Group of Gear Up Montana Students

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.

Graduate looking at the sunset

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)
Youth Leadership Academy

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

Montana GEAR UP understands the importance of supporting our many stakeholders. We try to make it easy for you to explore resources and information so you can help make a bigger impact, no matter your stake in the program.
Group of Students

Students

Learn how GEAR UP can help you conquer high school and prepare for college. Explore free opportunities and start imagining your future!
Group of Students

Parents and Families

Find resources on how to pay for college and how to support the student in your life!
Students in front of a school

Schools

Review GEAR UP schools and partnering colleges to learn about the services that might be available to you or your student!
Liaisons

Coordinators

View the Coordinator Directory.

Staff

State Staff

Meet the core team behind Montana GEAR UP and how you can get involved!

Opportunities That Matter

Students who make deep connections with peers, adults, faculty and staff are more likely to thrive, both academically & professionally. Mentors can provide these connections by channeling a student's development, offering motivation, and providing access to resources.
Betsy Wade
Attending college can be an incredible opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and to expand career possibilities. To get the most out of college, I believe students need to engage in the experience - forming relationships with fellow students and professors, studying abroad, completing internships, getting involved in research projects, playing sports, joining clubs, etc. College is a time for self-discovery and for channeling natural talents.
Betsy Wade
Polson High School Counselor
Betsy is a member of the Leadership Flathead Reservation class of 2019, and she plans to continue her education in the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of Montana starting this summer.

Quick Facts

 
$4.25 million
Yearly GEAR UP grant funding
$684,000
Reserved annually for GEAR UP 21st Century Scholars scholarships for eligible GEAR UP students
$1,440,000
GEAR UP grant funding supporting 7-12 students at select middle and high schools
4,400
Total students served by the end of our grant cycle
2,600
America Indian students served by the end of our grant cycle
12
GEAR UP school districts

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.