National Council for Community and Education Partnerships

The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to increasing academic success and access to higher education for students from low-income communities. NCCEP’s mission is to build the capacity of communities to ensure that underserved students have the opportunity, skills, and knowledge to successfully pursue the education and training that will enable them to achieve their career and life goals. We work towards a future where all students are empowered and equipped with the education and training needed to succeed in a diverse and global economy. NCCEP works to achieve these goals by helping to create and sustain K-16 education partnerships. 

Toward this end, NCCEP brings together colleges and universities with local K–12 schools, parent groups, businesses, government agencies, foundations, and community-based organizations to create systemic change in education. NCCEP provides leadership, advocacy, professional development, and technical assistance to college access practitioners. The primary program and constituency NCCEP serves is the federally-funded Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative. For more information, visit www.edpartnerships.org.