Over the past year, the Consortium for College Opportunity (CCO) has partnered with NCCEP to deliver high-impact professional development, resources, and strategic connections that strengthen GEAR UP programs nationwide. This collaboration is rooted in a shared mission: ensuring that high-achieving students from underserved communities have a real shot at attending the nation's most selective colleges.

Focused Areas of Impact

Through this partnership, CCO is making significant strides in: 

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Click here to submit a Nomination! Due by May 15, 2025!

The 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Leadership Award Nominations are NOW OPEN! There are four categories for awards: (1) Professional Leaders of the Year (one executive-level and one providing direct services), (2) Student Leader of the Year, (3) Family Leader of the Year, and (4) Alum Leader of the Year. Award winners will be recognized at the 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA. 

Our community is comprised of innumerable GEAR UP…

The District Leadership Institute for Systemic Change is NCCEP’s premier leadership development program, focusing on fostering systemic change in GEAR UP schools and districts to maximize the impact of GEAR UP on school change and student outcomes. 

Designed in partnership with Inflexion, district- and state-level leaders, as well as college access professionals, will receive three full days of in-person professional training, optional coaching calls, and virtual touchpoints throughout the…

The GEAR UP Good News campaign is all about spreading the word about GEAR UP's impact, including engaging your local media outlets.

Unsure about the difference between a press release and a media advisory? Curious how to build relationships with your local media outlets? Join members of the Communications Advisory Committee for a brief presentation and plenty of time to answer your questions.

Click here to register today!

All event times are scheduled in ET.

Do you have lingering questions about the Leadership Award nomination process?

Join us for office hours to get your questions answered. We’ll also share valuable tips and strategies for submitting a competitive nomination. Don’t miss your chance to get your GEAR UP leader recognized nationally at the 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference.

Click here to register today!

Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.  

Join members of the Communications Advisory Committee and the GEAR UP Alumni Association to discuss how GEAR UP programs can connect with and integrate alumni into programming. Be prepared to share your ideas about how to get contact information and communicate with alumni as well as ways to build a community of…

Register Today!

Are you making the most of the Quad—NCCEP members' virtual community? Whether you're looking to collaborate with peers, access valuable resources, or engage in role-specific discussions, the Quad connects you to the people, tools, and insights that can elevate your work. 

Join us for a live webinar featuring a guided tour of the Quad, tips for leveraging its features, and a live demonstration so you can see it in action. Whether you're new to GEAR UP, new to the Quad, or looking…

Click here to Submit a Nomination!

The 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Leadership Award Nominations are NOW OPEN! There are four categories for awards: (1) Professional Leaders of the Year (one executive-level and one providing direct services), (2) Student Leader of the Year, (3) Family Leader of the Year, and (4) Alum Leader of the Year. Award winners will be recognized at the 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA. 

Our community is comprised of innumerable GEAR UP Heroes who are the…

In Learning Labs, participants attend live virtual sessions with a small group of peers while also taking online courses on their own time.

• Coordinator Learning Lab: Explore common challenges facing new GEAR UP professionals who lead programs at school sites.

• College Success Learning Lab: Learn how to help students succeed in the first year of college.

Click here to learn more and apply today!