Each year, NCCEP requests GEAR UP Grant Directors to complete an Advocacy Information Survey utilizing data from their most recently submitted U.S. Department of Education (ED) Annual Performance Report (APR). Once received, we compile the submitted data, analyze it, and share it with stakeholders and Members of Congress. It’s a critical foundation of our advocacy work at NCCEP. 

Six years ago, I was given the opportunity to participate in a leadership academy for GEAR UP alumni. At this…

If you receive the NCCEP Digest, then you already know a little about former GEAR UP Professional of the Year, Willie Castrejon. Willie is a Family and Financial Aid Specialist with the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) GEAR UP and he is an all-star! He has completed 30 Study Lab courses and continues to demonstrate an infectious commitment to the GEAR UP community.

I was extremely excited when Willie agreed to an interview for the Quad Blog series. In addition to sharing his passion…