Gear Up

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

GEAR UP Alaska scholarship provides up to $7,000 each year for up to four years of undergraduate study (up to $3,500 each year for half-time study). The federal government funds the scholarships. They do not have to be paid back. In Alaska, GEAR UP scholarships are available to students who have participated in GEAR UP Programs in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade and have met the academic milestones established by their district. When they are ready to go to college, high school students who have participated in GEAR UP programs and who wish to use GEAR UP scholarship funds for college must:

• Be less than 22 years old.
• Be an Alaska high school senior or have an Alaska diploma or GED.
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
• Have financial need as demonstrated by FAFSA results.
• Submit a GEAR UP ALASKA application postmarked by May 31 prior to each academic year the applicant plans to use the scholarship. For example, a student wishing to participate for the 2006-2007 academic year, beginning September 2006 must apply prior to May 31, 2006.
• Applicants must also include their Student Aid Report (SAR) and a copy of their parents' federal income tax form (the students, if they are independent) with their application. The application must either be signed by a GEAR UP program director or the applicant must submit school transcripts indicating they are/were a GEAR UP participant. A student must remain in academic good standing, as determined by the institution that the student is attending, to maintain a GEAR UP scholarship.

Listed below are the GEAR UP coordinators who can provide additional information:

If you have any questions feel free to contact the ACPE's GEAR UP Scholarship Coordinator at (907) 465-6776.

http://akadvantage.alaska.gov/

ACPE administers the GEAR UP ALASKA Scholarship Program on behalf of the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development.

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