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…

As I recently finished up our organizational communications plan for this fall, I reflected on growth.  

Did we adapt and change our communications to address everything that has gone on the past year? 

Did we reach our audience (did we grow our audience)?  

Did we increase engagement and collaboration?  

What was a byproduct of how we had to pivot our work online this year?  

This led me to a conclusion I have said many times over the past few months: we can all agree that 2020…

Check out our live interview recording on NCCEP's YouTube Channel:https://youtu.be/GtO1IyhfNRo

The Strategies for eLearning in Maine online resource, paid for by GEAR UP Maine, was created to be used as a textbook, to lower the learning curve and to teach those in the GEAR UP Community how to create rigorous and engaging classrooms while not causing an enormous amount of stress. Join me to hear firsthand from GEAR UP Maine’s Program Manager, Eleni Margaronis to gain insight and inspiration…

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…