NLA partners with Washington higher-education institutions in order to create comprehensive college preparation experiences formiddle-school and high-school students.

NLA has partnered with the University of Washington, Washington State University, Central Washington University, Heritage University;  Big Bend, Yakima Valley, Columbia Basin, Wenatchee Valley and Walla Walla Community Colleges. NLA has managed GEAR UP programs affiliated with each of these institutions and written grants that have brought in significant new resources for college outreach.

Central Washington University and NLA have sustained a rich partnership through two GEAR UP projects from 2001-2011 serving twelve rural central Washington school districts.

Since 1999, NLA has partnered with the University of Washington, Washington State University, Central Washington University, and Big Bend, Yakima, Columbia Basin, and Wenatchee V alley Community Colleges to provided programs in 70 schools in 27 districts across 8 rural counties.