Gear up R.I.S.E. (readiness, inspiration, success, excellence)

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education awarded Imperial County Office of Education $1.88 million through the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP, CFDA 84.334) on October 1, 2025, with completion scheduled for September 30, 2026. Under the GEAR UP R.I.S.E. (Readiness, Inspiration, Success, Excellence) initiative, Imperial County Office of Education will deliver comprehensive college readiness and postsecondary preparation services to low-income secondary students in El Centro, California. The program provides academic support, mentoring, counseling, financial aid guidance, and related supportive services designed to improve high school completion rates and prepare students for postsecondary success.

GEAR UP R.I.S.E. specifically targets vulnerable student populations, including students with disabilities, to reduce dropout risk and the need for remedial education at the postsecondary level. Services include outreach to eligible students and families regarding the advantages and financing options of postsecondary education. As a regional educational hub, Imperial County Office of Education leverages this federal investment to address critical educational gaps and support economically disadvantaged students in high-poverty regions, building upon its existing capacity administering multiple federal education programs across early childhood development, special education, English language learner services, and school-based mental health initiatives.