On November 7th, GEAR UP students from Ashe County High School, Watauga High School, Alleghany High School, and Wilkes Central High School traveled to Appalachian State University for a special admissions-focused Mountaineer Expedition. This visit was a collaboration between several GEAR UP partners and included presentations from the App State Admissions department, Career Development Center, as well as support from the Chancellor’s Scholars.
Students started their day with Career Coach from the Career Development Center, Em McLamb, and Appalachian State Admissions Counselor, Nick Siringo.
Em encouraged students to think about their futures and the careers they envision for themselves.
Nick provided insight into life at Appalachian State University, discussed the details of the application process, and provided information on financial aid and scholarships.
“The students were incredibly engaged,” Nick said. “They asked thoughtful questions about my transition to college as a fairly recent App grad and about specific programs on campus. Being able to serve as an advocate for App State and for higher education to such a driven group of students was a truly meaningful experience.”
After the session with Admissions and Career Development, students watched a presentation about college fit and match from the Chancellor’s Scholars and Appalachian GEAR UP Assistant Director for Higher Education Partnerships, Adam Warren.
“Visiting a college campus is only as impactful as the experiences students have while they’re here,” Adam said. “Thanks to our outstanding partners in the Career Development Center and Admissions at Appalachian State, the GEAR UP campus visit became far more than a simple tour—it was an opportunity for students to envision their future. They explored the steps beyond high school, imagined the careers that await them, and began charting their path toward postsecondary success.”
Following these sessions, students went on a tour of campus and visited the dining hall for a lunch provided by GEAR UP.
Throughout the tour and lunch, students were encouraged to envision themselves on a college campus and what a postsecondary journey could do for their futures, according to Adam Warren.
“They reflected on their career goals and dreams, identified institutions that align with those aspirations, and discovered what makes Appalachian State a place where those dreams can thrive,” said Adam. “Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their futures—and the incredible collaboration we witnessed on Friday made that vision a reality.”
For more information on Mountaineer Expeditions, click here.
