College Access Partnerships became part of the Office of Research and Innovation in 2025 and is now under the umbrella of the new Office of Rural Promise.
The Office of Rural Promise (ORP) housed in the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) builds partnerships to solve big challenges in rural communities; designs and implements services that impact rural students, families and educators; conducts evaluation and research on its programs to share with the field and recommends strategies and policy. Our team brings together rural leaders and leverages the existing strengths and innovations in our communities.
College Access Partnerships
College Access Partnerships (CAP) supports students from the Appalachian region of North Carolina to find their own unique path to postsecondary education and achieve their dreams.
Learning in the Professions
Learning in the Professions applies a self-directed micro-credential model to professional learning, providing consulting on micro-credential design and implementation, custom professional learning using institutional expertise, and program evaluation for grant recipients.
NC Rural Education Collaborative
The NC Rural Education Collaborative serves as the state affiliate for the National Rural Education Association. The program works across all of NC to bring rural educators together providing services to rural schools.
Latest News
Advise NC at Appalachian State Helps High School Seniors Take Their Next Steps
Nov 7, 2025
The midway mark of the fall semester has come and gone, bringing thousands of students across the state into the thick of their senior year
A Month in Review: October
Nov 3, 2025
The month of October proved to be a busy one for Appalachian GEAR UP schools!
Ashe County High School "Counts Down" to College
Nov 3, 2025
On Tuesday, October 14, Ashe County High School participated in College for North Carolina&rsqu
We believe the best way for our region to grow economically is to educate our students beyond high school. We build strategic partnerships that support our mission to strengthen local communities through college access and success. Our partners include community businesses and organizations, higher education and western NC school districts.