News

LaCodia Reid-Jackson, adviser at St. Stephens High School

Started from the bottom, now I'm here!
Apr 12, 2024

What if I told you that I was born into an abusive family? You probably would have never guessed that about me. Life was rough in the beginning, then ...

UB and CAC Collaborate at Orientation

Upward Bound Orientation Brings CAP Collaboration Opportunity
Apr 10, 2024

Each Spring, newly accepted Upward Bound scholars and their families join current UB students at the annual Upward Bound Orientation. Graduating senio...

CAP Through our Eyes: Gloria Medina

CAP Through our Eyes: Gloria Medina
Apr 5, 2024

In this series, we feature individual CAP staff members and dive into their unique perspectives on college access, education, the role of our grant pr...

Alexandria Reaves, adviser at Hiwassee Dam and Andrews High School

Breaking Barriers: My Path from First-Gen Student to College Adviser
Mar 15, 2024

As a first-generation student who experienced the challenges of financial instability, my journey through higher education has been defined by persist...

Upward Bound's Jessica Dale Finalist for 4 Under 40 Awards
Mar 12, 2024

College Access Partnership’s staff member Jessica Dale is recognized as a finalist for the 8th annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awar...

ETL Navigators from left: Dr. Erin West, Holly Weaver, Sherry Thomas-Paddie, and Heather Childress attend the ISSDL Symposium in February

ETL Navigators Present at 37th International Self-Directed Learning Symposium
Mar 7, 2024

Empowering Teacher Learning (ETL) Navigators—Heather Childress, Sherry Thomas-Paddie, Holly Weaver, and Dr. Erin West—presented at the 37th Intern...

GEAR UP Camp NASCAR

Camp NASCAR Coming this Summer
Mar 1, 2024

Rising GEAR UP sophomores and juniors can race into summer learning with a 5-day camp on the campus of Appalachian State University June 17-21. Camp N...

Keyara McKinney, adviser at R-S Central High School

Psalms 46:5| Failure was never an option
Feb 26, 2024

Ever felt like a disappointment? It’s been 10 years of perseverance, sacrifice and faith that has gotten me through the toughest moments of my ...

Hannah Thoman, adviser at Robbinsville High School

Growing Up as a Military Child: The Struggles of Connection
Feb 16, 2024

Growing up, moving was normal and something I expected pretty frequently. My Step-Dad was in the Army and every few years he would get stationed somew...

Bridget Oberg, adviser Smoky Mountain High School

Preschoolers To Highschoolers: The Moments That Last
Jan 26, 2024

Finding myself as a high school employee was never part of my plan. Life has led me through work in various childcare roles and almost earning a licen...