GEAR UP 4 LA is a college and career access program in Los Angeles Unified School District.
GU4LA is a college and career preparation program established in 1999 by the United States Department of Education to expand postsecondary opportunities for educationally disadvantaged students. We work with students and families to increase student success in high school, persistence in college and preparation for life-long learning. We do this by working collaboratively with families, colleges and universities, community organizations and businesses, to promote a college-going culture.
05/22/2025
By 2031, 𝟔𝟖% 𝐨𝐟 𝐣𝐨𝐛𝐬 in California will require education 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 (Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce).
Locally, GEAR UP 4 LA is preparing our communities for the future. Through the intentional implementation of data-informed strategies such as proactive advising and mentoring, GEAR UP is investing in students, providing guidance on post-high school plans, expanding opportunity, and driving real results.
05/20/2025
Locally, GEAR UP 4 LA has proudly served 24,157 students and families in grades 6-13 across 60 schools in Los Angeles Unified since 2018. In 2024, nearly 9 out of 10 GEAR UP students completed a financial aid application, compared to 5 out of 10 in CA as reported by the California Student Aid Commission. For that and many more reasons, we continue to along with our school communities because we know !
05/04/2025
Parents and students came together for our College & Career Access Day — a powerful event filled with workshops, resources, and impactful conversations about the transition to college life.
We know it can feel overwhelming and uncertain, but with the right guidance, it becomes a path of growth and empowerment.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, asked questions, and took part of College & Career Access Day. You're not alone in this, and it's just the beginning of something great! 🎓
NCCEP
12/13/2024
From our GEAR UP 4 LA family to yours, wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy new year! ✨️✨️
06/07/2024
From barriers to breakthroughs, you made it! Congrats grads!! 🎓🎉 GEAR UP scholars from NOW Academy among this week's graduations and joining their peers in turning the tassel!
We are so proud of every single one of you!
05/22/2024
Congratulations Melanie from on your scholarship! Melanie will be attending in the fall! 🎓
03/07/2023
Enrichment opportunities can give students a head start on college and help them explore career paths they might be interested in.
Take advantage and explore opportunities: www.gearup4la.net/enrichment
03/02/2023
Who wants free money for college? We know you do! Check out these upcoming scholarship opportunities and explore more on our website: www.gearup4la.net/scholarships
Check out a recap of our 2023 Winter Bootcamp, which allowed students to explore careers in culinary arts, forensics, automotive technology and health care East Los Angeles College and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College !
02/14/2023
Looking for something to do this summer? Check out these upcoming enrichment opportunities! Get help from your GEAR UP team and visit our website for more: www.gearup4la.net/enrichment
02/09/2023
02/09/2023
GEAR UP students explored automotive technology during our 2023 Winter Boot Camp earlier this month!
Over three days, over 100 Los Angeles Unified School District students explored potential career pathways, including forensics, culinary arts and health care.
At Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, students learned an overview of the various aspects of the automotive field and possible career options through hands-on projects.