Who We Are
NCCEP is a national association dedicated to supporting underserved students as they pursue postsecondary education.
2020 NCCEP/GEAR UP
Capacity-Building workshop
February 23-26 / Orlando, FL
Our Work
We strive to ensure that all students--especially low-income and first-generation students--have the opportunity to succeed in life after high school. Through our advocacy efforts, we mobilize states and communities to expand and sustain college access, readiness, and success initiatives, with a focus on the federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative. Through our research and evaluation work, we ensure that education professionals have the necessary skills, capabilities, and infrastructure to make informed decisions. Lastly, through our programs and professional development, we foster a culture of continuous improvement so that our youth, families, and educators not only succeed, but accelerate progress.
Youth programming
We lead a variety of programs designed to inspire, empower, and guide students to achieve more. Our Career & College Clubs are perfectly suited for schools and after-school programs, and our Youth Leadership Summit provides in-depth leadership training.
Data, Research & Evaluation
We work with our community to ensure that GEAR UP programs have the data infrastructures and evaluation designs required to continually improve their practices and impact. Additonally, we serve as the managing director of the College and Career Readiness Evaluation Consortium.
Professional development & assistance
As the training and technical assistance provider for the GEAR UP community, we host two national events and a variety of institutes for education leaders, family advocates, and evaluators. In addition, we provide direct technical assistance to states and communities.
Advocacy
We work closely with Congress, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Education to represent the interests of our members and GEAR UP community. Through our grassroots advocacy efforts, we harness the remarkable stories and impact of our community to advance effective public policy.
Supporting
GEAR UP
Through the federally-funded Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative, our member institutions strengthen the pathway from the middles grades through higher education all across the nation. It is our role to ensure that each of our members has the support, resources, and tools required to leave a lasting impact on communities.
360
Million Dollar Annual funding
Through the coordinated advocacy efforts of our community and allies, NCCEP helps ensure that states and communities have the resources to improve outcomes.
600K
students served
We work with educators to ensure that every student is receiving effective support and guidance as they navigate the pathway to college and career.
3,500
SEcondary schools Impacted
We foster comprehensive multi-sector partnerships to strengthen local systems and create a lasting impact on schools in high-need communities.
april 2018
"GEAR UP is instrumental to improve high school graduation rates, college enrollment rates, and helps raise awareness of alternative options for students and their families that provide a path to success. This critical program must be reauthorized because our country’s future depends on it."
Senator Kamala harris on the gear up for success act / LEarn More
Collaborate
Systemic change doesn't come easily. The strength of our movement stems from the expertise and generosity of our members. From practitioners to executive directors, the GEAR UP community thrives when we share and learn from one another. We facilitate the exchange of information and best practices so that every professional has the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to succeed.
Become a member
Join a strong and vibrant community of leaders fiercely committed to expanding educational opportunities for all students.
Access the quad
Members have access to the Quad, NCCEP's virtual learning community and digital workspace.
Make a Donation
Make a tax-deductible gift to help advance our mission and support our youth programming.