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National Council for Community and Education Partnerships
EXCEL/PROVE/MOBILIZE

NCCEP / GEAR UP Annual Conference

July 19–22, 2026 | Washington, DC

In 2026, our conference theme highlights how we continue with our mission to serve students. The conference brings together professionals, parents, students, policymakers, and community partners who support GEAR UP. The event includes inspiring plenary sessions, peer-led concurrent sessions, and networking opportunities. Attendees will gain ideas, strategies, and tools to better serve GEAR UP students.

Lighting the Way reminds us that even in challenging times, light can guide us forward with clarity and purpose. Together in GEAR UP, we illuminate new paths, kindle inspiration, and create a future bright enough for others to follow.

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Schedule At-A-Glance
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What to Expect

Concurrent Sessions

The conference program includes over 130 concurrent sessions focused on increasing your impact on middle and high school students, their families, K–16 faculty and administrators, student services and college access professionals, program evaluators, family engagement coordinators, business and community partners, and education policy makers. Sessions will include panels of experts, researchers, practitioners, how-to presentations, program evaluation presentations, and descriptions of promising GEAR UP practices.

Plenary Sessions

Plenary sessions serve as a core elements of the conference and are designed to provide the context for concurrent session dialogues. Past plenary sessions included nationally recognized individuals in the field of education and workforce development, as well as education policy makers, political appointees, philanthropists, business leaders, and others who champion the cause of improving public education and making postsecondary education more accessible to underrepresented communities.

Special Programs

In addition to the wealth of content being offered throughout the conference, including the Orientation to GEAR UP and NCCEP and one Pre-Conference session on July 19, we offer:

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Conference Hotel

 

Washington Hilton

1919 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009

The Washington Hilton is the site of the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference.
The historic hotel is within blocks of Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan, and the White House and National Mall are less than two miles away.

Booking Website: https://book.passkey.com/go/NCCEP2026

Attendees may also call 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) to make reservations by phone, referencing the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP room block.

Room Rates: $285 + tax for single

Sponsor & Exhibit

Interested in opportunities to sponsor or exhibit at our events? Check out options.

Sponsor & Exhibit
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Past Events

Looking for prior conference programs? Check out our National Events Archive.

National Events Archive