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: 

✅ Expanding recruitment opportunities with selective colleges
✅ Demystifying college affordability and the application process
✅ Building bridges between community-based organizations and admissions professionals at top-tier institutions

CCO's college partners include some of the most prestigious names in higher education: Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, Colgate, Macalester, Tufts, USC, Rice, Stanford, Vanderbilt, and Brown.

A Look Back: Recent Webinar Highlights

Thank you to everyone who registered and attended our recent webinar, Explore Selective College Access with NCCEP and the Consortium for College Opportunity. We appreciate your thoughtful questions and active participation.

Missed it? You can still:

• Watch the webinar recording here on the Quad.
• Download the presentation slides (below)

How the Consortium Supports GEAR UP Programs

CCO's work goes beyond advocacy—providing direct, actionable support to GEAR UP professionals and students. Their offerings include:

• Professional Development: Admissions experts lead sessions tailored for educators, counselors, and program staff
• Campus Engagement: Member colleges participate in GEAR UP events like summer programs, college fairs, and workshops
• Early Awareness: Sessions designed for middle and early high school students help build college-going identities early
• Strategic Connections: Advisors are introduced to admissions professionals at top institutions
• Student Exposure Opportunities: Fly-in programs, virtual events, and exclusive admissions resources
• Customized Program Support: Tailored guidance based on the unique needs of each GEAR UP site

Tools and Resources

Explore these helpful tools from the Consortium:

• Consortium CBO Engagement Survey
• Consortium for College Opportunity Newsletter Sign-Up
• Resources for Students Researching and Applying to College

Meet the Consortium Team

• Beth Breger, Director — bethbreger@flistrategicadvising.com
• Tina V. Fernandez, CBO Implementation Director — tina_fernandez@harvard.edu

Stay Connected

If you have questions or want to explore how the Consortium can support your GEAR UP site, don't hesitate to submit a comment below or email directly at april_bell@edpartnerships.org.

We're grateful for your continued dedication to equity in education. Together, we're expanding what's possible for GEAR UP students and families.