Get Help with the 2025 GEAR UP Application

What is a GEAR UP grant?

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a competitive grant program of the U.S. Department of Education designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP website for more information.

When is the 2025 GEAR UP competition?

The Notice Inviting Applicants was posted for the 2025 GEAR UP State and Partnership grant awards on November 20, 2024. The deadline for GEAR UP applications is February 3, 2025.

How can NCCEP help with the 2025 GEAR UP grant application?

The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) is the national association for GEAR UP programs. NCCEP offers advocacy, technical assistance, professional development, and other supports.

Webinars and Office Hours

NCCEP offers pre-application webinars and office hours for prospective applicants. The webinars are free to attend, but you must register in advance.

Products and Services

NCCEP provides products and services to help GEAR UP grants meet their goals and objectives. Notably, two of our programs – Career & College Clubs and the College and Career Readiness Evaluation Consortium – can help you meet competitive preference priorities.

To assist applicants, sample narrative text and application-specific forms are available for each of NCCEP’s products and services.

Updates for NCCEP Members

NCCEP members can access real-time updates on the 2025 GEAR UP grant application and competition on the Quad.

Dana Beck