Information for First-Time Attendees
Is this your first-time attending the NCCEP/GEAR UP
Annual Conference? Want to learn more about how the conference works?
We've compiled some insider-information to help you make the most of
your conference experience.
Arriving at the Conference
Once you've checked in to the hotel, stop by the Conference
Registration and Information Booth in the Front Terrace of the
Washington Hilton (for Registration Booth hours, please see the Conference Schedule At-A-Glance). Here, you can
check in and receive your conference bag and name badge. This bag
includes a variety of helpful information for you, including:
- Conference Program - Take time to read through your
Conference Program. The first few pages have many helpful conference
details. Sit down each evening to plan which sessions you would like to
attend the following day. Review the list of exhibitors and highlight
the ones you want to visit.
- Name Badge - Your name badge is your identity and
your ticket to plenaries, special events, and sessions. It helps
colleagues identify you in and around the conference. Many GEAR UP
programs bring stickers, buttons and pins to decorate their name badge
and show their GEAR UP pride!
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Five Events You Can't Miss!
While the entire conference is packed with interesting sessions and
valuable information, there are a few NCCEP traditions that are
can't-miss:
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Roll Call of the States • Monday,
July 21st, 9:00 AM • International Ballroom
Year after year, the energetic kick-off to the NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual
Conference captures the energy and spirit of the GEAR UP community. Join
other GEAR UP professionals from your state as we show our pride in the
GEAR UP program. Noisemakers, flags, and signs are encouraged!
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GEAR UP 101 Concurrent Session • Monday, July 21st,
10:45 AM • Room TBA
New to GEAR UP? This is the session for you! Since its inception, the
GEAR UP program has become one of the nation’s most important and
effective college access and readiness programs. This session will
provide an overview of the rationale for GEAR UP, the legislative
history of the program, common GEAR UP activities and interventions, and
GEAR UP accomplishments at the local and national levels. Any education
and community leaders new to the GEAR UP program are highly encouraged
to attend.
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Gallery Walk • Monday, July 21st, 5:30
PM • Exhibit Hall
This annual showcase of GEAR UP success stories takes on new meaning
as we celebrate 10 years of helping students navigate the path to
college. Learn about exciting programs and initiatives from GEAR UP
grants large and small, urban and rural. For more information about the
Gallery Walk, please click here. If you are interested in hosting a booth
at the Gallery Walk, please contact Grace Friedberger at 202-530-1135
ext. 257 or grace_friedberger@edpartnerships.org.
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Opening Reception • Sunday, July 20th, 6:00
PM • Poolside
The NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference is a gathering of nearly 2,000
college access professionals, community leaders, elected officials, and
business partners. Year after year, conference attendees say that one of
the most enjoyable features of the event is the opportunity to
network with one another, share ideas, and discuss the work that they
do. Stop by the Opening Reception, have some snacks, and
meet college access professionals from across the country.
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Youth Leadership Summit Plenary • Tuesday, July
22nd, 12:15 PM • International Ballroom
One of the highlights of the conference every year, this is when we
give the stage to the Youth Leadership Summit Scholars and Alumni.
Representing GEAR UP programs from across the country and the
territories, these youth share their perspective on the educational
barriers they face daily and offer solutions that students, teachers,
parents, and the community can collaborate on to make positive changes.
For more information Youth Leadership Summit, please click here.
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For more information about the sponsors of some of
these events, please click here.
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