Frequently Asked Questions
For Schools, Students & Parents
See below for answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer you are looking for, please email Emily at the Maine Support Network, emily@mainesupportnetwork.org.
About GEAR UP
Q-1: What does GEAR UP stand for?
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
Q-2: What is the goal of the new Maine State GEAR UP grant?
This is the second year of Maine's second GEAR UP grant. The goal of the new GEAR UP grant is to use Maine's advanced technological infrastructure to create a sustainable program that supports students from families with low incomes in preparing for, accessing, and succeeding in post secondary education.
Q-3: What are the goals of the GEAR UP Program?
Q-4: What is the role of the GEAR UP Liaison?
GEAR UP Liaisons are essential in many ways. They work in close collaboration with the Regional Technical Assistance Coordinator and school staff to create opportunities for on-going professional development and related activities designed to support the integration of a college going culture into the day-to-day teaching and learning activities of the school. Liaisons are responsible for coordinating GEAR UP student activities that assist students in their college goals. They monitor student academic progress and secure student support, including such activities as study skills, test-taking skills, and use of technology to enhance these activities. In addition, liaisons plan, coordinate and support activities designed to encourage active involvement of families.
Q-5: How do I know if I'm a GEAR UP student?
Eligible students are enrolled in 7th grade and should have signed (with their parents) a student compact (updated in 2006). Beginning in the Fall 2006, all GEAR UP students will complete an annual plan. If you are uncertain of your status and you attend a GEAR UP school, please contact your school's GEAR UP Liaison. Click here for a list of GEAR UP schools and Liaison contact info.
Q-6: Can I become a GEAR UP student if I'm not already in the program?
No, we can no longer enroll students into the program. Since our grant ends in 2011, we are following our last 7th grade class (who are now 8th graders) up through graduation. We hope to be able to support all students with information and resources, but they will not be eligible for the scholarship unless they are already GEAR UP students.
Q-7: How can students with special needs benefit from participation in the GEAR UP Program?
Students with special needs and disabilities benefit greatly from access to a rigorous curriculum and high aspirations. Far fewer students with disabilities enroll in college than their peers without disabilities; GEAR UP activities and opportunities and high aspirations likely will increase the likelihood that they will be prepared for and interested in post secondary education.
Q-8: What kinds of activities will my child be asked to do?
Your child will be asked to sign a statement of commitment (and parents will also sign it). Students must also participate in annual GEAR UP activities including the development of an annual learning plan, maintain good grades and attendance, and other activities including college visits, career exploration, and community service. See our GEAR UP activity guide for some college-ready activity examples.
Q-9: Attendance is a problem with many of my students: is there a specific requirement for eligibility?
Students must maintain good attendance: more than 5 unexcused absences/year will put a student’s eligibility in jeopardy.
Q-10: Can you move in and out of eligibility for GEAR UP?
Once enrolled in GEAR UP (in 7th grade), a student remains eligible if he/she has successfully completed program requirements (grades, attendance, etc.) and, beginning in the Fall 2006, writing and meeting the goals of an individual GEAR UP learning plan. All GEAR UP students will be notified each year of their continuing eligibility. If a student loses his/her eligibility she/he cannot re-enroll. The federal guidelines require enrollment by the end of the 7th grade year.
Q-11: The Maine GEAR UP state grant has several high school students who are enrolled in college courses. These students receive dual credit (high school and college) for the course. Are these students considered enrolled in a 2 year or 4 year institution?
No, they are not considered enrolled in college. This determination is based on the fact that the students have not graduated from high school, and do not qualify for federal scholarships because they do not have a diploma.
Q-12: If my child moves to a GEAR UP participating school after the 7th grade, can they be eligible for GEAR UP?
No, students may only be enrolled in the program in their 7th grade year. However, the program is designed to promote whole-school change and create sustainable college going cultures in all Maine schools. Hopefully, the student will benefit from this initiative, but they would not be eligible to officially enroll and receive a GEAR UP scholarship.
GEAR UP Scholarship Questions
click here to download 08-09 scholarship guidelines
Q-1: Do GEAR UP students get a college scholarship when they graduate? What does the student need to do to be eligible?
