Since it's inception in 1999, NCCEP has remained steadfast in its dedication to support the success and growth of GEAR UP. A critical element of this work has been harnessing the voice of GEAR UP to address critical topics, grow bold ideas, and focus on what students need to succeed.

One way that voice - your voice - is captured is through the work of national committees. Those who serve on these committees help make sure that tools, trainings, and resources address what GEAR UP needs.

• As part of the GEAR UP Advisory Commission (GUAC), I attend regular meetings that focus on how NCCEP can meet the needs of GEAR UP nationally. With other GEAR UP directors from an array of grants, we discuss the immediate and long-term needs of our programs. Having a seat at the table helps me elevate how trainings and content can serve our mission of student success.

               --Maria Rocha Ruiz, UC Santa Cruz Education Partnership Center

The GUAC, our longest-running committee, convenes GEAR UP directors who meet with NCCEP's executive leadership team for big picture items. In addition to this scope, committees drive key functions of the NCCEP/GEAR UP national strategy of Excel, Prove, Mobilize.

• The Executive Committee that convenes as part of the College and Career Readiness Evaluation Consortium (CCREC) focuses on the Prove element of the national strategy. We strategize ways to collect and analyze national-level data in collaboration with other CCREC grantees. Our aim is to capture the GEAR UP data story. Being part of this committee means I have access to a learning community of directors, evaluators, and data experts, and that we can work together to support the growth and success of GEAR UP beyond my own program.

             --Marcie Mills Sample, Washington Student Achievement Council / Washington State GEAR UP

CCREC also convenes two other committees (Communications and Research and Evaluation) that drive different parts of the Prove mission. 

Addressing Mobilize is the Communications Advisory Committee - a group that elevates the voices of GEAR UP through initiatives and interaction. During monthly meetings, they identify ways to galvanize the #GEARUPworks community and grow awareness of our thriving community.

Two more groups focus on Excel - the Study Lab Advisory Committee and the Family Engagement Advisory Committee. The first focuses on how NCCEP's learning platform and professional development can grow in ways that continue to meet the needs of all GEAR UP professionals. The second highlights what tools, resources, and trainings would benefit family engagement across GEAR UP programs.

The volunteers who serve on these committees give their time, effort, and input to create a better GEAR UP. Be sure to meet all the members! 

And maybe take a few minutes to find them at the upcoming NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference to give them a *virtual* high five for all they do.