WSU GEAR UP awards $42M for 18 Washington school districts

By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

RICHLAND, Washington — Washington State University GEAR UP has been awarded two seven-year federal grants totaling approximately $42 million to help students across Washington state prepare for success in high school, college and beyond.

The renewed funding delivers $6 million annually to support long-term partnerships between WSU GEAR UP and 18 school districts throughout the state. The federally funded initiative helps students from economically disadvantaged schools overcome educational and financial barriers through academic preparation, college exploration, financial aid guidance and leadership programming.

“These grants represent an investment in the future of Washington students and communities,” said Jennifer Guerra, interim program director for WSU GEAR UP Harvest of Hope. “Through sustained partnerships with schools and families, we can help more students discover opportunities, build confidence in their abilities and develop a clear plan for achieving their goals after graduation.”

The two awards include the Harvest of Hope 6 grant, which provides $4.1 million annually to support eight districts, including the College Place School District and the Walla Walla School District, along with Highland, Kennewick, Moses Lake, Othello, Soap Lake and Warden.

The One Vision Partnership 7 grant provides $1.9 million annually to support 10 districts, including the Columbia-Burbank School District, as well as Clarkston, Davenport, Ephrata, Finley, Kiona-Benton, Mabton, North Franklin, Pasco and Prosser.

Administered at WSU Tri-Cities in Richland, WSU GEAR UP provides consistent guidance starting in middle school and continuing through high school graduation.