There is a GEAR UP scholarship available for eligible students. In order to be eligible, the student must:
- Attend a GEAR UP school (click here for a list of schools)
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Enroll in the program in 7th grade. In order to be eligible in 7th grade you must have been eligible for free and reduced lunch. Because of the nature of our grant we are no longer able to enroll new students (see Question 6)
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Sign and submit the updated student compact (revised in 2006) and follow the requirements listed therin.
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File their FAFSA as early as possible after Jan 1 their senior year.
- Be income eligible as reported on their FAFSA. Income elibility is based on the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and there is no way to know whether you will be eligible for the scholarship until you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) after filing your FAFSA. For the 08-09 school year, the EFC eligibility cut-off is $7,000.
- Attend a title IV eligible college in Maine (see Q-23 for a list of eligible schools) Unfortunately, GEAR UP scholarships are not available for students who attend an out-of-state college.
- After high school graduation, a GEAR UP student is allowed one year of ineligibility (e.g. taking a year off from school before or within college, or attending an out of state school for one year) but only one year is allowed.
Q-2: What is amount of the GEAR UP Scholarship?
For the school year 08-09 the scholarship amount will be $4,731/year for a full-time eligible student.
Q-3: Is it possible to take a year off between high school and college and maintain eligibility for the GEAR UP Scholarship?
Yes, students may take ONE year off; either between high school and college or during their college years as long as all other eligibility is maintained (GPA, meet FAFSA filing deadline, etc.).
Q-4: Does the GEAR UP scholarship cover tuition for out-of-state colleges or universities?
No, the Maine State GEAR UP scholarship program is available only to eligible students who enroll in Maine schools.
Q-5: Can GEAR UP students use scholarship money for books and fees?
Books and fees are included when the college estimates the cost of attendance and figured into the financial aid award package.
Q-6: Will GEAR UP students who go to community Colleges receive the full scholarship?
Yes, the GEAR UP scholarship may be used at any campus of the Maine Community College System (in addition to other Maine colleges. Click here for a complete list.) If eligible, students receive the full amount of the GEAR UP scholarship unless that amount is not needed to cover their college expenses. In that case the student would receive only enough to cover costs as identified by the college.
Q-7: Is there any way the students can lose their scholarships after they are enrolled?
Yes, a student must maintain satisfactory progress in the course of study according to the standards and practices of the institution they are attending. They must continue to file a yearly FAFSA, and remain income eligible.
Q-8: Does being part of GEAR UP ensure you a scholarship at the end of the program?
Not necessarily. All other program requirements must be met and you and your family’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) that is completed in your senior year will determine whether you are income eligible. All income eligible students who meet all other GEAR UP requirements (see Question 13) will be eligible for the GEAR UP scholarship. Being a part of GEAR UP does not guarantee a scholarship.
Q-9: How may participation in GEAR UP and eligibility for a GEAR UP scholarship affect student chances for other grants and/or scholarships for which he/she may qualify? Are there any limits?
The GEAR UP Scholarship will be included in a student's financial aid package that is determined by the college or university based upon the cost of attendance and the student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as determined following completion of the FAFSA. The GEAR UP scholarship is counted as a part of your financial aid package. Books and fees are included when the college estimates the cost of attendance and figured into the financial aid award package. You cannot receive a package greater than what the financial aid office determines your costs to be.
Q-10: Does FAME need the students' Social Security Numbers?
Yes, they need the social security numbers to track students and award scholarships.
Q-11: Why is the FAFSA important?
The FAFSA determines eligibility for scholarships and all other financial aid. For more information, visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Q-12: Why is it important to file my FAFSA as early as possible?
Institutional financial aid (from the college you will be attending) is distributed early and you have a much higher chance of receiving a better aid package if you file earlier. The first date you can file is Jan 1, and we recommend that you file as soon after this date as possible.
Q-13: Is there a GEAR UP deadline for filing my FAFSA?
We want all seniors to file their FAFSA before March 1, but there is no longer a hard deadline. We urge you to file as soon as possible to capitalize on other sources of financial aid.
