Lighting the Way Through Connection and Collaboration at the 2026 GEAR UP Annual Conference

This year’s NCCEP GEAR UP Annual Conference brought GEAR UP professionals from across the country together in Washington, D.C., centered on the theme “Lighting the Way.” After attending the conference for many years, this was my first opportunity to step into the role of presenter.

The conference also gave me the chance to reconnect with longtime friends and colleagues, meet new people, and learn from programs doing meaningful work across the country. These relationships are among the most valuable parts of attending NCCEP. Each conversation offers a new perspective, a helpful idea, or a reminder that we do not have to navigate this work alone. By sharing what has worked, what has been challenging, and what we are still learning, we help light the way for one another.

I presented alongside Mireya Contreras from the University of Central Oklahoma and my Xcalibur colleague Melissa Gattuso. Our session, “Flip the Switch from Data Requests to Program Collaboration,” focused on strengthening data-sharing partnerships between GEAR UP programs and their school and district partners.

Data collection is essential for federal reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement. However, the process can become stressful when responsibilities are unclear, contacts change, deadlines are missed, or partners do not fully understand why the information is needed. Our presentation explored how programs can move beyond transactional data requests and build more collaborative, sustainable relationships.

We shared practical strategies such as starting data-sharing agreements early, identifying a champion within each partner organization, reducing the burden on district staff, clarifying data needs, and remaining flexible and responsive throughout the process.

A central part of the presentation highlighted UCO GEAR UP’s data luncheons. These events brought school and district partners together to share a meal, build relationships, clarify expectations, and discuss upcoming data needs. What began as an effort to improve data collection led to clearer timelines, more consistent data delivery, improved communication, and stronger relationships with district personnel.

We also wanted the session to be interactive and approachable. Participants reflected on their own data “bright spots” and “blind spots,” shared experiences, and considered how the strategies might work within their own programs. It was encouraging to see the audience participate, ask questions, and learn from one another.

Presenting with Mireya and Melissa made the experience even more meaningful. Preparing and presenting as a team reinforced one of the session’s main messages: strong work is built through communication, collaboration, and relationships.

I left Washington, D.C., grateful for the opportunity to present, energized by the ideas shared throughout the conference, and excited to continue the conversations that began there. Whether we are sharing a successful strategy, offering a different perspective, or simply making a new connection, we all have opportunities to light the way for others.