• About Gear Up
  • What We Do
  • Find Resources

Latest News

  • GEAR UP Northwest
    Washington is hosting the second annual Northwest regional GEAR UP conference in October 2008. 
 
  • Middle School Student
  • High School Student
  • Parent
  • Educator
gateway photo
You can go to college. But you need to plan now.
 

Discover Your Future

You can go to college. But getting there isn’t automatic. You have to start planning now. The resources in this section will help you think about your options and prioritize your goals for the future.

Middle School Guide [PDF]

Need all the information in one easy download? This is the comprehensive middle school handbook. 
Tagged:
  • Apply for College
  • Discover Your Future
  • Guide
  • Middle School
  • Pay for College
  • Plan Now

Getting Started - Middle School

High school graduation might seem like a long way off. But it’s really just around the corner. When you get to high school, you’ll have more freedom, more choices…and more challenges. That’s why middle school is the perfect time to think about what you like to do and who you want to be. Believe it or not, the decisions you make now will have a big impact on your college and career options. Remember, you can do anything or be anything you want, as long as you have a plan. And getting started is easy if you take it step by step.  Read more
Tagged:
  • Discover Your Future
  • Middle School
  • Tips & Advice

Career Pathways

You have more potential than you probably realize. But understanding the options will help you focus on a career pathway that’s right for you. Everyone recognizes high-profile jobs like lawyer, doctor, dentist and engineer. But what about jobs in art, radio and television, manufacturing, finance, construction or scientific research? There are thousands of jobs. Learning about different career pathways can help you find one that fits with your unique interests, talents and goals.  Read more
Tagged:
  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • Tips & Advice

Career Research Worksheet [PDF]

Get the answer to, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" This worksheet will help you discover your careers options. 
Tagged:
  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • Parent
  • Tools & Worksheets

Self Discovery Worksheet [PDF]

Who are you and what do you want for your future? This worksheet will help you start to answer these questions.  
Tagged:
  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • Parent
  • Tools & Worksheets

Explore Your Options

Your future has no limits. Which is why you’ll want some help finding a path that’s right for you. Choosing a college and a career path is a big decision. College costs money and it takes time. So it’s best to shop around, see what’s out there and then make the choice that’s right for you. You can start by researching and comparing your options for the future, including career paths, job opportunities, college degrees and types of colleges. Then, think about how they match up with your interests. Read more
Tagged:
  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • Tips & Advice

Discover Yourself

Now’s the time to start thinking about who you are and what you want for the future.Maybe you already have ideas about colleges, jobs and careers. But there are some important questions you should be asking yourself before you get too specific. It’s also a good idea to talk to someone you trust, like a family member, school counselor, teacher or friend. School counselors and career centers often have interesting inventories or short questionnaires to help you narrow your career focus. Parents, friends and teachers can also point out talents you didn’t know you had. Read more
Tagged:
  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • Tips & Advice

Get the Facts

Grades and test scores do matter, but colleges look at other things too.You’ve heard that good grades and money will help you get into college. But it’s important to remember that everyone has different strengths and different goals. Plus, not everyone has a lot of money. Once you get the facts straight, your options become clear and you can start planning your future.Consider these common misconceptions that many students have when thinking about their plan for college: Read more
Tagged:
  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • Tips & Advice
 
What you can expect to make without higher education.
In 2005, the median income of a high school graduate or GED recipient was $24,435. That’s $16,699 less than they would have earned with a bachelor’s degree.

Middle School Student

  • Apply for College
  • Discover Your Future
  • Pay for College
  • Plan Now

High School Student

  • Apply for College
  • Discover Your Future
  • Pay for College
  • Plan Now

Parent

  • Applying for College
  • Financial Planning
  • Pay for college with College Bound!
  • Planning for College

Educator

  • Career Focus
  • College Fun
  • Issues in the Field