The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) celebrated a significant milestone at its Fall Commission Meeting on November 7, 2024, announcing the award of a $35 million GEAR UP 4.0 grant aimed at enhancing college access for low-income students across the state. This competitive grant, which received a perfect score during the application process, marks the fourth iteration of the GEAR UP program, which has been operational for nearly two decades.

Duane Gregg, a key figure in the initiative, detailed the program's objectives, emphasizing its commitment to increasing the number of students prepared for post-secondary education. GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, will directly serve approximately 9,000 students over the next seven years, focusing on counties with the lowest college-going rates. Selected counties include Bedford, Cumberland, Granger, Jackson, and Monroe, where schools have high rates of students eligible for free and reduced lunch.

The program aims to provide comprehensive support, including academic preparation, mentoring, and financial aid workshops, to foster a college-going culture within these communities. The initiative will also involve partnerships with local stakeholders, including K-12 educators, higher education institutions, and community organizations, to ensure a collaborative approach to college access.

In addition to direct services for students, GEAR UP 4.0 will implement a robust evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness of its strategies and share best practices across Tennessee. The meeting underscored the importance of sustained support for students throughout their educational journey, from middle school through college.

As the program gears up for implementation in January 2025, the commission anticipates that GEAR UP 4.0 will significantly impact the educational landscape in Tennessee, helping to close the gap in college access for underserved populations.