Washington, DC
The NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference is the national convening of professionals, parents, students, policymakers, and community partners who support GEAR UP programs and the students they serve.
Learning Lab participants attend live virtual sessions with a small group of peers while also taking online courses on their own time. The three-month fall session begins September 7.
Onboarding Learning Lab: Successfully start a new role with GEAR UP by gaining skills, knowledge, and connections.
College Advising Learning Lab: Learn how to help students research, apply to, and select the college that fits their needs.
NCCEP committees include a diverse group of volunteer members that help engage the community, share their expertise for professional development, and offer input to NCCEP on programs and services.
Most committees meet monthly via Zoom. Committee members contribute 1 – 2 hours per month over a 2-year term, from October 1 to September 30.
Join students, families, educators, and partners from across the nation in celebrating GEAR UP and the impact of your hard work and dedication.
National GEAR UP Week is an opportunity to spotlight the difference GEAR UP is making in communities everywhere. It’s a time to engage local, state, and federal leaders, connect with partners and funders, and share stories that highlight how GEAR UP is opening doors for students and families.
Together, let’s commemorate your commitment and the progress students are making as they move closer to their dream of college and beyond.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
This time of year provides an opportunity for reflection and to ground us in why we do our work. Together, we’ll explore professional and personal mission statements—what they are, why they matter, and how they can reinforce one another. Led by members of NCCEP’s Communications Advisory Committee, this session centers connection, purpose, and community.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Going to the NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in July? Join this webinar to learn about the conference, review how to use the planning tools, and cover best practices and tips. We have a tool to share and will also have time for Q&A.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
Supporting special student populations within GEAR UP programming requires intentional engagement strategies that foster belonging, connection, and student success. Join us to discuss and share ideas for effectively serving diverse and rural student populations through relationship-building, programming practices, and meaningful student engagement that can be sustained throughout the year.
NCCEP’s Student Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
Join other GEAR UP professionals to build a proactive summer roadmap for three critical pillars of our work: our students' momentum, our program’s efficiency, and our own professional longevity. Through personal reflection and collaborative conversation, we will tackle key questions to ensure that when school starts in the fall, both you and your cohort are ready for what’s next.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
The annual NCCEP/GEAR UP Leadership Awards recognizes those individuals for their contributions to GEAR UP as a whole.
There are four categories for awards: (1) Professional Leaders of the Year (one executive-level and one providing direct services), (2) Student Leader of the Year, (3) Family Leader of the Year, and (4) Alum Leader of the Year.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
The District Leadership Institute for Systemic Change is NCCEP’s premier leadership development program focused on fostering systemic change in GEAR UP schools and districts to maximize GEAR UP’s impact on school change and student outcomes.
Designed in partnership with Inflexion, district- and state-level leaders and college access professionals will receive three full days of in-person professional training, optional coaching calls, and virtual touch points throughout the six-month program.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
Want to meet families where they’re at? Consider places to host GEAR UP events to meet families in their community. Join us in this conversation to brainstorm locations to host events to meet families where they are.
NCCEP’s Family Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Do you have lingering questions about the Leadership Award nomination process?
Join us for office hours to get your questions answered. We’ll also share valuable tips and strategies for submitting a competitive nomination. Don’t miss your chance to get your GEAR UP leader recognized on the national stage at the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate!
Virtual Office Hours with NCCEP's Family Engagement Committee is an opportunity to ask burning questions and get real advice. Attendees should bring a big question or project they are working on for which they are seeking input.
In an open format, the group will share ideas, strategies, and advice to help each other enhance GEAR UP family engagement programming.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
Join this interactive session to discuss the critical communication elements for stronger partnerships with your schools, organizations, or even families.
Led by members of NCCEP’s Communications Advisory Committee, you’ll reflect on who your partnerships are, what your grant and partner each give and get, and how best to communicate to reach your shared goals.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
In the College Success Learning Lab, learn how to help students succeed in the transition to and in the first year of college. Participants attend live virtual sessions with a small group of peers while also taking online courses on their own time.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
San Antonio, TX
An exclusive opportunity for GEAR UP senior leaders to build relationships, consult with peers, and problem-solve collaboratively.
In Learning Labs, participants attend live virtual sessions with a small group of peers while also taking online courses on their own time.
Onboarding Learning Lab: Successfully start a new role with GEAR UP by gaining skills, knowledge, and connections.
College Success Learning Lab: Learn how to help students succeed in the transition to and in the first year of college.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Online
The National GEAR UP Academy is designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and practices of GEAR UP leaders, practitioners, and partners. Designed for engagement, this event focuses on topics relevant to GEAR UP with a focus on tools, key information, and team time.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Attending the National GEAR UP Academy? This webinar is for you! Join us to learn about the National GEAR UP Academy structure and create a schedule to make the most of the opportunity. Bring your questions - we will have plenty of time for Q&A.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
Engaging GEAR UP students in leadership positions can help to unlock sense of belonging, relationship building, and motivation for the future. Join us to brainstorm and share ideas on how to keep this momentum throughout the year within all student programming.
