GEAR UP

Illustration of GEAR Up advisors sitting at their classroom desks
Gear Up logoThe Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) is federally funded by the Department of Education. The GEAR UP program provides services and support to the Class of 2023, 2024, & 2027 to prepare them for success in high school, higher education, and their future. The GEAR UP program offers activities and services to students and their families about the available opportunities for post-secondary education. For more information about GEAR UP in Finley Middle School (Class of 2027), contact Lesly Acosta at 509-586-7561 or [email protected]. For more information about GEAR UP in River View High School (Class of 2023 & 2024), contact Christy Howard at 509-582-2157 or [email protected].

For Middle School Students:

  • Before, During, and After School Tutoring
  • College & Career Planning Tools
  • Career Fairs
  • College Awareness & Readiness Activities
  • Community College & University Campus Visits
  • Financial Literacy Programs

For High School Students:

  • Before, During, and After School Tutoring
  • College & Career Planning, Awareness, and Readiness Activities
  • Community College & University Campus Visits
  • Financial Literacy Programs
  • Advising and Mentoring
  • Career & College Club
  • Financial Literacy Programs

For Parents & Families:

  • Information on Colleges and Careers
  • University & College Campus Visits
  • Evening Workshops & Activities
  • Family Financial College Planning
  • Information on Financial Aid
  • Guidance on College Admissions and Assistance with Application Process

Meet Our Staff!

GEAR UP Finley Middle School

Lesly V Acosta
Site Manager Washington State University Tri-Cities
[email protected]
509-582-2158

Ms AcostaMs. Acosta - GEAR UP Site Manager
Hi I’m Miss Acosta, I was the first one in my extended family to graduate from high school and earn a bachelors degree. I love challenging our students to strive for more and change their future through education.




Miss FoutsMiss Fouts -
GEAR UP After School Tutor & FMS Para
Hi I’m Miss Fouts, and when I’m not working for GEAR UP, I am a student at Columbia Basin College here in Tri-Cities. I’m currently studying Math Education so that one day I can teach in a middle school just like this one!





GEAR UP River View High School

Portrait of Christy HowardChristy Howard - Site Manager Washington State University Tri-Cities |  [email protected] | 509-582-2158

Hi! I’m Mrs. Howard. I am new to GEAR Up and to River View High School. I am married and have two daughters. My oldest daughter went to college and received a degree in interior design and architectural technology. She is now an architectural associate in an architecture firm in Spokane. My youngest is currently a freshman at Gonzaga University (GO ZAGS!). I am so excited to be able to connect with students here at River View and help them achieve their goals and dreams. 

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