Programs for Disadvantaged Students and Families

HESC administers two federally sponsored programs -- College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) and Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) -- whose missions are to help disadvantaged students realize their dreams of a higher education.

College Access Challenge Grant Program (CACG)

The College Access Challenge Grant Program (CACG) is intended to foster partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and philanthropic organizations by providing matching challenge grants that are aimed at increasing the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)

This discretionary grant program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides six-year grants to states, enabling them to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort through high school. GEAR UP funds are also used to provide college scholarships to low-income students.