Leadership Awards

2027 Nominations Coming Soon

Award nominations for the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Leadership Award are now closed, but nominations for the 2027 NCCEP/GEAR UP Leadership Award will open early next year! 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 2027 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.

Begin gathering your nomination story today — an alum, family member, professional, or student who embodies the GEAR UP spirit.

2026 Recipients

2026 GEAR UP Alum Leader of the Year

Michaela Subido Ceja
GEAR UP San Diego