Through the creation of early intervention programs, enhanced
academic assessments, and a statewide outreach campaign
articulating the importance of college, GEAR UP TN aims to achieve
the following goals:
- Increase educational expectations of GEAR UP
TN students and their families through an expanded knowledge of
postsecondary access and financial aid opportunities.
- Enhance the academic preparation of GEAR UP TN
students to improve high school graduation rates and postsecondary
enrollment, retention and completion.
- Provide effective professional development for
classroom teachers and school staff to ensure increased academic
rigor and postsecondary preparation.
- Encourage community engagement through GEAR UP
TN to sustain an environment that supports college access and
life-long learning.
GEAR UP TN directly serves students in Campbell, Cocke, Grundy,
Hardeman, Johnson, Lake, Meigs, Union and Wayne counties.
About GEAR UP TN
In September 2005, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission was
awarded a $21 million (over six years) GEAR UP grant by the U.S.
Department of Education. GEAR UP TN, which directly serves nine
counties across the state, provides services to students and their
families, educators, and community and business leaders to
significantly increase the number of students who are prepared to
enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
Partnering together in the development and implementation of
GEAR UP TN are the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Tennessee
Department of Education, Tennessee Board of Regents, The University
of Tennessee System, and a host of other consultants and
local/regional partnerships. GEAR UP TN is housed at the Tennessee
Higher Education Commission.