BLAST is a program which provides academic tutorials and enrichment activities necessary to help students meet state and local academic standards in Math, Science and English. Graduate students from the Baylor School of Education serve as site managers, working with teachers, parents and other GEAR UP Waco staff to tailor BLAST tutoring to individual student needs.

Through one-on-one meetings with high school students, Baylor undergraduate students offer encouragement and academic support. High school students participate in the program based on teacher, parent or school official referral. Students may also self-refer. Tutors provide parent and faculty with periodic reports on the academic progress of GUW students.