If you ever have the chance to visit the NCCEP office, you’ll notice that our walls are covered with amazing photographs of GEAR UP alumni, students, and educators. These images are a testament to the magic that happens when possibility, opportunity, and preparation collide. The transformational effect that GEAR UP can have on young people drives everything we do at NCCEP and these faces are a daily reminder of why we do it.

Emotions are high right now. Many are elated by the election results,…