GEAR UP is designed to create a pre-college culture in middle schools, while continuing to serve the students as they proceed through high school graduation. GEAR UP's services and resources will move with the students from their middle school years to high school graduation. It will work to ensure that more students are prepared for and enroll in the college of their choice or ready for any post-secondary education or a career.

GEAR UP does this through APES (Activities, Programs, Events, and Services), which include tutoring, college field trips, Saturday Academies, Summer Programs, Math and Science Field Days, and more!