As we kick-off the 2021-2022 school year, we often focus on the students and how they have prepared themselves for the new year. So much of our attention is directed toward what summer reading lists, school supply lists, and summer projects have been completed. However, we should also focus on the GEAR UP professionals who are also kicking-off a new school year and find time for a little professional development.

NCCEP’s Study Lab is thrilled to announce a new bundle of micromodules created…

Grab your comfy pajama pants and a notebook, and get ready for the virtual NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference next week!

From Monday (Jul 19) to Wednesday (Jul 21), join your GEAR UP colleagues from across the country to learn, network, and get inspired. We're ecstatic for the plenary speakers, the 14 pre-conference sessions, 86 concurrent sessions, 4 virtual engagement sessions, and other special sessions that are taking place.

To get ready and make the most of the event, be sure to:

• Log in
  • Se…

I often tell people that I live and breathe GEAR UP. Why? Because GEAR UP has been a part of my life now for almost 12 years. I was a GEAR UP student with Nevada GEAR UP. I found my passion for advocacy in college through a GEAR UP alumni group. I worked as a coordinator for GEAR UP, and I am now advocating for GEAR UP programs nationwide in Washington, D.C. at NCCEP. 

For me, GEAR UP + Advocacy have always been a pair, always gone hand in hand. I learned very early on the power of a message, a…

It is June and we have entered the exciting season of graduation and commencement! We would be remiss if we didn’t congratulate all of our learners on NCCEP’s Study Lab and highlight their hard work. Going back to January of 2021 through today, we had 67 learners take courses and pass assessments. Many of these learners have taken on a course load of 3-6 courses which they are enrolled in for their own professional development. The Study Lab work is completed as part of their day-to-day work,…

First-generation student breaks boundaries

Washington State GEAR UP alum, Cristalina Ramirez, recently graduated from Washington State University and is heading to Washington, D.C. for an opportunity with the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association. Ramirez credits GEAR UP for encouraging her to go to college and helping her prepare for the college admissions process. Read more here. 

Kick-off your Annual Conference experience the right way! 

 The NCCEP/GEAR UP Virtual Annual Conference is scheduled for July 19^th – 21^st. Each day, ahead of our plenary speakers, join your colleagues in an exploration of GEAR UP relevant topics and priorities. Our Annual Pre-conference sessions will take a deep dive into mental-health and well-being, navigating financial aid, GEAR UP orientation, and more! 

 As an addition to the more traditional pre-conference offerings, we are also offering…

Oooh-oooh, 

Happy feelin's in the air 

Touchin' people everywhere 

Plenty love and everything 

Listen to the people sing

 You will win a virtual high-five if you can tell me which song these lyrics belong to…

 Too late! It’s from one of my favorite songs by Frankie Beverly and Maze, entitled Happy Feelings. It is a song that I’ve typically heard during family reunions, wedding receptions, and long road trips with my family. 

 I’m actually listening to this song right now. 

 Due to its presence during…

With the Annual Performance Report (APR) deadline last week, the upcoming 2021 competition, the FY 2022 House Dear Colleague Appropriations grassroots campaign (the Senate campaign will kick off shortly), and the NCCEP Advocacy Survey Call to Action – there is a lot going on in the GEAR UP world right now!

For some of us, this is the norm for this time of the year. Although slightly delayed this year (which is normal in a new administration), we always have a big grassroots push for…

When we get on a plane, we know the drill.  Once we are settled into our seats, in a matter of minutes, the flight attendant will go over the safety drill.  Early into those remarks, we are told:

“If the cabin pressure changes suddenly during the flight, oxygen masks will automatically drop from the compartment above your seat. If this happens, pull one of the masks down to your face and cover your nose and mouth. Slip the elastic band around your head and tighten by pulling the loose ends at…