On September 30, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the University of California has been awarded a GEAR UP grant totaling $66 million over seven years. Half of the total amount — $33 million — will be financed by federal dollars, with the other half financed by nonfederal sources.

Yvette Gullatt, vice president for Graduate and Undergraduate Affairs, vice provost for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and chief diversity officer, UC, applauded the award, saying that “the University of California is honored to be awarded the $66 million GEAR UP grant, which over the next seven years will strengthen our ability to prepare students for success in higher education. This investment affirms UC’s deep commitment to equity, access and opportunity, and it reflects the power of strong partnerships with schools, families and communities. With this support, UC will continue building pathways to ensure that more students not only attend college but thrive — helping secure a brighter future for California and the nation.”

This award, administered by UC under the auspices of the Intersegmental Coordinating Committee (ICC) for the California Education Round Table, will support the California GEAR UP initiative by strengthening classroom instruction, supporting families and preparing students for college and career, ensuring that more than 26,000 students from low-income communities are equipped to succeed in higher education and beyond.

GEAR UP’s goal is to develop and sustain the capacity of feeder sets of middle and high schools to prepare all students for the greatest number of postsecondary choices without the need for remediation courses in mathematics or English language arts.

California GEAR UP will implement a comprehensive education model consisting of two core components:

• Staff professional development: Over seven years, approximately 560 educators will participate in targeted professional learning activities, including coaching in math and literacy, workshops on rigorous instruction aligned with student needs, college eligibility data analysis, dual enrollment planning, FAFSA completion and school environment support. These professional learning opportunities are expected to elevate classroom instruction and schoolwide academic environments.
• Student and family services: Students will engage in tutoring, academic advising, study skills development, college readiness, career exploration and workshops focused on growth mindset and learning strategies. Families will receive assistance in understanding financial aid, navigating the college-going process and supporting key educational transitions. Postsecondary transition support will also be offered to students in their first year of college during the 2030–31 academic year.

ICC Executive Director and GEAR UP Principal Investigator Carolina Cardenas enthusiastically stated that “this award is more than a grant — it’s a promise to thousands of California students and families … [to] raise aspirations and help young people see themselves thriving in college and in life. California GEAR UP is about … ensuring that every student knows they belong in higher education.”

For questions, contact Fatima Azam.

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