Click here to enroll by Wednesday, February 25, 2026

In Learning Labs, participants attend live virtual sessions with a small group of peers while also taking online courses on their own time.

• Onboarding Learning Lab: Successfully start a new role with GEAR UP by gaining skills, knowledge, and connections.

• College Success Learning Lab: Learn how to help students succeed in the transition to and in the first year of college.

To everyone who joined the National GEAR UP Academy, thank you for your commitment to students, families, and communities across the country. Your participation strengthens a national network of leaders dedicated to expanding college and career access for first-generation and underrepresented students.

This year’s Academy, held in an online format from February 2–5, 2026, was designed to build the skills, knowledge, and practices of GEAR UP leaders, practitioners, and partners. Through…

There is still time to register - Click here!

The National GEAR UP Academy is designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and practices of GEAR UP leaders, practitioners, and partners. With intentional engagement, this event concentrates on topics relevant to GEAR UP with a focus on tools, key information, and team time.

By attending, you will:

• Gain knowledge and tools on key topics and best practices that you can immediately use.
• Connect and grow by connecting with members of the national…

 Click Here to Register Your Team Today!

Attending the National GEAR UP Academy? This webinar is for you! Join us to learn about the National GEAR UP Academy structure and create a schedule to make the most of the opportunity. Bring your questions - we will have plenty of time for Q&A.

Register for the GEAR UP Academy!

There is still time to register for the National GEAR UP Academy, which is designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and practices of GEAR UP leaders, practitioners,…

Engaging GEAR UP students in leadership positions can help unlock a sense of belonging, relationship-building, and motivation for the future. Join us to brainstorm and share ideas on how to keep this momentum throughout the year within all student programming. 

NCCEP’s Student Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.

Happy New Year, GEAR UP Community!

 As we welcome 2026, we pause to celebrate not only a new calendar year but the continued commitment, resilience, and passion of GEAR UP professionals across the country. Each new year brings fresh opportunities—and because of your work, it also brings renewed hope for the students and families you serve.

 Your dedication to building college-going cultures, expanding access, and removing barriers continues to change lives. Whether you are guiding…

As we close out 2025, we are thrilled to share our 2025 NCCEP Annual Report: Planting Seeds, highlighting the incredible impact made possible by your dedication. Your commitment to students and families is at the heart of every success story featured in this report.

This will be the last Quad Blog Post of the year. We will return to regular programming on January 7. From all of us at the NCCEP team, we wish you a joyful and restful holiday season.

Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025

Learn More and Apply Today!

Want to present at the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference taking place from July 19–22 in Washington, DC? We are accepting proposals to present via our Request for Proposals (RFP). 

The NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference is the national convening of professionals, parents, students, policymakers, and community partners who support GEAR UP programs and the students they serve.

For questions, email events@edpartnerships.org

WEBINAR

Register Today!

Title: Behind the Scenes: How Selective Colleges Build Financial Aid Packages for First-Gen and Low-Income (FLI) Students

Date/Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 3:30 pm to 5 pm ET

Click here to register.

Join the Connections to College Opportunity(formerly the Consortium for College Opportunity) for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation with financial aid leaders at selective colleges. This session will give attendees a deeper understanding of how selective…