Original Post Date: September 24, 2021

What does National GEAR UP Week mean to you? 

“Feeling all the contagious energy from around the country through social media!” - University of Kansas GEAR UP on Twitter  

“From where I sit at NCCEP, supporting National GEAR UP week is so much fun – My favorite part of this week is watching the hashtags on social media and getting to see how the GEAR UP network is celebrating this week! I love the interactions, the pride, and I’m so excited to be part of the celebration!” - Lauren Foley, NCCEP 

“GEAR UP week is a time to celebrate the opportunities that the GEAR UP program provides! Starting to do something is the hardest part of doing something. Getting our students and families started early and being a consistent part of their journey is key to meeting them where they are and making a lasting impact.”  - Donovan, Nevada GEAR UP 

“We love seeing students hopes and dreams for the future and knowing we had a part in it. The sky is the limit.” - Indiana GEAR UP on Twitter  

Whatever National GEAR UP Week means to you; we can all agree that it is one of our favorite times of the year. It’s a week where we celebrate all that our community has accomplished, a kick off to the new school year, an opportunity to advocate for the half a million students being served today, and for the students to be served in the future.  

This year’s celebration was one for the books, with countless dreams committed, families celebrating, drive thru pep rallies hosted, and more! 

Numerous policymakers shared their support online and with countless proclamations in cities and states across the country.  

The message that #GEARUPworks was heard loud and clear.  

But the work is not done.  

There are college applications to be completed. FAFSA forms to submit. Apprenticeships to sign up for. Families to engage. Communities to support. Advocacy to uplift.  

We know that this work continues throughout the year and we are here to support your work and lift up the message that #GEARUPworks.