Enacted in 1998, GEAR UP was signed into law as part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (Public Law 105-244).

"The mission of GEAR UP is to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education."

There are several GEAR UP programs currently operating in Michigan.

The new state grant - "GEAR UP Michigan: Reaching the Urban Centers" targets three urban public school systems:  Detroit, Muskegon, and Flint.  Students in these district programs may be eligible for a GEAR UP Michigan! Scholarship.  GEAR UP is a program that targets middle school students. The first group of potential scholarship recipients from the targeted areas will be from the 2007 high school graduating class. For more information on these scholarships call 1-888-4-GRANTS.