring—but what if you invested in training that truly made a difference?
WhyTry and Resilience for Youth: Supporting Emotional Wellness and Student Resilience
WhyTry and Resilience for Youth are two programs designed to support educators in helping students foster emotional wellness and build resilience. Both have been successfully implemented with GEAR UP funding across the United States.
For students to make meaningful connections and take steps toward higher education, they need more than just academic support—they need tools to navigate the challenges of life, foster emotional wellness, and develop resilience so they can stay engaged in their education.
College and Career Readiness: More Than Academics
Being “college and career ready” is about much more than reaching a certain reading level or mastering math skills. It requires:
- Emotional wellness to handle stress, setbacks, and uncertainty.
- Resilience to persist in the face of adversity.
- Interpersonal skills to collaborate with others and build a support system.
Historically, students have learned these skills through experience or informal mentorship. Now, we must intentionally help students foster emotional wellness and resilience so they can succeed in an increasingly complex world.
Our professional development sessions are designed to energize and empower educators. We focus on three key pillars:
- Building strong relationships with students.
- Creating relevant and engaging classroom experiences.
- Helping students foster emotional wellness and develop resilience.
We provide something valuable for every educator—from new teachers to seasoned administrators—ensuring that schools have the tools they need to make an impact.
A Multi-Year Approach to Fostering Emotional Wellness and Student Resilience
WhyTry partners with districts to create multi-year student cohorts focused on fostering emotional wellness and building resilience. These students build their skills year after year, ultimately mentoring younger classmates as they reach their senior year.
Life is a series of decisions. Each choice opens doors—or closes them. When students face overwhelming trauma and adversity, their opportunities can seem limited, and many will simply give up. They may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, creating a cycle of hopelessness and low self-worth.
But we can bridge that gap.
By using GEAR UP funding to foster emotional wellness and build student resilience, we can empower students to understand their world and prepare for the one they are about to enter as adults.