GEAR UP
Prepare for
Success
Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
We provide educational opportunities for students in GEAR UP as part of our partnership with the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP), a department within the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). GEAR UP is designed to assist underrepresented students in grades 6-12 at target schools to obtain a high school diploma and prepare for postsecondary education success.
Who Can Participate?
Check out school districts enrolled in GEAR UP.
Students in these target school districts who have been enrolled into the Wisconsin GEAR UP through their local DPI Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP) Office may participate in the GEAR UP services offered through UW-Green Bay.
- Ashland
- Bayfield
- Green Bay
- Milwaukee
- Racine
- Shawano
- Sheboygan
- Wausau
How can STUDENTS get started with GEAR UP?
If students are in one of the listed school districts and are interested in participating in GEAR UP, they need to connect with their local DPI WEOP Office or talk to their school counselor to get started. Students will need to fill out an application form and meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in the program.
Free Services Available
DPI WEOP Services
GEAR UP Education Specialists with DPI WEOP provide engaging services for student and families enrolled in GEAR UP, including:
College Readiness Workshops
College readiness workshops at a student's school. Personalized mentoring throughout the senior year and first year of college.
One-on-One Advising Sessions
College and career exploration and advising and preparation of college, scholarship and FAFSA applications. Close monitoring of grades, attendance and homework completion and early intervention via tutoring or referrals.
College Visits
College visits and cultural events all over Wisconsin and the United States.
Scholarships
Students who meet designated criteria may be eligible for up to $4,501 in scholarship funding per year for up to 4 years of college.
UW-Green Bay Services
As the GEAR UP university resources partner, UW-Green Bay makes available a variety of opportunities for students to complement DPI WEOP services, including:
Digital Badges
Students can signal accomplishments with a digital badge that can be shared in an email or on their resume and, if applicable, their website and social media. They can also be displayed on college applications.
College Credits
A variety of college credit opportunities for high school students. Students can take a course or two or consider the GEAR UP Rising Phoenix degree opportunity.
Summer Camps
Summer overnight camp opportunities are held on the beautiful UW-Green Bay campus. Students in grades 6-12 can experience life on campus during these fun and creative camps.
Rising Phoenix
Current high school sophomores should also check out our free GEAR UP Rising Phoenix degree-seeking opportunity.
Highest Recognition
The Board of Regents of the Universities of Wisconsin honored UW-Green Bay’s Early College Programs with an Academic Staff Excellence Award, recognizing service to the university. The award is the highest recognition bestowed on members of Universities of Wisconsin academic staff. Early College Programs advocate thinking creatively and strategically about student engagement and support to ensure retention and success. GEAR UP Services is one of the categories of Early College Programs.
Need more Guidance?
If students or families have questions about UW-Green Bay's GEAR UP Services, please contact Aubrey Schramm, Executive Manager, GEAR UP Services by calling/texting (920) 412-6649, or they can email our team at gearup@uwgb.edu