Leadership Awards
Nominations Are Open for 2026 Awards
The 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Leadership Award Nominations are NOW OPEN! There are 4 categories for awards: (1) Alum Leader of the Year; (2) Family Leader of the Year; (3) Professional Leaders of the Year (one executive-level and one providing direct services); and (4) Student Leader of the Year. Award winners will be recognized at the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
Our community is filled with countless GEAR UP champions who embody the change they wish to see in the world. While the success of every GEAR UP program depends on the collective efforts of dedicated teams, partners, and stakeholders, we also recognize those individuals who consistently go above and beyond to make an extraordinary impact.
With the annual Leadership Awards, we wish to recognize those individuals for their contributions to GEAR UP and our communities. We are happy to partner with the GEAR UP Alumni Association to spotlight one alum of the year who actively engages their community and upholds the values and mission of GEAR UP through the Alum Leader of the Year Award.
Please take a moment to nominate an alum, family member, professional, or student from your GEAR UP program who deserves this national accolade.
Nominations are due Friday, May 8, 2026. You can submit multiple nominations.
Four Steps to Submit a Nomination
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Alum:
What unique traits make your nominee an excellent candidate for this award?
What specific achievements do you believe distinguish your nominee as a candidate for this award?
How has your nominee made a positive impact in their community, nationally, or among the GEAR UP community?
Family Member:
On average, how many hours does your nominee dedicate to participating in or helping at GEAR UP events each month?
1–2 hours
3–5 hours
6–8 hours
10+ hours
What makes your nominee an excellent candidate for this award?
How has your nominee's involvement with GEAR UP helped to encourage other families to become engaged in their child's college and career readiness?
What are above and beyond elements that come to mind when thinking of your nominee and their support of GEAR UP?
Professional:
How long has this person been with GEAR UP?
0–2 years
3–5 years
6–10 years
10+ years
What makes your nominee an excellent candidate for this award?
How has your nominee’s work contributed to the improvement of college access and success for GEAR UP students?
What are the above and beyond elements that come to mind when thinking about your nominee and their support of GEAR UP?
Student:
What makes your nominee an excellent candidate for this award?
How has your nominee’s involvement with GEAR UP helped to encourage other students to become engaged in college and career readiness?
What are the above and beyond elements that come to mind when thinking about your nominee and their support of GEAR UP?
Include supporting documentation to highlight your nominee (e.g., letters of recommendation, videos, photos, articles).
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If you have lingering questions, watch the recording of Office Hours.
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Fill out and submit a nomination form for each nominee.
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We will reach out in mid-May regarding your nominee.
2025 Recipients
2025 professional Leader of the Year
Ty McCall
Alabama State University GEAR UP
2025 Professional Leader of the Year
Corinne Smith
Appalachian State University
2025 Student Leader of the Year
Peace Sanwoolu
GEAR UP-Nashville
2025 Family Leader of the Year
Maria del Rosario Gazca
Region One GEAR UP
2025 GEAR UP Alum Leader of the Year
Dr. Josh Sparks
GEAR UP Kentucky