GEAR UP

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.

GEAR UP, Front page
Student Spotlight

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

Brenda Palacios Rodriguez never envisioned herself attending college. 

GEAR UP, Front page
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? You get a 6th grade McDowell Technical Community College visit, of course! 

GEAR UP, Front page
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

Front page, GEAR UP
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

GEAR UP, Front page
GEAR UP Student Spotlight

GEAR UP Alumni Spotlight: Peyton Cline
May 14, 2025

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

GEAR UP, Front page
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. 

GEAR UP, Front page
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.

GEAR UP, Front page

GEAR UP Campus Visits Across North Carolina
Mar 14, 2025

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

GEAR UP, Front page
EPFP Cohort 2024-2025

Education Policy Fellowship Program 2024-2025 Cohort
Dec 12, 2024

Six faculty and staff in the Reich College of Education (RCOE) including two CAP staff members, and five educators from GEAR UP districts will be... GEAR UP, Front page

Inaugural GEAR UP L.E.A.D Student Coalition Program Cohort Announced
Dec 9, 2024

The GEAR UP L.E.A.D Coalition Program launches its inaugural cohort this month, and 25 student leaders from across western North Carolina ha

Front page, GEAR UP
Hurricane Relief

Hurricane Relief & Support
Oct 29, 2024

In light of the devastation and destruction that Hurricane Helene left in its path across Western North Carolina, there has been an overwhel

GEAR UP, Front page