GEAR UP is a national effort to encourage more young people to have high expectations, stay in school, study hard and go to college. Through the Board of Higher Education, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received a GEAR UP State Grant to provide early college awareness activities, improved academic support, information on paying for college and the GEAR UP Scholarship for students who participated in a component of the GEAR UP Massachusetts Early Intervention initiative.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarship award amounts vary
- Administered through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance
- Available to eligible undergraduate students attending participating institutions
- Supports students enrolled in certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree programs
- Students may attend full time or part time
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be under 22 years of age
- Must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year before the start of the academic year
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen under federal Title IV regulations
- Must be admitted to an eligible institution
- Must be enrolled full time or part time in an eligible certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree program
- Must apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Must not be in default on any federal or state student loans received for attendance at any institution
- Must not owe a refund for previously received financial aid
Application Process
- Confirm that you meet the Massachusetts residency, age, citizenship, and enrollment requirements.
- Apply for admission to an eligible college or institution offering a qualifying undergraduate program.
- Complete and submit the FAFSA to apply for financial aid.
- Contact your institution's financial aid office or the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance for information about GEAR UP Scholarship eligibility and application procedures.
- Complete any additional documentation required to determine eligibility for the scholarship.
Students who participated in the GEAR UP Massachusetts program while in high school and complete a current academic year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) automatically receive consideration for a GEAR UP scholarship.
