You may have read in today’s Digest or on the NCCEP website that the NCCEP Board of Directors unanimously voted to cancel the 2020 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference, scheduled for July 19-22, 2020 in Washington, D.C.  

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a decision that all of us at NCCEP strongly support, but we are still all disappointed. We spent the past year organizing an amazing program that drew upon the expertise, wisdom, and generosity of the GEAR UP community. Above all, we will miss the opportunity to celebrate your remarkable work, reignite our passion for the GEAR UP mission and code, and of course, reconnect with our dearest friends. 

With nearly 150 proposals submitted, 200 Youth Leadership Summit students accepted, dozens of exhibitors and sponsors ready to showcase their work, we know that the Annual Conference is also important to you. You have our word that we will be doubling our efforts to make the 2021 conference the best one yet. 

Unfortunately, this does mean that the 2020 Youth Leadership Summit and the Parent Leadership Institute will be cancelled as well. We know what a life changing experience these programs can be, so please share our genuine regrets with any students or family members that were planning on participating.

In terms of the 2020-21 District Leadership Institute, we will proceed with the first convening as scheduled in a virtual setting.  

If you have any questions about the YLS, PLI, or DLI, please email me.

While we are still in the planning phase, please know that we are exploring a range of options for delivering virtual professional development to the GEAR UP community over the summer. As our plans coalesce, we will keep you updated. We are optimistic that as we adapt, we can find other meaningful avenues to share, learn and improve together.