"GEAR UP Waipahu fosters a college-going culture by inspiring students to be accomplished individuals by succeeding in higher education."

GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, aims to help underrepresented students prepare early for success in college. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Student Equity, Excellence and Diversity department, GEAR UP at Waipahu uses a cohort approach that follows the current 9^th graders (graduating class of 2014) at Waipahu High School. The program aims to create a college-going culture in its project schools and the larger Waipahu community by supporting numerous student support services (i.e. tutoring, summer enrichment programs), family outreach services, professional development for teachers, and college awareness workshops in the community. More info.