Post 2026 Xcalibur Conference Reflecting Together: What We Heard, What We Learned, and Where We Go from Here

Another Xcalibur conference is behind us, and it is one for the books. As we reflect on the conference, one thing is clear: meaningful impact does not happen by chance. It occurs because of intentional planning, reflection, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Our 2026 conference theme, Rooted in Results: Align, Adjust, Achieve, served as both a reminder and a call to action for the important work happening across GEAR UP programs. Just as trees depend on strong, healthy roots to grow and thrive, GEAR UP grants depend on clearly aligned activities, meaningful partnerships, and a willingness to look at data and ask questions. That was on full display throughout our time together. 

The conference theme, Rooted in Results: Align, Adjust, Achieve, was not just a tagline, it was a lens through which we examined grant work honestly and collectively. Participant engagement was high, and overwhelmingly, attendees said they will recommend the Xcalibur conference to other GEAR UP practitioners. 

Grounding Ourselves in What the Evidence Says

One of the most valuable aspects of this conference was the opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture. Participants explored existing research on GEAR UP's impact, reviewed student participation data, and examined the connection between activities and the broader outcomes they are working toward, with a particular focus on alignment to the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) measures. These GPRA measures are the federally required performance indicators used to assess whether a grant is meeting its intended outcomes. Through collaborative discussions, logic model activities, and shared learning, participants reflected on how their work contributes to short and long-term impact.

Honest Conversations About What Needs to be Adjusted

Conference sessions also emphasized the importance of program adjustment to ensure that activities remain relevant and effectively facilitate desired student outcomes and program goals. Continuous improvement requires programs to stay responsive, reflective, and willing to adapt. Attendees engaged in honest conversations about challenges, lessons learned, implementation barriers, and opportunities for growth following discussions from panelists whose grants have made great strides in specific GPRA measures. These discussions reinforced that adjusting strategies based on evidence is not a weakness, but a hallmark of responsive grant programming.

The Power of Connection

One of the most consistent takeaways from the conference was just how much it matters to be in the room together. By the end of the conference, attendees overwhelmingly reported that their professional networks had grown, and that those new connections were among the most valuable outcomes of attending.

One attendee put it best: "In this work, it's crucial to have a network. We don't have all the answers, and tapping into something new and refreshing can make all the difference."

That sentiment captures something true about this community. We are stronger when we learn from each other, lean on each other, and remind each other why this work matters.

Where We Go from Here

The conversations from this conference don't end here, they carry forward into planning, implementation, and evaluation work across every GEAR UP. As we continue the work, a few priorities stand out:

• Stay rooted in the data. Use what you know about your students to drive decisions about programming, outreach, and resource allocation.

• Keep adjusting. Responsive programming is effective programming, don't be afraid to shift when the evidence points you in a new direction.

A Final Word

To all attendees, thank you for engaging in open and honest discussions about your work. Your participation helped make this conference a meaningful experience. Together, we remain rooted in results and committed to achieving lasting impact on students, families, and communities.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) GEAR UP conference, where we will continue learning, collaborating, and strengthening our network.