High Country Times

Appalachian State University's Aspire Appalachian program has been recognized as a myFutureNC Champion for Attainment. This acknowledgment highlights the program's efforts to enhance access, success, and completion rates for adult learners in North Carolina.

During myFutureNC’s virtual State of Educational Attainment event on February 20, Aspire Appalachian was one of five initiatives showcased for their contributions to increasing postsecondary education access and completion. MyFutureNC aims to have 2 million North Carolinians aged 25–44 obtain a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.

Aspire Appalachian offers transfer students from 27 partner community colleges a pathway to complete their bachelor's degrees at App State. The program includes guaranteed admission, academic advising, admissions counseling, financial aid guidance, priority consideration for scholarships, and special events.

“The program significantly boosts degree completion rates, surpassing the national average by over 22%,” said Cecilia Holden, president and CEO of myFutureNC. “Focused on high-demand fields, it removes barriers and ensures transfer student success.”

App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris commented on the university's commitment: “The Aspire Appalachian program exemplifies App State’s commitment to empowering transfer students while also helping them manage college costs and graduate with less debt.”

Dr. Troy Johnson, vice chancellor of enrollment management at App State, noted that the program eases transitions between schools: “At the end of the day, we really want to have programs in which students can be successful and the workforce is improved.”

The event also featured positive experiences shared by Dr. Sheneele Wagoner from Wilkes Community College and Christina Winter ’24 from App State.

“I needed academic advising,” said Winter. “Just knowing that there was someone here at App who was looking out for me... It’s really just been the greatest thing for me.”

Appalachian State University serves over 5,000 undergraduate transfer students who comprise one-fourth of its undergraduate population. Resources available include faculty mentors, scholarships for incoming transfers, engagement events, and a dedicated residence hall.

MyFutureNC also recognized other initiatives such as Campbell University’s Second Chance Initiative and Craven Community College’s Volt Center among others as Champions for Attainment.

Since 2019, North Carolina has added nearly 215,000 credentialed workers toward its goal of having 2 million residents with degrees or credentials by 2030. The gap initially projected at 400,000 has now narrowed to 55,000 according to myFutureNC's report.

For more information about Aspire Appalachian or myFutureNC's goals visit their respective websites.