Q-14: What if the student attends an out of state school his/her first year and then transfers back to Maine for his/her second year will he/she be eligible for the GEAR UP scholarship?
Yes, since the student was only ineligible for one year. However, he/she must remain income eligible and continue to file a FAFSA each year.
Q-15: Can I get a GEAR UP scholarship even if I only attend college part-time?
Yes, there is a part-time and 3/4 eligibility for students receiving the GEAR UP scholarship. 12 credits is considered full-time, 9-11 is considered 3/4 time, and 6-8 credits is considered part time.
Q-16: Can GEAR UP funds be used toward remedial college coursework?
No, however the student can always apply for the scholarship for the next year.
Q-17: If my child moves to another school that does not have GEAR UP, will they lose their scholarship?
Yes, GEAR UP participation and scholarship eligibility is limited to students enrolled in participating schools. However, a student can maintain his/her eligibility by staying in contact with the appropriate GEAR UP liaison at their former school if this is agreed upon by the student, parent, and liaison.
Q-18: How does my family's income affect my GEAR UP status and scholarship?
When a student was enrolled in the program in 7th grade they were eligible for free or reduced school lunch. We do not collect family income levels until they file their FAFSA (typically as a senior) and at this point the student needs to be income eligible in order to receive their GEAR UP scholarship
Q-19: How are GEAR UP seniors notified if they receive the GEAR UP scholarship?
GEAR UP seniors will be notified by the Maine Department of Education in May of their senior year of their scholarship status. Eligible students may also see the GEAR UP scholarship in their financial award package from the colleges to which they have applied.
Q-20: My GEAR UP student has graduated and has questions about his/her scholarship eligibility/ineligibility. Whom should he/she contact?
The student should contact their college's financial aid office to verify eligibility, or for questions about scholarships that were denied because of an incomplete FAFSA or income ineligibility. They should not contact FAME about this issue. If he/she cannot obtain a satisfactory answer from the college, they may email us directly at office@mainesupportnetwork.org.
Q-21: If a student is not income eligible their first year of college, but becomes eligible due to a change in family income, can they access their GU scholarship for their next year?
Yes, a student is allowed one year of ineligibility, so if his family's income changes he should contact his college's financial aid office so they can recalculate his aid package. If he is otherwise eligible he will receive his GU scholarship at this time. This option is even available on a semester basis -- for example, if the family income changes in the first semester of his freshman year, it's possible to get a GU scholarship for his second semester if he contacts his financial aid office.
Q-22: At which colleges can I use my GEAR UP scholarship?
Any Maine Title IV eligible institution. Here is a complete list:
Andover College
Bangor Theological Seminary
Bates College
Beal College
Birthwise Midwifery School
Bowdoin College
Central Maine Community College
Central Maine Medical Center-School of Nursing
Central Maine Medical Center-School of Radiologic
Colby College
College of the Atlantic
Eastern Maine Community College
Fuller Circles School for Therapeutic Massage
Husson College
Kennebec Valley Community College
Landing School of Boat Building & Design
Maine College of Art
Maine Maritime Academy
Mercy Hospital School of X-Ray Technology
Mr. Bernard's School of Hair Fashion
New England School of Communications
Northern Maine Community College
Pierre's School of Cosmetology
Seacoast Career Schools
Southern Maine Community College
Southern New Hampshire University - Brunswick
Spa Tech Institute
St. Joseph's College
Thomas College
Unity College
University of Maine
University of Maine at Augusta
University of Maine at Farmington
University of Maine at Fort Kent
University of Maine at Machias
University of Maine at Presque Isle
University of New England
University of Southern Maine
Washington County Community College
York County Community College
Q-23: I have been notified that I am eligible for a GEAR UP scholarship, but it's not showing up on my financial aid package from my school; what should I do?
First, make sure that you listed your college on your FAFSA. Then, check with the financial aid office at your college to double check whether they have your name on their GEAR UP scholarship list. They should have received a list of eligible students from FAME (the Finance Authority of Maine.) If they do not have your name on this list, but you have received a letter saying that you are eligible for the scholarship, please email emily@mainesupportnetwork.org and include your name, which high school you graduated from, and a short explanation of the problem.