On Thursday, Sept. 24, Wichita State’s GEAR UP programs will join communities nationwide in celebrating National GEAR UP Day and recognizing the impact GEAR UP has on students, families and communities.
Wichita State houses four GEAR UP programs: GEAR UP @ Haysville, the statewide Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP, GEAR UP Heights & Southeast, and GEAR UP South and East. Together, these programs expand college access, strengthen college and career readiness and help students — many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college — see higher education as an achievable goal.
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu will issue a proclamation recognizing Sept. 21-25, 2026, as National GEAR UP Week in Wichita.
National GEAR UP Day celebrates the students, families, staff and community partners who make this work possible while highlighting Wichita State’s continued commitment to access, opportunity and student success.