Application

GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Awards are awarded upon the applicant’s verification of enrollment in a public or private postsecondary institution that is eligible to receive Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship awards. 

Student Eligibility
To be eligible, a student must:

1. be a participant in GEAR UP TN in the following counties: Campbell, Cocke, Grundy, Hardeman, Johnson, Lake, Meigs, Union or Wayne,
2. be a 2006 high school graduate with a regular or special education diploma from a public high school participating in GEAR UP TN,
3. be a United States citizen and a permanent resident of the State of Tennessee and be less than 22 years of age at the time of the incentive award,
4. be enrolled as a full-time or at least half-time freshman at a regionally accredited college or university in the state of Tennessee or be enrolled as a first-year student of postsecondary study at any Tennessee technology center in the fall of 2006, (half-time students must maintain no less than six hours, if a student drops below six hours at any time, he/she is no longer eligible for the award)  and
5. complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Award Policies

• Award Amount – GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Award amount is $750. The award will be equally split over two semesters ($375 each).   The award is a last dollar award (i.e. after all grants and scholarships have been awarded) and is available up to total cost of attendance.  The award will not be pro-rated based upon a student’s number of hours.
• Hours – The recipient must be classified as having not completed his/her first 24 hours of postsecondary education.  The first 24 hours does not include Dual Enrollment hours, Advanced Placements credits or International Baccalaureate.

NOTE: The GEAR UP TN Bridge Incentive Awards Requirements and Policies are subject to change each semester.  Students and Parents will be notified of changes through the GEAR UP TN school systems.  Financial Aid Officers will be notified by GEAR UP TN staff.