The Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach (CAEO) was awarded one GEAR UP grant for $29.4 million, which includes  $14.7 million from the federal government and $14.7 million from a non-federal, in-kind match. The center also received a TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS) grant of $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Education. 

The GEAR UP program will serve more than 7,500 middle and high school students over the seven-year grant period. Using a cohort model, the program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Target schools for this program are Orr, Woodbury, Fremont, and Mack middle schools as well as the high schools into which they feed.

Academic advising and counseling; teacher professional development; school and classroom enhancements; supplemental instructional interventions; in-class tutoring; credit recovery; after-school programs; summer programs; mentoring; college exam preparation; college visits; assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and assistance selecting, applying and enrolling in a postsecondary program will be among the services provided.

The UBMS programs will serve more than 250 low-income and/or first-generation high school students over the five-year grant period. The program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goals are to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees and careers in those fields. Target high schools are Canyon Springs, Mojave, and Cheyenne. Key services will include summer programs with intensive math and science training; year-round counseling and advisement; exposure to university faculty members who do research in mathematics and the sciences; computer training; and participant-conducted scientific research under the guidance of faculty members or graduate students serving as mentors.