ED Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP): eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Department of Education (ED)
- Award Range
- $200,000 to $5,000,000
- Deadline
- Closed 2025-06-25
- Time Remaining
- This cycle closed on 2025-06-25. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
- CFDA Number
- 84.334
The ED Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Department of Education (ED). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the ED Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), applicants must meet the following criteria:
State agencies and partnerships between at least one institution of higher education and one or more local educational agencies serving high-poverty middle and high schools where at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.
Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Education programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the program page. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit once the next cycle opens; late applications are usually rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | ED Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) |
| Funding Agency | Department of Education (ED) |
| CFDA Number | 84.334 |
| Award Minimum | $200,000 |
| Award Maximum | $5,000,000 |
| Deadline | Closed 2025-06-25 |
| Category | Education |
| Matching Required | Yes, 1:1 matching required for partnership grants (50% federal, 50% non-federal). State grants require dollar-for-dollar match |
| Application Link | Official program page |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Education grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the ED Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)?
State agencies and partnerships between at least one institution of higher education and one or more local educational agencies serving high-poverty middle and high schools where at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for ED Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)?
The current deadline is closed on 2025-06-25; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does ED Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) require matching funds?
Yes, 1:1 matching required for partnership grants (50% federal, 50% non-federal). State grants require dollar-for-dollar match. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.