National GEAR UP Week was such a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students, families, and communities come together. Thank you to everyone who made it such a success!

In Michigan, nearly 1,700 students gathered for the first-ever Statewide GEAR UP Kick-Off to College, where more than 150 seniors received on-site admissions, some with instant acceptances. Alumni shared their stories, inspiring students to see themselves as the next generation of college graduates.

In Florida, Miami…

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Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.

The beginning of the school year is full of energy, excitement, and possibility - and it’s a great time to kick off family engagement with your best foot forward! Join us to brainstorm ways to partner with schools to incorporate GEAR UP into events and early outreach strategies to start engaging with families.

NCCEP’s Family Engagement Advisory Committee will…

Apply Today!

NCCEP committees include a diverse group of volunteer members who help engage the community, share their expertise for professional development, and offer input to NCCEP on programs and services. 

Most committees meet monthly via Zoom. Committee members contribute 1 – 2 hours per month over a 2-year term, from October 1 to September 30.

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The 2026–27 FAFSA form is on track to launch October 1, 2025, with improvements to make the process faster and easier for students and families. 

Two Game-Changing Features 

• Instant ID Checks (August): Students with a Social Security Number will be verified instantly—no more waiting days. This means faster IRS tax data access and smoother applications. 

• Easy Contributor Invites: Students can invite a parent or spouse by entering their email. A unique code will be sent directly—no…

Last Chance to Join Fall Learning Labs -  Apply by August 25!

Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with your GEAR UP peers nationally in one of NCCEP’s Learning Labs. Join a fall three-month session starting September 8!  

• College Advising Learning Lab. Led in collaboration with Bottom Line, participants practice college advising strategies including identifying fit factors, making college lists, completing applications for college and financial aid, and deciding which college to…

National GEAR UP Week Planning Session

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On Thursday, August 24, 2025, at 12 noon ET join us for a deeper look at 2025 National GEAR UP Week: Planting Seeds, Growing a Nation. We’ll reflect on the meaning behind this year’s theme and share ways to make your celebration impactful and inspiring.

This webinar builds on the presentation from the 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference and will offer practical tools, ideas, and guidance from NCCEP and the Communications…

To our incredible GEAR UP community,

On behalf of our team, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for joining us at the 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to creating brighter futures for students across the nation were evident throughout every session, conversation, and collaboration.

This year’s conference was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful reminder of the impact we make when we come together with a shared purpose. Whether you…