Partnership with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M University-Kingsville brings students and teachers in our six GEAR UP districts into close and regular contact with higher education. This builds familiarity that helps students see further education as a real option after high school.

TAMUCC provides resources such as faculty mentors and university student mentors who meet regularly with students and teachers in our GEAR UP districts. These personal ties help eliminate students' fears and concerns about access to higher education. Middle school and high school students can discuss concerns and questions about their futures with these mentors.

GEAR UP/STAR is specifically a program of the College of Education within TAMUCC. The College of Education's expertise in instruction, community connections, and learning help to create and maintain top-notch mentoring relationships with our partner districts.

Reserach shows that having a strong relationship with an adult on campus significantly increases a student's chances of attending higher education and doing so successfully.