Engaging GEAR UP students in leadership positions can help unlock a sense of belonging, relationship-building, and motivation for the future. Join us to brainstorm and share ideas on how to keep this momentum throughout the year within all student programming. 

NCCEP’s Student Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.

Happy New Year, GEAR UP Community!

 As we welcome 2026, we pause to celebrate not only a new calendar year but the continued commitment, resilience, and passion of GEAR UP professionals across the country. Each new year brings fresh opportunities—and because of your work, it also brings renewed hope for the students and families you serve.

 Your dedication to building college-going cultures, expanding access, and removing barriers continues to change lives. Whether you are guiding…

As we close out 2025, we are thrilled to share our 2025 NCCEP Annual Report: Planting Seeds, highlighting the incredible impact made possible by your dedication. Your commitment to students and families is at the heart of every success story featured in this report.

This will be the last Quad Blog Post of the year. We will return to regular programming on January 7. From all of us at the NCCEP team, we wish you a joyful and restful holiday season.

Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025

Learn More and Apply Today!

Want to present at the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference taking place from July 19–22 in Washington, DC? We are accepting proposals to present via our Request for Proposals (RFP). 

The NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference is the national convening of professionals, parents, students, policymakers, and community partners who support GEAR UP programs and the students they serve.

For questions, email events@edpartnerships.org

WEBINAR

Register Today!

Title: Behind the Scenes: How Selective Colleges Build Financial Aid Packages for First-Gen and Low-Income (FLI) Students

Date/Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 3:30 pm to 5 pm ET

Click here to register.

Join the Connections to College Opportunity(formerly the Consortium for College Opportunity) for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation with financial aid leaders at selective colleges. This session will give attendees a deeper understanding of how selective…

To our GEAR UP community, your daily commitment to students and families inspires us. We are grateful for your leadership, your passion, and the impact you make every day. We are thankful for you. #GEARUPworks.

Click here to register you and your GEAR UP team! 

Have you noticed shifts in how families engage with schools and GEAR UP? Whether you’ve been working with families for years or are new to the field, join us to explore trends and brainstorm how to adjust services to meet families where they’re at. Come for ideas to refresh services in time for the new year!

NCCEP’s Family Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.

Click here to register you and your GEAR UP colleagues!

On Tuesday, November 18th, at 2 pm ET, come ready to participate! This discussion lab is an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.

Join this interactive session to assess and improve how we collaborate to communicate within our teams. Led by members of NCCEP’s Communications Advisory Committee, it's a chance to step back, share practical successes, and identify areas where we can be more efficient and effective.

All event…

Click Here to Register Today!

Join to learn all about the new Study Lab platform! Redesigned with input from the GEAR UP community, learn about the changes, the courses, and how to use the platform.