One primary component of GEARS is academic tutoring. Superior Middle School students are selected to participate in the program based foremost on their struggles in school, demonstrated by having at least one core academic grade at the failing mark. 

UW-Superior college mentors enter the Superior Middle School twice a week to directly provide tutoring support to GEARS students in a small classroom setting.  Core subject areas include language arts, math, science, and social studies.

In Fall 2012, GEARS tutoring transitioned into Superior High School. UW-Superior college mentors enter the high school three times a week to directly provide tutoring support to 9th grade GEARS students in a small study setting. Tutors work one on one with students in core subject areas as well as providing mentoring, goal setting, and skill building for their future.