In 2017, Alex Chough, April Bell, and I, along with the rest of the NCCEP team, spent hours (and hours ... and hours) researching options to create an online community for GEAR UP programs across the country. Once we found this platform, we spent hours (and hours ... and hours) in collaboration with the team to build something that had areas to discuss common challenges and share resources. The Quad continues to grow and evolve with the community, including an updated "News" page for everyone…

Since 2014, we have watched (and participated in) the nation's school communities celebrate their graduating high school seniors and their accomplishments as part of the Reach Higher initiative. Well, this year is no different, but we want to add a twist to our GEAR UP 2021 College Signing Day or Decision Day celebrations. We ask you, yes you, all GEAR UP Directors, Coordinators, Family Engagement Specialists, and even Evaluators to LEVEL UP! ICYDK, LEVEL UP means "to go to a higher level or…

As you may know, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is often commissioned to conduct studies on federal programs, including GEAR UP. Of recent, the fiscal year 2014 state grants were provided supplemental funding to conduct an evaluation of postsecondary outcomes for GEAR UP students, including enrollment, persistence, and completion. Additionally, the state grantees have been working with ED on a scholarship study so that we can best understand the implementation of the scholarship…

Here at NCCEP, we are onboarding a new team member … virtually! Like most, when onboarding new hires there are steps we take to make sure that the new staff member is comfortable and feels welcome on their first day – things like, setting up their computer and work station, providing Post-It notes and pens, and creating a schedule to assist with introductions to their new coworkers. Then there are steps we take to make sure that the new staff member is set up for success in their new position –…

Virtual burnout.

We’re all feeling it.

This time last year we were starting to learn about COVID-19 but had no real understanding of the impact it would have.

On March 12, 2020 we all said, “Oh we’ll be back at the office in a few weeks.”

Well. One year later here we are. Still working and living almost completely in the virtual space.

When we first all had to quickly “pivot” to virtual work last year, the entire GEAR UP community quickly jumped into action. Programs were finding and implementing…

During each NCCEP/GEAR UP Capacity-Building Workshop (CBW), we start our days with an energizing Burst session to fill our cups and set us up for a day of learning and engagement. This year is no different. 

On Monday, you'll hear from Michael M. Crow, president of Arizona State University and co-author of The Fifth Wave: The Evolution of American Higher Education. His remarks will address the culprit of many difficulties we face today: the COVID-19 global pandemic. With a focus on looking…

Twelve years is a relative amount of time. If you ask a 13-year-old, it’s a lifetime. If compare it to how long Stonehenge has been around, then it’s just a blip in time. For me, twelve years is right in that sweet spot. Enough time to observe and learn, but still early enough to embrace change and imagination.

Career & College Clubs (CCC), NCCEP’s college and career readiness program and curriculum for grades 7 through 12, was introduced to NCCEP and the GEAR UP community in 2016. But it…

Like you, with the approach of Thanksgiving I have been reflecting on what has been one of the most challenging years of my personal and professional life. Despite the hurt I’ve felt or witnessed throughout the year, I recognize that I have so much to be grateful for.

In light of the most serious challenge that our GEAR UP community has ever faced, I am grateful for you.  

Over the past year, few have worked harder to innovate and adapt than our GEAR UP community. I am simply floored by your…

Warriors Like Us – An Interview with Marcie Mills Sample

2020 has been a year full of challenges. However, for many GEAR UP professionals, one question has remained constant throughout the years. What do students need?

“Students need warriors like us to believe in them.” - Marcie Mills Sample, 2019 NCCEP/GEAR UP Professional of the Year Speech

Even as education systems change and our challenges take us on new journeys, the need for brave and experienced professionals will always be in high…