This evaluation report examines the GEAR UP Partnership initiative of The School District of Philadelphia at the end of its third year of implementation in 2011-12. The GEAR UP program is a six-year federally funded program aimed at improving college access for low-income students by providing them and their families with a wide array of services and opportunities from middle school through the end of high school.

In Year 3 of the project, the Philadelphia GEAR UP Partnership served a cohort of 4,698 students, including 2,126 students in 26 public middle schools and 2,572 students in eight high schools. In Year 3 of the grant, the Philadelphia GEAR UP Partnership provided a wide array of services, including academic enrichment, and college and career preparation activities for students; professional development and supports for project and school staff; and workshops, individualized assistance, and events for parents and families of GEAR UP students.

The evaluation utilized a mixed-method approach to assess both the implementation and outcomes of the project.

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