Celebrate National GEAR UP Week: September 21–25, 2026
This September, California GEAR UP will join thousands of students, families, educators, project partners, and college access professionals across the country in celebrating National GEAR UP Week.
National GEAR UP Week is an opportunity to celebrate the students and communities at the heart of GEAR UP, recognize the educators and project partners who support them, and highlight the difference GEAR UP programs are making in schools and communities across the nation.
Here in California, the celebration will bring together the statewide California GEAR UP project and local GEAR UP partnership programs to showcase the many ways GEAR UP is expanding college and career awareness, strengthening educational pathways, engaging families, and helping students see postsecondary education as part of what is possible for their future.
Throughout the week, GEAR UP schools and programs across California will host activities, share student and project partner stories, recognize accomplishments, and highlight the partnerships that make this work possible. In several communities, local leaders will also recognize National GEAR UP Week through city proclamations, bringing greater visibility to the students, educators, families, and partners advancing college and career opportunities in their communities. Together, these celebrations offer a broader picture of GEAR UP’s reach and impact across the state—and of our shared commitment to helping more California students prepare for and succeed in education beyond high school.
Stay tuned! California GEAR UP will feature National GEAR UP Week activities and celebrations from across the state on our website. We look forward to sharing how California’s GEAR UP community is Lighting the Way for students and families.
Need inspiration?
The National GEAR UP Week Toolkit developed by the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships provides ideas for GEAR UP programs to implement during National GEAR UP Week as well as templates and resources to download. This toolkit will help you:
- Advocate: Engage with local and national leaders to gain GEAR UP champions and support.
- Activate: Spread the word throughout your community that #GEARUPworks!
- Celebrate: Focus on student aspirations and how GEAR UP catalyzes success.
Contact us
Questions? Contact the California GEAR UP team at california.GEARUP@ucop.edu
