MSU's GEAR UP program is dedicated to providing support and services to first-year students from Montana's GEAR UP schools.
What is GEAR UP?
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a grant-funded program from the U.S. Department of Education which aims to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
GEAR UP MSU serves students from the following schools in Montana:
- Arlee Public Schools
- Box Elder Public Schools
- Browning High School
- Hardin High School
- Harlem Public Schools
- Hays Lodge Pole Public Schools
- Heart Butte Public Schools
- Lame Deer Public Schools
- Libby Public Schools
- Lodge Grass Public Schools
- Pryor Public Schools
- Rocky Boy Public Schools
- St. Ignatius Public Schools
- St. Regis Public Schools
- Superior Public Schools
- Thompson Falls Public Schools
- Troy Public Schools
What is the purpose of GEAR UP at MSU?
GEAR UP has three main objectives:
- To academically prepare students for college.
- To increase high school graduation levels and college enrollment.
- To increase parents' and students' knowledge of post-secondary options, including affordability.
Going to college
Montana GEAR UP believes that postsecondary education is possible for all Montana students, regardless of economic background. GEAR UP 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.
Montana GEAR UP is managed by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education in Helena.