A Qualitative Study of GEAR UP’s Role in School-Community Partnerships

• In Event: Families and postsecondary students: Relationships and engagement

Abstract

This study explored how one GEAR UP grant fostered school-community partnerships to support students’ college and career readiness. The aim of the project was to understand the role GEAR UP played within school-community partnerships. The theory of overlapping spheres of influence (e.g., Epstein et al., 2025) and the collective impact framework (Kania and Kramer, 2011) guided our work. Through over 50 interviews with partners involved in the GEAR UP grant, four themes emerged: a) GEAR UP serves as a facilitator, b) different partners felt varied levels of respect or buy-in, c) integrated leadership helps manage relationships, and d) challenges to success. Findings demonstrated GEAR UP helped mitigate challenges within the school-community partnership and provided resources and human capital.

Authors

• Meghan Ecker-Lyster, University of Kansas

• Amelia Murray, University of Kansas

• Sabrina C. Gregersen, PYMNTS