NCCEP’s Student Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Want to present at the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference taking place from July 19–22 in Washington, DC? We are accepting proposals to present via our Request for Proposals (RFP).
The NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference is the national convening of professionals, parents, students, policymakers, and community partners who support GEAR UP programs and the students they serve.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
Have you noticed shifts in how families engage with schools and GEAR UP? Whether you’ve been working with families for years or are new to the field, join us to explore trends and brainstorm how to adjust services to meet families where they’re at. Come for ideas to refresh services in time for the new year!
NCCEP’s Family Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
Join this interactive session to collaboratively assess and improve how we communicate within our teams. Led by members of NCCEP’s Communications Advisory Committee, it's a chance to step back, share practical successes, and identify areas where we can be more efficient and effective.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Join to learn all about the new Study Lab platform! Redesigned with input from the GEAR UP community, learn about the changes, the courses, and how to use the platform.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
National GEAR UP Week is more than just a celebration that happens once a year, it is an opportunity to advocate, activate, and celebrate GEAR UP and your successes. Join us to brainstorm and share ideas on how to keep this momentum throughout the year within all student programming.
NCCEP’s Student Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Join us for a session on how Everfi's free digital learning resources can strengthen your college and career readiness initiatives. Explore how its curriculum supports GEAR UP goals—from financial literacy and STEM to health & wellness and workforce development.
We’ll spotlight a case study from Iredell-Statesville Schools, which integrated Everfi into their GEAR UP grant to secure funding and deliver strong student outcomes.
Whether enhancing current programming or preparing for future grants, this webinar offers actionable insights and tools to support your mission.
Key Takeaways:
Explore Everfi's suite of digital resources aligned to GEAR UP priorities
Hear directly from Iredell-Statesville Schools on their grant success story
Discover strategies to integrate Everfi into your GEAR UP programming
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Interested in presenting at the 2026 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in Washington, DC, July 19–22?
Join Adriana Feijoo and Dr. Katie Hill for an informative session on the Request for Proposals process and learn how you can submit a successful proposal!
All event times are scheduled in ET.
Join students, families, educators, and partners from across the nation in celebrating GEAR UP and the impact of your hard work and dedication.
National GEAR UP Week is an opportunity to spotlight the difference GEAR UP is making in communities everywhere. It’s a time to engage local, state, and federal leaders, connect with partners and funders, and share stories that highlight how GEAR UP is opening doors for students and families.
Together, let’s commemorate your commitment and the progress students are making as they move closer to their dream of college and beyond.
Come ready to participate! Discussion Labs are an opportunity to share, learn, and problem-solve together.
The beginning of the school year is full of energy, excitement, and possibility - and it’s a great time to kick off family engagement with your best foot forward! Join us to brainstorm ways to partner with schools to incorporate GEAR UP into events and early outreach strategies to start engaging with families.
NCCEP’s Family Engagement Advisory Committee will facilitate this conversation-based meeting.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
NCCEP committees include a diverse group of volunteer members that help engage the community, share their expertise for professional development, and offer input to NCCEP on programs and services.
Most committees meet monthly via Zoom. Committee members contribute 1 – 2 hours per month over a 2-year term, from October 1 to September 30.
Learning Lab participants attend live virtual sessions with a small group of peers while also taking online courses on their own time. The three-month fall session begins September 8.
Onboarding Learning Lab: Successfully start a new role with GEAR UP by gaining skills, knowledge, and connections.
College Advising Learning Lab: Learn how to help students research, apply to, and select the college that fits their needs.
Join us for a deeper look at 2025 National GEAR UP Week: Planting Seeds, Growing a Nation. We’ll reflect on the meaning behind this year’s theme and share ways to make your celebration impactful and inspiring.
This webinar builds on the presentation from the 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference and will offer practical tools, ideas, and guidance from NCCEP and Communications Advisory Committee . Whether you're just starting to plan or looking to take things to the next level, we’re here to help you create a powerful and engaging GEAR UP Week.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
San Francisco, CA
The NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference is the national convening of professionals, parents, students, policymakers, and community partners who support GEAR UP programs and the students they serve. You can now book your hotel room, review the Conference At-A-Glance, and check out our frequently asked questions to get a head start.
Going to the NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference in July? Join this webinar to learn about the conference, review how to use the planning tools, and cover best practices and tips. We have a tool to share and will also have time for Q&A.
All event times are scheduled in ET.
