GEAR UP Rural Valley Partnership, a federally funded program of the UC Davis School of Education, serves over 2,400 students in six school district pathways in the north Sacramento Valley area.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a UC Department of Education grant program designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP partnership grants differ from other federal college access programs in that it utilizes a whole school – cohort approach that works with entire grade levels and becomes a systemic vehicle for change and innovation. GEAR UP professionals partner with school administration and staff to support ongoing efforts toward college and career readiness and postsecondary enrollment. GEAR UP aids in the challenges that students face when preparing for and entering into a post-secondary program including academic proficiency, disconnected P-16 systems, navigation of college options and financial aid, enrollment processes, and affordability.