Learn more about the limited time waiver for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Learn more about the Department of Education's recent announcement about Income-Driven Repayment Account Adjustments.
Learn more about the limited time waiver for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Learn more about the Department of Education's recent announcement about Income-Driven Repayment Account Adjustments.
VSAC GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programming) is a U.S. Department of Education federally funded program.
VSAC counselors and staff work every day to increase high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates across the state. From the high school Class of 2020, 96% of the students served through the VSAC GEAR UP program successfully graduated. Of these graduates, 59% enrolled in postsecondary education or training by the fall after high school graduation.
We also have a strong commitment to supporting school efforts. In the 2019–2020 academic year, we provided resources and support to enhance school efforts involving career and postsecondary readiness initiatives to more than 38 schools and seven state partner organizations.
Through GEAR UP, we serve 7th through 12th graders in 37 middle and high schools across the state. Each year, we serve about 2,500 middle/high school students and 300 students in their first year of postsecondary education or training. We also provide outreach to our student’s families, helping to make sure they have the postsecondary education or training and career planning information—and the financial support—they need to best support their students throughout their education journey.
VSAC’s GEAR UP program also provides resources and support to 6 state partners. These combined efforts serve to enhance local school and state-wide efforts to improve the career and college readiness of Vermont students.
To be served by GEAR UP, students and schools must meet eligibility requirements (one or more of six eligibility requirements as listed below). In some schools, students who meet eligibility requirements are nominated by school staff based on their interest in, and potential to succeed in some form of postsecondary education. All students served under VSAC’s GEAR UP program receive services throughout their time in middle school and high school and through their first year of postsecondary education or training.
Vermont State GEAR UP GUIDE Program
The GUIDE program is a component of Vermont State GEAR UP that aims to improve postsecondary outcomes by supporting high school graduates during the transition into and through their first year of postsecondary education. Read this report for an overview of the GUIDE program, findings from the first two cohorts of participating students (2013 and 2014 high school graduates) and a discussion of lessons learned and future directions; or take a more comprehensive look at the GUIDE program.
We provide services to support students, parents, and schools:
If you're interested in joining the VSAC GEAR UP program, please speak to your school counselor and they'll put you in contact with the VSAC GEAR UP counselor at your school.
Eligibility
There are many ways for students to be eligible to participate in GEAR UP:
We know that our efforts significantly grow when we partner with others to help students succeed. Toward that end we provide both services and funding to many entities that support youth in their career and postsecondary planning success
VSAC GEAR UP school partners:
VSAC GEAR UP state and regional partners:
We also offer a wealth of information and guidance for students and parents right on this website. Get more guidance >