GEAR UP SWV FAQ’s: Your Questions, Answered!

GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) helps students explore their future and prepare for success after high school. Through academic support, career exploration, college readiness activities, and hands-on experiences, we equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue college, technical training, apprenticeships, military service, or the workforce.

GEAR UP SWV serves students in the classes of 2028 and 2029 at participating schools in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming counties. Because GEAR UP follows a cohort model, services are available only to the specific grade levels selected when the grant was awarded.

No. All GEAR UP SWV services, events, and resources are provided at no cost to eligible students and families through federal grant funding.

If your student attends a participating GEAR UP SWV school and is part of the current GEAR UP cohort, they are eligible to participate. If you’re unsure, contact your school’s GEAR UP SWV Local Coordinator, who can confirm eligibility and answer your questions. 

Families are an important part of a student’s success. GEAR UP SWV offers family workshops, informational events, and resources that help parents understand the latest on topics such as career planning, financial aid, college admissions, and workforce opportunities. We can even collaborate with your PTO or LCIS. We encourage families to attend events and stay connected with their Local Coordinator. 

• College campus visits  
• Career exploration events  
• Academic tutoring 
• Summer activities  
• Financial literacy workshops  
• FAFSA Workshops (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) 
• Resume Builders 
• Leadership development  
• College and career readiness workshops  
• STEM experiences  
• Workforce and apprenticeship exploration  
• Family engagement events  

Your school’s GEAR UP SWV Local Coordinator is the best person to answer questions about opportunities at your school. 

Families, students, staff, and teachers can stay informed about GEAR UP SWV opportunities by signing up for text messages through Message by Modern Campus.

There’s always something popping on the GEAR UP SWV social media pages. Follow Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates.  

For a more in-depth look, check out our student, family, and/or program newsletters.  

Yes. GEAR UP SWV helps students explore career pathways, understand postsecondary options, build academic skills, and develop a plan for their future. Whether a student plans to attend college, earn an industry credential, complete an apprenticeship, join the military, or enter the workforce, GEAR UP SWV provides resources to support those goals.

Your school’s GEAR UP SWV Local Coordinator is the best person to answer questions about eligibility, events, services, and opportunities available to your student. You can also contact the GEAR UP SWV office through the contact information provided on this website.

GEAR UP SWV supports school districts by providing research and best practices that demonstrate the value of dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. The program helps identify teachers who are interested in teaching dual credit or dual enrollment courses and facilitates communication between school districts and postsecondary institutions to expand course offerings and strengthen partnerships. 

GEAR UP SWV also works to ensure students and families are informed about the dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities available within their district. Through outreach and education, students learn about the benefits of earning college credit while still in high school, including potential cost savings and a reduced time to degree completion. 

In addition, GEAR UP SWV may assist districts with costs associated with dual credit opportunities, helping ensure equitable access for all students in the GEAR UP SWV cohort. 

GEAR UP SWV students have access to 24/7 on-demand online tutoring through Tutor.com. Here’s how:  

1. Go to tutor.com/GEARUPSWV 
2. For Username, enter Student K12(school) Email address 
3. For Password, class of 2028 is GEARupSWV28; the password for students in the class of 2029 is GEARupSWV29 

Students can receive tutoring in a variety of subject areas as well as SAT and ACT test prep. Whether it’s core subjects or electives, academic support is available whenever students need it.

Yes! GEAR UP SWV can help you explore ways to pay for college or career training after high school. While the program does not guarantee scholarships or directly cover every student’s college expenses, it helps students and families understand their options and find resources that may make education more affordable. 

Here are some ways GEAR UP SWV can help: 

• FAFSA guidance: Get help understanding and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which helps determine eligibility for certain types of financial aid. 

• Scholarship information: Learn how to find scholarships and understand eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other opportunities. 

• Financial aid education: Explore grants, scholarships, and other ways to help pay for education after high school. 

• Planning and preparation: Get guidance on college and career options, financial literacy, and planning for future education and training costs. 

Your next step: Talk with your GEAR UP SWV Local Coordinator or school counselor to learn about upcoming financial aid workshops and resources available to you. 

GEAR UP SWV is committed to supporting students beyond high school graduation. Pending continued funding, GEAR UP SWV will provide services and support to participating students through August 31, 2029. 

For students in the Class of 2028, this means GEAR UP SWV support will continue through their first year of college. For students in the Class of 2029, this means GEAR UP SWV support will continue through the summer before entering college. During this transition, students may receive guidance and resources to help them successfully navigate postsecondary education. 

For all students, GEAR UP SWV’s goal is to help them become confident, independent learners by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to access the support services available on their chosen postsecondary campus. This includes helping students understand where to find academic, financial, career, and student support resources so they can continue to thrive after GEAR UP services conclude. 

While the level and duration of services are dependent on continued funding, GEAR UP SWV remains dedicated to helping students make a successful transition from high school to postsecondary education and beyond.