At GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), our goal is to provide continual academic support to first generation college students throughout their middle and high school years, preparing them to enter and succeed in college. Our belief is that young people who start planning in middle school have a better chance of entering and finishing college.

Students are selected in the 7th grade and followed through the first year of college. Students will have access to a GEAR UP Mentors, Student Parent Involvement Facilitator and the University of Nevada, Reno GEAR UP Ambassador.