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Student Spotlight

GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Bella Powers
Jul 13, 2025

The GEAR UP Guarantee is a guaranteed admissions program to Appalachian State University for students in participating GEAR UP Appalachian programs.

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Katie Matheson

Former GEAR UP Student Returns as Chaperone
Jul 11, 2025

Katie Matheson, a 2020 graduate of Ashe County High School, remembers vividly the first time she joined a GEAR UP college bus tour as a student.

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YES Day Camp

YES Day Camp Sparks Creativity and Connection for WNC Students
Jul 8, 2025

From June 16th through 27th, the Young Eisner Scholar (YES) Day Camp welcomed two cohorts of rising 7th and 8th graders from Ashe and Watauga... Young Eisner Scholars, Front page

Student Spotlight

GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Brenda Palacios Rodriguez
Jun 30, 2025

Brenda Palacios Rodriguez never envisioned herself attending college. 

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MTCC Campus Visit

Interactive McDowell Technical Community College Visit Welcomes GEAR UP Students to Campus
Jun 26, 2025

What do you get when you cross a slushie machine, Play-Doh, and a gourmet homemade lunch?

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CAP Through our Eyes: Wes Calbreath

CAP Through our Eyes: Wes Calbreath
Jun 23, 2025

In this series, we feature individual CAP staff members and dive into the

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Academic Innovation Conference 2025

Academic Innovation In Action
Jun 20, 2025

On Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, 180 educators, administrators, and partners convened at the Reich College of Education at Appala

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GEAR UP Student Spotlight

GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Peyton Cline
May 14, 2025

Peyton Cline always knew that she was going to attend college.

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STEAM Expo at Swain County Middle School

2025 Swain County STEAM Expo
Apr 28, 2025

On Thursday, April 24, the STEAM Expo took place at Swain Middle School for the second year in a row. 

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College Adviser Meets Students Where They Are

College Adviser Meets Students Where They Are
Apr 9, 2025

On September 24, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Ashe County, North Carolina. 

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Science of the Storm Event

Making Meaning in the Wake of Helene
Mar 26, 2025

In September 2024, western North Carolina experienced what has been described as a once-in-a-100 (to some once-in-1000) year storm.

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GEAR UP Campus Visits Across North Carolina
Mar 14, 2025

One of the cornerstones of the Appalachian GEAR UP Program is campus visits.

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