This study documents the impact of placing graduation coaches as a GEAR UP intervention in urban high schools. The overall goal was improvement of students' academic performance, particularly for students not passing core courses. This longitudinal study began with data collection in feeder middle schools where results indicated improved student achievement. The middle school model was revised to incorporate strategies appropriate to the developmental needs of high school students. Preliminary results indicate that the graduation coach model is a promising practice in high-need urban high schools. (Contains 6 figures and 2 tables.)