App State welcomes first group of GEAR UP students

Through a guaranteed admissions program with Appalachian State University, GEAR UP students from 11 Western North Carolina districts are helping to increase rural enrollment at the university. The inaugural cohort of GEAR UP Guarantee students are in their first semesters at the university, and the number of students attending Appalachian State University from these GEAR UP districts is up 38% compared to the previous year. “As we are seeing the first cycle of GEAR UP seniors enrolling in college, we are so pleased to see and hear all the stories from our students about how much of an impact the program had on them.” shares Corinne Smith, director of Appalachian GEAR UP. The GEAR UP Guarantee provides guaranteed admissions to Appalachian State University for students attending a GEAR UP school who meet certain requirements.