Office of Rural Promise

Mountaineer Expeditions are GEAR UP campus-visits offered to our partner districts to help middle and high school students explore university opportunities and experience campus life. Visits are typically divided by grade level. Middle school visits introduce students to the idea of university—what it is, why it matters, and what being on a college campus feels like. High school visits provide a more in-depth experience, allowing students to explore specific departments and degree pathways. These visits often include sessions with Admissions to learn about the university application process. Past high school trips have featured academic presentations from Biology, Study Abroad, Health Sciences, Physics, Recreation Management, Sustainability, and more. We also partner with on-campus events, such as the APPlause Performing Arts Series, to offer additional culturally enriching experiences. While the majority of Mountaineer Expeditions take place at Appalachian State University, we have broadened our programming to include other UNC system campuses such as Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina Asheville. Over the last decade, our program has provided over 34,000 college campus visit experiences helping students to visualize what's possible after high school!

During the summer months, Mountaineer Expeditions hit the road, traveling across North Carolina to introduce students to a variety of public, private, and community college institutions. During these multi-day trips, students stay in dormitories and eat in dining halls to get a taste of campus life. In addition to campus tours and academic presentations, students also participate in cultural and historical experiences such as visiting aquariums, planetariums, science museums, and even taking historical riverboat tours.

The Mountaineer Expedition program is facilitated by a wonderful group of GEAR UP Guides made up of App State students. Learn a little about our current guides below and the one piece of advice each would give to high school students considering postsecondary options.

Aidan Holder
Hometown: Robbinsville, North Carolina
Major: Accounting
“My favorite part about being a GEAR UP Guide is getting to serve WNC schools and support students who are walking the same path I once did. As a former GEAR UP student, it’s meaningful to give back to a program that helped shape my own journey.”

Antonio Turazzo
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Major: Psychology
“My favorite part about being a GEAR UP Guide is getting to answer students’ questions about App’s amazing psychology program.” 

Emma Moon
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Major: Special Education
“Every tour is different. There is never a dull moment.”

Holly Attkisson
Hometown: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Major: Exercise Science
“I enjoy leading tours because it gives me the chance to show off the things I love about college.”

Malik Harris
Hometown: Morganton, North Carolina
Major: History/Social Studies Education minor in Political Science and Leadership Studies
“I love leading tours on campus for GEAR UP because I benefitted from it in my middle and high school years. I love being able to show students that success is possible, regardless of background.”