Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

Academic Tutoring and Student Support

What is GEAR UP?

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

APIE’s GEAR UP program delivers small group tutoring and informal mentoring at GEAR UP campuses. Our APIE tutors provide additional instruction in reading, writing, and math during the day at all schools served by Austin ISD’s GEAR UP grant.

Teaming Up for Student Academic Success

Austin ISD awarded a GEAR UP grant in 2017 for the Class of 2024. It is a seven year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education promoting college readiness and success through multiple strategies and activities.

Beginning in the spring of 2018, Austin Partners in Education has provided academic tutoring to students at GEAR UP campuses. APIE and AISD collaborate on tutoring eligibility criteria, program design, and implementation. As the Class of 2024 moves to high school, the collaboration between APIE and AISD will continue as we ensure GEAR UP students are on-track to graduate college ready.

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Announcement: Leadership Transition

Isadora Day Named Interim Executive Director Following Dr. Cathy Jones Departure

June 25, 2025 – Austin Partners in Education (APIE) has announced a leadership transition following the departure of longtime Executive Director Dr. Cathy Jones, who will begin a new role as CEO of UP Partnership, a nonprofit serving young people across Bexar County. After 13 years of dedicated service to APIE and Austin ISD, Dr. Jones leaves behind a strong legacy of community collaboration, student-centered innovation, and organizational growth.

With Cathy’s departure, the APIE Board of Directors has appointed Isadora Day as Interim Executive Director, effective July 14, 2025. Day most recently served as Director of Programs at APIE, where she has led high-impact initiatives in college readiness, mentoring, and math intervention for Austin ISD students…