NCCEP

Corinne Smith transformed — strengthening systems, elevating people, and expanding what’s possible for students. That’s the kind of leadership that earned her the 2025 GEAR UP Professional Leader of the Year. 🌟🏆 Know someone making this kind of impact? Nominations for the 2026 NCCEP Leadership Awards close TOMORROW, May 8! Don’t wait — submit now! 🔗 Link in bio.

Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for the 2026 DLI cohort. 🎓

Dr. Leeson M. Taylor II is bringing GEAR UP’s promise to 20,000 students in Utah’s only majority-minority district — breaking down silos, unifying the message, and making sure every family knows college is within reach. The District Leadership Institute gave him the tools to make it happen.

Registration is now open! 🔔

This July, the GEAR UP family is heading to Washington, DC (July 19–22) — and the theme says it all: Lighting the Way. ✨

Every day, GEAR UP professionals show up as beacons for students — guiding them through the uncertainties of high school, illuminating paths to college and careers, and helping them see a future full of possibility. This conference is our chance to recharge that light together. 🎓💡

Come ready to connect. Leave energized and inspired for the new school year. 💪

The District Leadership Institute is changing the way GEAR UP leaders show up for their communities. 🎓

Rudy Ramirez has lived this mission from both sides. As a seventh grader in San Benito, Texas, GEAR UP changed everything. Now, as principal of Riverside Middle School, he’s making sure it does the same for his students.

DLI helped him refocus, re-energize, and lead with even greater urgency.

Applications are now open for the 2026 NCCEP District Leadership Institute. 🔗 Link in bio!

Don’t miss your chance to join a cohort of education leaders committed to making a real difference for their students and communities.

⚠️ The White House is proposing to eliminate GEAR UP in FY2027 — a program that has opened doors to career readiness and post-high-school education for hundreds of thousands of first-generation and low-income students.

But this isn’t over. Congress has the final say, and last year they rejected the same proposal. With your voice, they can do it again. 💪

We’re calling on GEAR UP partners, alumni, and families to send one clear message to Congress: .

👉 Take action now — link in bio!

From GEAR UP student in rural Kentucky to UCLA professor, US Census Bureau researcher, and data scientist — Joshua Sparks didn’t just beat the odds. He became someone who understands exactly what those odds mean.
He was once a number in a GEAR UP program. Now he works with the numbers that prove why programs like yours matter.
The professionals showing up for students every day deserve recognition. Nominate them for a 2026 NCCEP Leadership Award. 🏆✨

🔗 Link in bio to submit your nomination.

Melanie Adams came to GEAR UP looking for ways to reach every student at one of Utah’s most diverse schools. DLI gave her the framework — and a “name, face, story” approach that changed how she leads.
Whether you’re new to GEAR UP or a seasoned leader, DLI meets you where you are. 👇

Apply for the next cohort and join leaders like Melanie who are transforming their districts, one student at a time.
🔗 Link in bio

The energy in San Antonio last week was undeniable. 🌟
Over 160 senior GEAR UP leaders came together for the 2026 Directors’ Summit — and left with new ideas, deeper connections, and a whole lot of inspiration.
From welcome conversations to hands-on problem-solving sessions, every moment was built around one thing: collaboration.
The future of GEAR UP is being shaped by the people in that room. Catch the full story at the link in bio. 🔗

Last summer, Maria del Rosario Gazca from was named 2025 GEAR UP Family Leader of the Year for her dedication and commitment to supporting her community.
 
Do you know a GEAR UP alum, student, family member, or professional making an impact like Maria? Nominate them for a GEAR UP Leadership Award by May 8, 2026.
 (Link in bio)