The University of Maine Farmington and Syntiro are extremely disappointed to share that we have learned that our "GEAR UP Maine RISE" application was not selected for funding. There appears to be a number of inconsistencies from past competitions that we and other states have questions about.  We will continue to engage the US Department of Education to better understand their review of our proposal and exhaust all avenues of appeal. We will let you know if we need your assistance during this process.

We remain committed to the critically important  GEAR UP mission and will work to seek alternative strategies to address the overwhelming needs in Maine's economically challenged rural areas.

A no cost extension for the 2014-2021 GEAR UP program was previously approved by US ED through 9/24/2022 and our work on the Supplemental Award to study the Class of 2020 for five years will both continue. 


For more information please contact  Laurie Gardner, UMF (lgardner@maine.edu) or Debbie Gilmer, Syntiro (debbie@syntiro.org).

Creating a College-Going Culture in Maine.

Syntiro is thrilled to collaborate with the University of Maine at Farmington to enhance and support a robust college-going culture in Maine schools through the GEAR UP Maine grant. Our goal is to significantly increase the number of students who graduate high school and enroll and succeed in postsecondary education. We are excited to build upon the successes of Maine’s 2005-2011 GEAR UP grant and, with UMF and other partners, create outstanding opportunities for Maine's students!

Spotlight on: 
GUME 37/EdGE pilot final report

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
- Benjamin Franklin