The mission of GEAR UP EXPRESS is "to accelerate the academic achievement of cohorts of middle and secondary school at-risk students so that increasing numbers will graduate from high school, enroll and succeed in college." (We define "college" as public and private four-year schools, two-year community college, business schools, and vocational schools.)

The GEAR UP EXPRESS initiative began in 1999 by targeting the sixth grade cohorts at Madison and Westview Middle Schools (Miami Florida) and will continue to follow these students through 10th grade as the cohorts move to Miami Central Senior High School. The project will implements academic support from "basic to" intensive, and is focused on increasing academic achievement and creating pathways to college. Strategic involvement of numerous, business and college-based individuals at the school sites will create multiple opportunities for mentoring, counseling and instructional connection with the students. Program goals include gains in math and reading achievement, advanced placement course enrollment, high school graduation and transfer to college.