Aspire is a seamless pathway for transfer students to complete their degrees at App State
McDowell Technical Community College entered into a formal partnership this week with Appalachian State University’s Aspire Appalachian program, a four-year college transfer program which provides a streamlined path for students enrolled in community colleges to complete their bachelor’s degrees at nearby App State in Boone, NC.
The Aspire Appalachian program is designed to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for students between App State and McDowell Tech, boost degree completion rates and minimize student loan debt.
McDowell Tech hosted a signing ceremony on Thursday to formalize the agreement between the colleges. Dr. Neva J. Specht, Provost at App State, and Dr. J.W. Kelley, President at McDowell Tech, spoke briefly to students, staff and administrators before officially signing the partnership agreement. “McDowell Tech and App State share a vision of student success and economic mobility for all our students,” said Kelley. “This partnership provides a clear path for students to progress into their dream careers. With academic resources and the McDowell Tech culture of sincere, caring support, students can Start Their Dreams with us.”
Tech students who have questions about the program may contact Dobson at 828-659-0699 or [email protected]
Aspire Appalachian — benefits, eligibility and how to participate
There are numerous benefits for students who transfer from McDowell Tech to App State through the Aspire Appalachian program:
- Guaranteed admission to App State.
- Dedicated academic advising from both McDowell Tech and App State.
- Guidance and assistance through the entire App State admissions process.
- Financial aid advising and planning to help students maximize their financial aid package and minimize college debt.
- Priority consideration for a select number of $1,000 Appalachian Excellence Scholarships (available to students who have completed summer or fall admission applications by Feb. 1).
- Invitations to special webinars, events and newsletters designed to help students with the transfer process and to succeed at App State.
To participate in the Aspire Appalachian Program, students must be continuously enrolled at McDowell Tech and on track to complete an approved two-year associate degree with a minimum 2.25 grade-point average in all academic coursework. Eligible degree programs include Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation, Associate of Science in Teacher Preparation or Associate in Applied Science.
“The ASPIRE Appalachian partnership embodies our commitment to empowering students in rural communities,” said Valerie Dobson, Vice-President of Academics and Student Services and Chief Academic Officer at McDowell Tech, a 2021 App State alumna with an Educational Specialist Degree in Higher Education and Community College Leadership. “By providing pathways to higher education and career success, we are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities that will transform not just individual lives, but the entire region.”
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App State’s strong support of transfer students has earned the university the reputation of being one of the most transfer-friendly schools in the nation. For eight consecutive years, App State has been named to Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes four-year colleges and universities across the nation for developing dynamic and innovative pathways that lead to success among community college transfer students.
“We are proud to partner with McDowell Technical Community College to help North Carolinians realize the immense potential that can be reached when two- and four-year institutions collaborate to support students who want access to a college education,” said Dr. Specht. “Together, we are working to meet workforce demand and contributing to the economic health and wellbeing of our state and region.”
”Through the ASPIRE Appalachian partnership, McDowell Technical Community College is able to offer our students the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed,” said Dobson. “This initiative strengthens our mission of fostering academic achievement and economic mobility, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students in Appalachia.”
Students who are interested in the Aspire program should contact Dobson at 828-659-0699 or [email protected]. For more information about university and college agreements at McDowell Tech, visit https://mcdowelltech.edu/university-college-agreements/ .
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
