1. WHAT IS GEAR UP?
GEAR UP New Mexico is a federal college-access grant whose goals are to increase the number of students graduating high school and pursuing post-secondary studies (without the need for remediation) and to enhance the college-going cultures in their schools and communities, improving college access and opportunities for all students.

2. GEAR UP overview
Projected to receive $4.8 million statewide annually for 7 years
from the U.S. Department of Education
Planned to serve annually about 10-12,000 students and their
families in districts throughout New Mexico
Students in the 7th - 12th grades and in their first year of college
are eligible to receive services

3. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Increase student and family knowledge regarding postsecondary education preparation and financing, and increase the educational expectations of participating students and their parents
Increase the high school graduation and college enrollment rates of GEAR UP students
Improve the academic performance of students so that they are prepared to do college level work when they do enroll in postsecondary programs
Foster systemic change in GEAR UP schools that will outlast the grant funding

4. Reporting requirements
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Indicators:
Percent of students who pass Pre-algebra by the end of 8th grade;
Percent of students who pass Algebra by the end of 9th grade;
Percent of students who take two years of math beyond Algebra I by 12th grade;
Percent of students on-track to graduate at the end of each grade level;
Percent of students on-track to apply for college as measured by completion of SAT/ACT by end of 11th grade
Percent of students who graduate high school with their 9th grade cohort;
Percent of students who enroll in college immediately following high school graduation;
Percent of students who place into college Math & English without the need for remediation;
Percent of current & former GEAR UP students on-track to graduate college 1 year after enrollment;
The percent of students who have competed the FASFA.

5. GEAR UP NM SERVICES
Tutoring: Algebra I, Pre-Algebra, and all subject areas
Math Intervention Classes (using research-based program)
Research-based college and career readiness system (i.e. AVID)
Professional development for teachers to increase rigor of instruction (especially, in STEM fields)
College Readiness Classes
Credit Recovery
8th Grade to 9th Grade and High School to Postsecondary Transitions
College access/College success counseling & planning
College Visits
Job site visits and career experiences (i.e., internships)
Professional development for counselors to enhance collaboration in providing college access services
Student Leadership & Mentoring
Community projects/Common read
College Readiness Campaigns: GEAR UP Week, ACT Prep/Test Day, FAFSA, College Application,
College Signing
Financial aid planning/advising & financial literacy workshops
Parent/Family events
Student programs: Student Leadership Conference, College Bus Tours, College Advantage Camp, Computer Science and Coding Camps, Digital Media
Outreach to 1st Year college students (graduates of GEAR UP NM partner high schools)

6. programmatic priorities
Providing work-based learning experiences that align with in-demand industry sectors or occupations (i.e., internships, job shadowing)
Creating or expanding opportunities for students to obtain recognized postsecondary credentials in STEM (including Computer Science, Film, & Digital Media)
Supporting student mastery of key prerequisites to ensure success in college and career
Increasing access to STEM coursework, including computer science, and hands-on learning opportunities
Supporting instruction in personal financial literacy & knowledge of higher education financing

7. APPLICATION components
Cover page (with required signatures)
Programmatic Narrative Supporting a GEAR UP NM Partnership
Budget Narrative
Budget & Match templates
School Enrollment, PARCC, and ACT data
Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form (with required signatures)
Documentation of Eligibility: FRL (at least 80% in both schools) & ACGR (below or equal to 2017 state average , 71.1%)

8. NEXT STEPS
Print and read the RFA! (released & posted on NMHED website, 1/30/2019)
February 6-13, 2019: Submit all pre-application questions to
February 15, 2019: Responses to all submitted questions will be posted on the GEAR UP NM webpage at the NMHED website
March 28, 2019: Deadline for districts to submit GEAR UP NM applications to NMHED

9. QUESTIONS…….