
Montana GEAR UP Program
Montana GEAR UP believes that postsecondary education is possible for all Montana students, regardless of economic background. Every student can be encouraged to develop their job skills whether it is through a trade school, certificate program, or getting a 2-year or 4-year degree.
Our Goals Are Your Future
GEAR UP (which is an acronym for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) supports schools, students, and their families to increase students’ college and career readiness through academic preparedness, postsecondary planning, and financial aid knowledge so that they may succeed in their education beyond high school.
Our goals are designed to make college a realistic possibility for all students no matter their economic background.
Goal 1
Increase GEAR UP students’ academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education.
- Increase student academic performance in mathematics.
- Increase student demonstration of academic preparation for college.
Goal 2
Increase GEAR UP students’ rate of high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary education.
- Increase graduation rates of GEAR UP students from high school.
- Increase enrollment rates of GEAR UP students in postsecondary education.
Goal 3
Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing.
- Increase student and family knowledge of available financial aid and the costs and benefits of pursuing postsecondary education.
What Does GEAR UP Do?
Learn about Montana GEAR UP’s core services including statewide initiatives and sponsorships, school level services, and what types of resources we offer.

Statewide Initiatives and Partnerships
Initiatives
- FAFSA Completion and Value of Education Programming
- Montana Senior Guide
- Montana College Access Arc of Events (College Application Week, FAFSA Completion Campaign, Complete the Application Process, Decision Day)
Partnerships
- Blackfeet Community College
- Montana Digital Academy
- Montana Educational Talent Search
- Montana State University (Games for Gains & Teacher STEM Professional Development)
- Montana Post Secondary Educational Opportunities Council
- Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
- Salish Kootenai College
- School Administrators of Montana
- University of Montana (AIMS program)

School Based Services
The GEAR UP Grant serves students in grades 7 through 12, providing college and career readiness services.
- Comprehensive advising & tutoring services
- Access to dual enrollment
- College applications
- Guidance on financial aid and scholarships
- College visits
- College freshman transition and retention services at the colleges and university level
- Mentoring
- Professional development for school staff
Our Stakeholders




View the Coordinator Directory.

Opportunities That Matter
Quick Facts
The U.S. Department of Education awarded the Montana Office of Commissioner of Higher Education a seven-year, $29,750,000 GEAR UP grant in 2024. Montana was also awarded GEAR UP grants in 1999, 2005, 2011, and 2017. GEAR UP is a federally funded program to benefit the people of the State of Montana.