Mission

GEAR UP TN aims to expand the college-going culture in Tennessee. By using an empowerment model that recognizes the assets and needs of local communities, GEAR UP TN looks to shift the state’s educational culture. We aim to develop long-term, successful partnerships to support students in reaching college and providing them with the resources to succeed in college.

Goals

The goals of GEAR UP TN are to:

1. Increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education for GEAR UP students.

2. Increase the rates of high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary education for GEAR UP students.

3. Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.

Objectives

GEAR UP TN’s programmatic objectives are to:

1. Increase student academic achievement and course completion.

2. Increase student performance on college entrance exams.

3. Increase student high school graduation.

4. Increase student postsecondary participation and success.

5. Increase student and family educational expectations.

6. Increase student and family knowledge of and access to financial assistance for postsecondary education.

7. Increase parent and community engagement in activities associated with student preparation for college.

8. Increase educator content-area knowledge and understanding.