National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP)

📚 Back-to-school planning? Don’t reinvent the wheel! NCCEP’s Career & College Clubs provides ready-to-use, 30-minute activities for students in grades 7–12 to build essential college and career readiness skills. 💡 Whether you’re planning advisory, afterschool sessions, or in-class supports, CCC has what you need—no need to start from scratch. 💡 Make your life easier this year. Explore Career and College Clubs and connect with Kelly Pappas for support! #GEARUPWorks

🚨 Breaking News: The Senate has advanced a bill that proposes continued funding for GEAR UP in FY 2026—an important early step in a longer process. Stay tuned for a deeper look at what this means and what comes next in next week’s GEAR UP Digest. #GEARUPworks

Let’s celebrate Peace Sanwoolu, the 2025 GEAR UP Student of the Year! 🎉📚 From virtual book clubs during the pandemic to leading Career & College Club and exploring campuses, Peace has embraced every opportunity Metro Nashville Public Schools offered. Now headed to Belmont University as a Bell Tower Scholar, she’s living proof that GEAR UP works—and that when students are supported, they soar. 💙✨ #GEARUPworks

Let’s give it up for Dr. Joshua Sparks, the 2025 GEAR UP Alumni of the Year! 🎓🌟 From finding his path at the first GEAR UP Kentucky College Awareness Academy to earning a PhD and teaching at UCLA, Dr. Sparks is the definition of resilience, brilliance, and giving back. His journey is proof that GEAR UP changes lives—and those lives go on to change the world. #GEARUPworks

Let’s give a huge round of applause to Maria Del Rosario Gazca, a shining example of perseverance and growth through GEAR UP! A proud parent from Palmview, Texas, Maria returned to education after earning her GED and raising three children. Inspired by her involvement in her son’s GEAR UP program with Region One, she attended parent workshops, earned her Temporary Teacher Certification, and found a new calling in the classroom. Today, she’s making a difference as a Temporary Teacher, proving it’s never too late to grow, give back, and inspire others. #GEARUPworks

Let’s give a huge round of applause to Ty McCall, the 2025 GEAR UP Professional of the Year! As a Site Facilitator with Alabama State University GEAR UP, Ty brings more than 20 years of experience, heart, and hustle to every student she serves. From launching innovative programs to building bridges between schools and communities, Ty’s impact is deep, lasting, and transformative. We’re honored to celebrate her dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders. #GEARUPworks

Big congratulations to M. Corinne Smith, our 2025 GEAR UP Professional Leader of the Year! 🏆 As Deputy Director of College Access Partnerships and Director of GEAR UP at Appalachian State, Corinne has transformed opportunities for students—bringing in over $90M in funding and expanding college access across North Carolina. This recognition is so well deserved! 💛👏 #GEARUPworks College Access Partnerships at Appalachian State University

🌱 Welcome to the 2025 GEAR UP/NCCEP Annual Conference! 🌱 We’re excited to kick off this year’s conference in San Francisco with the theme “Planting Seeds.” This is our time to share ideas, build connections, and spark new possibilities for the future of our students. Let’s make the most of every session, every conversation, and every moment. #GEARUPworks

Over 700 GEAR UP alumni. One unified message: #GEARUPworks. In the past few weeks, alumni from every corner of the country stood up, spoke out, and reminded elected officials—and the world—that GEAR UP changes lives. Your voices are powerful. Your stories matter. And your impact is undeniable. Thank you for showing what it means to carry the mission forward. #GEARUPworks #StandUp4GEARUP

🌱 We’re planting seeds—and it starts with bold ideas and inspiring voices. We’re thrilled to introduce the keynote speakers for the 2025 NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference, each of whom brings powerful insights and energy to this year’s theme: Planting Seeds. 🌱 Planting Seeds of Opportunity: Dr. Christopher Emdin, award-winning author and professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, known for fusing education, innovation, and access. 🌱 Planting Seeds of Leadership: Brett Culp, documentary filmmaker and founder of The Rising Heroes Project, who inspires audiences through the power of storytelling and human connection. 🌱 Planting Seeds of Wonder: Monica Parker, founder of HATCH and bestselling author, who helps individuals and organizations cultivate curiosity and purpose. #GEARUPworks