Breaking Down Barriers to Test Preparation: MasteryPrep's Partnership With GEAR UP

For students navigating important academic milestones, access to effective preparation for high-stakes tests can make a meaningful difference. But such resources often come with financial and logistical barriers, particularly for students from low-income families and underserved communities.

Through its partnership with the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), MasteryPrep helps GEAR UP programs equip more students with the skills and confidence to succeed on the ACT, SAT, TSIA2 (in Texas), and state End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. Since 2013, the company has worked with schools, districts, and college access initiatives to deliver affordable readiness solutions directly to learners, often during the school day and at no cost to families.

A Comprehensive Approach to Test Readiness

MasteryPrep offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to help GEAR UP programs reach their goals. Its Boot Camps provide high-impact workshops focused on essential content, test-taking strategies, and pacing, while full-length practice tests, adaptive online learning, and actionable reporting in MasteryPrep’s digital platform help educators identify skill gaps and deliver targeted instruction. 

Curricular resources and Bell Ringers, or daily classroom warm-up exercises, reinforce essential skills throughout the school year, while professional development helps educators incorporate readiness into everyday teaching. The College Playbook workbooks and workshops guide students through the admission process and help them plan for their futures.

From ongoing support to focused summer bridge programs, MasteryPrep’s offerings give GEAR UP programs the flexibility to address students’ diverse academic needs.

“It helps us be strategic,” said Mary Cothren, former GEAR UP coordinator for Clay County Schools in North Carolina, which has implemented MasteryPrep solutions for the ACT and NC EOC Math 1 and English II tests. “Instead of guessing what students need, we have the data to guide us.”

Supporting GEAR UP Programs Nationwide

MasteryPrep's work with GEAR UP programs demonstrates what’s possible when students receive consistent, targeted support. 

Thanks to a connection made possible through Appalachian State University’s GEAR UP program, Clay County held its first MasteryPrep Boot Camp for the ACT several years ago and has since expanded its partnership into a districtwide strategy that includes practice testing, online coursework, and teacher professional development. In 2024, Clay County's average ACT composite score increased from 17.6 to 18.5, while its average ACT Science score rose from 17.9 to 19.3.

“We don’t treat ACT prep as a standalone event,” Cothren said. “We’ve embedded it into the rhythm of the school day, and MasteryPrep’s tools make that easy to do.”

Meanwhile, Ysleta Independent School District in Texas initially partnered with MasteryPrep through its University of El Paso-GEAR UP federal grant in 2023, beginning with student-facing Boot Camps. The district subsequently expanded its implementation to include MasteryPrep’s curricular resources, the digital platform, and PD. In recent years, Ysleta’s percentage of college-ready students in reading and math has increased from 24.5% to 28.7%.

These examples illustrate how sustained preparation can help students build the skills and confidence needed for success on test day and beyond. Ready to bring that same support to your students? Explore how MasteryPrep partners with GEAR UP programs nationwide.