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GEAR UP
The GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) program is a discretionary grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides five-year grants to States and partnerships to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort through high school. GEAR UP funds are also used to provide college scholarships to low-income students.
 

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement programs are designed to encourage low-income students and minority undergraduates to consider careers in college teaching as well as prepare for doctoral study. Students who participate in this program are provided with research opportunities and faculty mentors. This program was named in honor of the astronaut that died in the 1986 space-shuttle explosion. Currently there are 156 programs, serving 3,774 students.
 

Student Support Services
Student Support Services helps low-income students to stay in college until they earn their baccalaureate degrees. Participants, who include disabled college students, receive tutoring, counseling and remedial instruction. Students are now being served at 938 colleges and universities nationwide.
 

Talent Search
Talent Search programs serve young people in grades six through 12. In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admissions requirements, scholarships and various student financial aid programs. This early intervention program helps people from families with incomes under $24,000 (where neither parent graduated from college) to better understand their educational opportunities and options. Over 387,604 Americans are enrolled in 471 Talent Search TRIO programs.
 

Upward Bound
Upward Bound helps young students to prepare for higher education. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition, mathematics and science on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. Currently, 770 programs are in operation throughout the United States.
 

Upward Bound Math Science
Upward Bound Math Science helps students from low-income families to strengthen math and science skills. In addition, students learn computer technology as well as English, foreign language and study skills. Over 123 programs are serving students throughout the country.
 

Urban Scholars Program
Provides 120 talented middle and high school students from selected Boston Public Schools with academic enrichment and skills building, college and career advising, and cultural enrichment. Also provides support to teachers and administrators at the target schools aimed at building their capacity to develop the talent potential of all students.
 

Veterans Upward Bound
Veterans Upward Bound programs provide intensive basic skills development and short-term remedial courses for military veterans to help them successfully transition to postsecondary education. Veterans learn how to secure support from available resources such as the Veterans Administration, veterans associations, and various state and local agencies that serve veterans.