Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Student Service: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) State Grants

The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) State and Partnership Grants are administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education within the U.S. Department of Education. These grants aim to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The program offers State and Partnership grants, and recent modifications to the FY 2025 competition have led to the removal of some competitive preference priorities. The Department has reopened the competition and extended the deadlines for transmittal of applications and intergovernmental review. For both the State and Partnership Grants under GEAR UP, the original deadline for submission was February 3, 2025. However, due to adjustments in the program’s competitive priorities, the Department will now only consider applications submitted on or after June 11, 2025. The new deadline for submitting applications is June 25, 2025, by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Any previous submissions must be updated and resubmitted for consideration. Applications should follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, available online in the Federal Register. The estimated funds available for the FY 2025 GEAR UP State competition have been updated to $36,500,000. While the Department originally intended to utilize approximately $35,000,000, the current figure reflects an upward revision. Applicants should be aware that this amount is subject to final Congressional appropriations, and the Department is not bound by the estimate provided in the notice. For further assistance and questions, applicants can contact Ben Witthoefft at the U.S. Department of Education, office 5B132, or email him at [email protected]. Another contact is Dr. ReShone Moore at the same address, reachable via email at [email protected]. Telecommunication relay services are accessible by dialing 7-1-1 for those with hearing or speech disabilities. The application process requires adherence to specific evaluation criteria. The Secretary of Education will assess whether a project meets program needs, has clear objectives, and aligns with federal civil rights regulations. Additionally, continuation awards will be contingent upon grantees demonstrating progress and proper use of awarded funds.

Include no more than three additional pages for each addressed priority. Ensure alignment with program goals and clear demonstration of need and expected outcomes