UT Austin GEAR UP is a college access and awareness program that helps student prepare for and succeed in higher education.
Some of the activities covered under this grant are:
- Opportunities for year-round before-school, during-school, and after-school academic tutoring, homework assistance, and mentoring (in-person & virtual),
- Access to advanced & rigorous curricula such as Pre-AP, AP, IB, CTE, and Dual Credit courses,
- Opportunities for credit recovery, extended learning, and accelerated learning for targeted groups of cohort students,
- Counseling/advising services in terms of core curriculum, non-core curriculum, financial literacy, and college knowledge in assistance with GEAR UP staff,
- Off-campus visits to college tours and/or college student shadowing, job site visits, and educational trips,
- Summer intervention or bridge courses and summer camps/programs for college knowledge and readiness activities.
Why is college important?
College means any type of education or training after high school. 4-year degrees, 2-year degrees, certificates, apprenticeships, etc. are all forms of higher education.
Opportunity. College graduates often have higher salaries and lower unemployment. With higher wages and steady employment opportunities, college grads are often more satisfied with their careers.
Lifestyle. College grads are happier and healthier, are more likely to have savings put away for emergencies and retirement, are more civically engaged, and are more likely to send their children to college, setting their family up for financial stability.
Economics. Experts agree that by the year 2030, 60 percent or more of all new jobs in Texas will require some level of higher education. Currently, only 42 of Texans ages 25-34 have some form of higher education. If Texas is to stay competitive in the global market, we must educate, train and prepare are young Texans.
Fun. College is fun. In college you get to meet new people and experience new places. College is where you can study about what interests you and learn skills that will benefit you in your career. There are also countless of clubs, organizations, and student activities that help you find your passion.
When should I start preparing for college?
NOW! Below are some resources you can use to start preparing your post-secondary plan.
Planning for College
Texas GEAR UP
Explore resources to answer all your burning college questions, watch videos of kids who've overcome some of the same challenges you may be facing, get the full scoop on your dream career, and so much more. Just think of it all as an extra boost on the way to making the rest of your life seriously awesome.
BigFuture
A great all-in-one site to make a free, personalized college plan whether you're in middle school or a senior in high school. Find the best college fit for you, explore careers and related majors, and learn how to pay for it.
Federal Student Aid
Federal Student Aid provides more than $125 billion in federal grants, work-study, and loans for students attending career schools, community colleges, and colleges or universities. On this site, you can learn about the different forms of financial aid and how to prepare for applying for financial aid.
Career Planning
Jobs Y'all
Anything is possible – that’s what Jobs Y’all is all about. Jobs Y’all is where you can explore good-paying and meaningful careers in growing industries. Here, you’ll discover rewarding and satisfying jobs right in your hometown or elsewhere in Texas. Find the career that matches your interests and goals. Your career starts here.
Texas Career Check
Explore Careers. Explore Education.
Texas Reality Check
Will you be able to afford the lifestyle you want? It's difficult to predict the future, but it's never too early to start planning for it. Texas Reality Check will show you how much your living expenses will cost, and the amount of money you will need to earn to pay for them.
Career One Stop
Your source for career exploration, training & jobs.
Texas Career Check Interest Profiler
A fun activity to do before exploring the world of work. Take a few minutes to answer 60 questions to identify occupations relevant to your likes and interests. Your results will lead you to a list of occupations for you to explore.
Texas GEAR UP Discover You Quiz
You tell us what you love to do and what you're already amazing at, then through some highly scientific(ish) magic, we tell you which careers may be an excellent fit for you. You'll even see what classes to take right now to start on the path to that perfect job.