GEAR UP Achieve enters new phase as cohort prepares for high school

GEAR UP Achieve is entering a new phase: high school. With the close of the 2024-25 academic year, the 6,500 students enrolled in the federally-funded program designed to improve students’ academic and career outcomes across the state of Alabama are leaving middle school behind and preparing to kick off the next step in their academic journeys.

“High school is such a formative time for students and the first two years are especially critical when it comes to academics, standardized test prep and resume building,” said Annette Scogin, GEAR UP Achieve director. “Through their involvement in GEAR UP Achieve and through our close alignment with Alabama State Department of Education and other stakeholders, our students and their families can look forward to a number of additional services that are designed to help prepare them for future careers, education and training beyond high school to ultimately achieve their professional goals.”

According to the Georgetown Center for Education and the Workforce, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require education beyond high school by 2031. The same report states that more than 60% of jobs will require postsecondary education or training in the state of Alabama. 

Furthermore, earning power is increasingly tied to education attainment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports on average, someone with a 4-year postsecondary degree will earn approximately $31,000 more per year.

“Statistics such as these give us a road map to help guide students on their path to career and college readiness,” Scogin said. “Whether that’s focusing on ACT test prep, breaking down financial aid options and application requirements, exposing students to life on various college campuses in Alabama, highlighting trade certificate programs, internship opportunities or job shadowing experiences, we aim to provide students with the resources they need to be successful.” 

Nationwide GEAR UP has been shown to be a difference-maker for students when it comes to boosting post-high school readiness and enrollment. In 2022, 81.6% of GEAR UP graduates enrolled in college immediately – a rate nearly 30% higher than the national average according to a 2024 U.S. Department of Education report.

“While our cohort is still young, as they enter the ninth grade it is our job to highlight the benefits that post-college education and job training will have on their life in the long term and encourage them to make the most of their high school education right from the start,” said Scogin. “These students have such amazing potential and we are honored to work alongside their school administrators, career coaches, teachers, communities, educational partners and families to help them succeed.”  

Established in fall 2023 at Auburn University, GEAR UP Achieve is a seven-year grant that follows a select cohort of current rising ninth grade students through their high school years and into their first year of postsecondary education or career path to help ensure greater career and college readiness and success. Scholarships to accredited institutions of higher education will be available to students who complete the GEAR UP Achieve program. 

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded initiative designed to help students prepare for and succeed in education and training beyond high school. By increasing career and college readiness, GEAR UP contributes to a stronger workforce and economic growth. The program helps prepare students for the demands of the 21^st-century job market, benefiting both individuals and the local and national economy.