Rural initiative in stem education and undergraduate preparation (rise up) gear up partnership

The University of Washington received a $3.12 million Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP, CFDA 84.334) on October 1, 2025, to support the Rural Initiative in STEM Education and Undergraduate Preparation (RISE UP) partnership through September 30, 2026. This grant funds a collaborative effort combining academic support, counseling, mentoring, financial aid information, and related services designed to improve high school completion rates and postsecondary readiness for low-income secondary students, including students with disabilities, in rural Washington communities.

The RISE UP GEAR UP partnership extends across twelve school districts in Washington, including Mount Vernon, Yakima, Granger, Sunnyside, Grandview, Wapato, Royal, Toppenish, Zillah, Wahluke, Burlington-Edison, East Valley, and Goldendale school districts, which serve as sub-awardees implementing the program at the secondary school level. The partnership delivers comprehensive support services and college-readiness initiatives with particular emphasis on STEM education in rural settings, reaching students across diverse demographics including low-income, English learner, migrant, and Native American student populations to prepare them for successful transition to postsecondary education.