News

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
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. 

College Advising Corps, Front page
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.

Upward Bound, College Advising Corps, Front page
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 programs in the...

Front page, College Advising Corps
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 persistence, determination...

College Advising Corps, Front page

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 Awards...

Front page, Upward Bound
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.

Front page, Empowering Teacher Learning
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.

GEAR UP, Front page
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 life.

College Advising Corps, Front page
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.

College Advising Corps, Front page
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.

College Advising Corps, Front page
Ashley Bingman, Adviser Mitchell HS