The Nevada State Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) (NVGU) application is a collaborative effort among the Nevada Department of Education (NDE), Office of the Governor, Office of the State Treasurer, and diverse stakeholders, including parents/families, students, agency representatives, businesses and non-profit organizations. As lead agency and fiscal agent, the NDE will direct the project implementation with its partners, including the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), Nevada School Districts and the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships.
NVGU programming empowers low-income and historically underrepresented students to do well academically in middle and high school, enroll in rigorous and relevant classes, graduate high school and enter college as a natural extension of their education. Activities for students include mentoring; tutoring; career exploration, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities and enrichment; educational field trips; financial literacy/financial aid workshops; and parent/family involvement. NVGU will develop a framework and strategies in GEAR UP middle and high schools for the implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act based on best practices and Nevada College Readiness Standards.
During the 2020-2026 grant period, NVGU will serve approximately 4,631 students per year and will operate statewide in eleven middle schools and nine high schools located in northern and southern Nevada school districts, as well as in academic outreach programs located at Nevada's two universities. The program will serve students beginning in the sixth grade through their first year in college at the seven NSHE Public Institutions of Higher Learning. The project schools are located in four of the 17 Nevada school districts.