The college and career journey for your student(s) is an ongoing process and starts as early as the 6th grade. Your student will spend a significant amount of time preparing for the next steps in their educational journey throughout their middle school and high school years. Know that you are not alone!

We at the Harvest of Hope GEAR UP Programs are here to help you and your students achieve the dream of academic success and attending post-secondary education. We offer help in academic success, the college admission process, career exploration, finding options for paying for college, and many other programs, classes, and services. 

GEAR UP Services for Students:

• Academic Coaching

• Campus Tours

• Career Exploration

• College & Career Planning

• College Readiness Activities

• Family Engagement Programs

• Financial Aid Preparation and Planning

• Guidance on Post-Secondary Admissions

• Interest Surveys

• Leadership Programs & Camps- WSU Pullman

• Summer STEM Programs & Camps- WSU Pullman

• Student Ambassador Events

• Teacher Professional Development

• Test Prep

• Tutoring–in class, hawk time, and lunch time

GEAR UP Services for Parents:

• Information on Colleges and Careers

• University & College Campus Visits

• Evening Workshops & Activities

• Family Financial College Planning

• Information on Financial Aid

• Guidance on College Admissions and Assistance with Application Process

 FAQs

Who Does HOH GEAR UP Help?

GEAR UP is a federally funded program dedicated to providing academic support, guidance, and financial aid knowledge for all cohort students through middle school, high school, and the first year of college.

Are there any costs? 

There is no cost to participate in GEAR UP and no application to complete. Students enrolled in a GEAR UP cohort at a partner school automatically receive GEAR UP services. 

Who is in the GEAR UP Cohort? 

All students graduating high school in 2026 and 2027 at a partner school are Harvest of Hope GEAR UP students.

Harvest of Hope V 

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) provides services and academic support to all students in the graduating classes of 2026 and 2027 at our HOH V partner schools. These students are 6th and 7th graders in the 2020-21 school year. GEAR UP helps students prepare for and succeed in high school, higher education, and their futures. The GEAR UP Program is in the following school districts: 

College Place

Dayton

Kennewick

Moses Lake

Othello

Prescott

Soap Lake

Touchet

Warden 

Walla Walla 

Site Manager:

Kassi Gutierrez

Email: kassi.gutierrez@earlyoutreach.wsu.edu

Office:

509-522-3312 ext. 4014

Academic Specialist:

Erica Torres Gonzalez

Office:

509-522-3312 ext. 4014

Email: etorres@earlyoutreach.wsu.edu

Hablo Español 

Tutors:

Sarah Wik

Beck Williams

Washington State University Tri-Cities

GEAR UP Programs

2710 Crimson Way

Richland, WA 99354

(509) 372-7298

"When I first heard about college and universities through GEAR UP, I thought that path was not for me due to my immigration status. GEAR UP not only set me up for success for college, but I was able to grow as a leader, thanks to this program." –Recent GEAR UP high school graduate