TX GEAR UP (GU) Partnership Support

The 2025–2026 TX GEAR UP (GU) Partnership Support grant is a federally funded initiative administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) under the authority of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. With a total program funding of $104,670 provided entirely through federal sources, the grant supports the broader GEAR UP mission to increase the number of low-income students who are academically prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. This opportunity specifically seeks to strengthen the capacity of educators and community systems across ten pre-identified GEAR UP partner districts in Texas, serving students in both middle and high school. The eligible applicant for this grant is exclusively the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), a nonprofit organization with extensive experience in providing professional development, resource access, and grant implementation support. Through this program, NCCEP will enhance the skills and infrastructure of education professionals to use data-driven strategies that improve student outcomes and foster a college-going culture. Program goals align with three federal objectives: increasing academic performance and readiness, raising high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates, and elevating family knowledge and expectations around postsecondary pathways. Key activities include both synchronous and asynchronous professional development sessions designed to support district leadership and build technical knowledge. Curriculum components such as the College and Career Clubs will be offered to strengthen community engagement and reinforce program goals. NCCEP will provide consulting services related to programming, evaluation, and grant management, including support for strategic planning, monitoring, and improvement. In addition, the grantee is expected to provide tools that improve financial literacy, family engagement, and accessibility of student outcome data across partner districts. Use of grant funds is permitted for payroll, professional services, materials, in-state travel, training, and systems development. Some out-of-state travel and hosting or sponsoring of GEAR UP-specific conferences (e.g., annual or director conferences) is also allowed with proper justification. Direct administrative costs are capped at 8%, and indirect costs must align with the grantee’s approved restricted rate. Pre-award costs may be claimed beginning November 1, 2025, through the stamp-in date, provided they are requested. The grant will be managed on a reimbursement basis through TEA’s Expenditure Reporting system, with adherence to all programmatic and fiscal compliance standards. Applications are due May 26, 2026, with the application window opening February 27, 2026. No shared services arrangements are permitted for this funding opportunity, and a 100% matching requirement applies. Applicants must commit to federally required data reporting, especially on professional development fidelity of implementation (FOI) metrics and student academic readiness. Program performance will be tracked through a combination of quarterly progress updates and federally required metrics. For questions related to the program, contact Logan Minshew at [email protected] or (512) 463-9016. Funding inquiries should be directed to Angelica Soriano at [email protected] or (512) 463-8525.