GEAR UP ( Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a grant program at Harrison High school developed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education and funded by the federal government. Pre-Collegiate Advisor Janell Martin, who runs GEAR UP, says, “Students are able to apply and join during 9th grade, and receive services through their first year of college. Gear up teaches students financial literacy, explores careers, and helps senior with college applications, financial aid for college, and scholarships. Students who graduate from the Harrison GU program will receive a $4000 scholarship for college or trade school.”

The program, with 70-400 members, mainly focuses on college support.

Members of GEARUP have visited UCCS , PPSC and CSU. The director of GU, Christina Ingrim, is on the Board and helped obtain funding for the most recent trip at CSU Spur Center in Denver. The center emphasizes careers in agriculture, life, and water. Students attended the Terra and Hydro buildings where they participated in culinary activities, learning about farm to table foods, as well as researching the effects that nature has on soils. The center hopes to open up more career opportunities for students to explore in the areas of STEM.