GEAR UP is a college access program authorized under the 1998 Higher Education Act. GEAR UP’s work with and impact on K-12 schools makes it a program that contributes to the mission and goals of No Child Left Behind Act, emphasizing the importance of student achievement, school accountability, and evaluation .

As an education reform effort, GEAR UP seeks to create system(s) change throughout the education pipeline and to facilitate progress along the pathway to college for all GEAR UP students.

For educators this means:

• Promoting rigorous academic coursework based on college entrance requirements
• Staff training and professional development opportunities to help teachers raise their expectations of all students
• Improving school curriculum as well as teaching and learning methods
• Focusing on key transition points and facilitating student transitions between grade and school levels