Taking place in San Francisco from Sunday, July 13, to Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

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. You can now book your hotel room, review the Conference At-A-Glance, and check out our frequently asked questions to get a head start.

Click here to learn more and register today!

Click here to apply today!

NCCEP committees comprise a diverse group of volunteer members who help engage the community, share their expertise for professional development, and provide input to NCCEP on programs and services. Applicants should be NCCEP members and have experience with both GEAR UP and the topic.

Most committees meet monthly via Zoom. Committee members contribute 1 – 2 hours per month over a 2-year term, from October 1 to September 30.

Applications for the 2025 - 2027 term are…

On June 24th at 3 pm ET, click here to register for this webinar!

Going to the NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in July? Join this webinar to learn about the conference, review how to use the planning tools, and cover best practices and tips. We have a tool to share and will also have time for Q&A.

Click here to register you and your GEAR UP team members!

Click here if you still need to register for the conference or secure your hotel room!

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

GEAR UP programming in middle school is where seeds of college and career readiness are first planted—but how do we ensure they take root and thrive? This discussion lab invites participants to explore the unique opportunities and challenges of implementing GEAR UP in middle school settings.

Through a facilitated dialogue, attendees will share strategies for increasing early student…

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

Did you forget to include families in your summer programming? Don’t worry! Join us to brainstorm and share just-in-time strategies to incorporate families into your summer programming this year. We’ll also dive into strategies you can use in a more systematic way for future summer programs. Come ready to share your ideas, what you’ve tried, and learn from others. 

NCCEP’s Family…

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.