Advocating for
GEAR UP
NCCEP works closely with Congress, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Education to support the GEAR UP initiative which expands opportunity for students in low-income communities across the country.
Our Advocacy Goals
Jazmin Goodwin, GEAR UP Alum, and Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) following Jazmin's testimony calling for increased GEAR UP funding.
Ensure that GEAR UP remains a national priority for Congress despite calls from the administration to eliminate funding for GEAR UP.
Secure a Fiscal Year 2026 GEAR UP appropriation of $410,000,000 so that an additional 40,000 students can benefit from GEAR UP's work.
Promote the need for an open GEAR UP competition in 2026.
Advance our community's priorities through the reauthorization of GEAR UP.
How You Can Advocate For GEAR UP
Funding for GEAR UP is at risk and your voice matters.
No matter your role, you can help advocate for this critical college and career readiness program.
I work for a GEAR UP program
You see firsthand how #GEARUPworks in your local community. Here’s how you can help:
Contact your members of Congress. NCCEP’s action center makes it easy for you to send a message to your Senators and Representatives.
Are you a GEAR UP Director? NCCEP will contact you directly for specific ways you can support our advocacy on Capitol Hill.
Share the GEAR UP good news. Use NCCEP’s templates to help you grow awareness and support in your local community with press releases and other media outreach.
Subscribe to the GEAR UP Digest. Get weekly updates with legislative and policy analysis.
I’m a GEAR UP alum
Your voice is critical in showing how GEAR UP makes a difference in opening doors. Here’s how to tell your story:
Sign a letter of support by May 27. Join GEAR UP alumni from across the country in sharing the impact of this influential program.
Share on social media how GEAR UP has helped you. Use our Canva template to #StandUp4GEARUP. Don’t forget to tag NCCEP!
I’m a GEAR UP student or family member
GEAR UP is responsible for the extra support for college and career planning at your school. Here’s how you can help make sure that the program continues:
Share on social media how GEAR UP has helped you. Use our Canva template to #StandUp4GEARUP. Don’t forget to tag NCCEP!
Family members only: Contact your members of Congress. NCCEP’s action center makes it easy for you to send a message to your Senators and Representatives.
I’m a Partner or Friend of GEAR UP
GEAR UP needs champions like you. Your actions can help protect the future of this vital program for students nationwide. Here’s how you can make an impact:
Contact your members of Congress. NCCEP’s action center makes it easy for you to send a message to your Senators and Representatives.
Subscribe to the GEAR UP Digest. Get weekly updates with legislative and policy analysis.
Share on social media how GEAR UP has transformed those around you. It could be a student or a family you've worked with in the past. Don’t forget to tag NCCEP and use #StandUp4GEARUP!