Gear up hawaii 2025-2032

The University of Hawaii received a $5.0M Project Grant from the Office of Postsecondary Education under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP, CFDA 84.334) on October 1, 2025. This award funds comprehensive support services designed to improve high school completion rates and postsecondary readiness among low-income secondary students, including students with disabilities. The University will deliver academic support, counseling, mentoring, financial aid information, and related supportive services to eligible students throughout Hawaii over the grant period, with an ultimate completion date of September 30, 2026.

GEAR UP is a 6-7 year federal grant program administered by the Department of Education that supports states and partnerships in providing integrated services to low-income student populations. As a state-level grantee, the University of Hawaii will maintain a sustained commitment to participating students, offering financial assistance information, college preparation guidance, and intervention services designed to reduce high school dropout risk and the need for remedial education at the postsecondary level. This award aligns with the recent trend of substantial state-level GEAR UP grants, which have clustered near the $5M-$10M range for 2024-2025 awards.