What is GEAR UP Kentucky?

Downoad the What is GEAR UP? fact sheet.

GEAR UP Kentucky 3.0 (GUK 3.0) is a six-year grant program that is funded by the U.S. Department of Education 2011-2017. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The GUK 3.0 program serves 30 middle schools and their corresponding high schools in 22 counties in Kentucky. Kentucky has received two previous grants (2000-2006 and 2006-2012), which is why the current program is identified as GUK 3.0.

The program uses a cohort approach. This means that students who attend a GUK 3.0 school and enter the seventh grade in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, or Fall 2013 will receive GUK services beginning in seventh grade continuing until at least 2017.

For GUK 3.0 Students and Their Parents

GUK 3.0 provides services directly to students like academic advising, life skills training (such as study skills and personal finance), summer enrichment programs, e-Mentoring, career exploration, college tours, and help understanding the process for applying for college and financial aid. For parents or guardians, GUK 3.0 offers services, information, and activities designed specifically for family members, so that they can become more involved in their student’s education and in helping them prepare to succeed in college.

For GUK 3.0 Schools

GUK 3.0 doesn’t focus just on students, it also focuses on the people that impact student development every day – principals, teachers, counselors, and others.  GUK 3.0 school improvement services focus on creating a college-going culture in the school building by helping school leaders use data to make decisions, create targeted plans for improvement, and provide customized professional development.