Advise NC at App State

Advise NC at Appalachian State University is committed to supporting high school students throughout western N Carolina as they plan for their postsecondary pathways, including college enrollment, workforce employment, and military enlistment. By providing high-quality advising, the program works to ensure that all students are equipped to pursue the postsecondary pathway of their choosing and reach their highest potential. Advise NC was established in 2025 as a statewide collective composed of high-quality and long-standing advising programs housed at Appalachian State University, NC State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Advise NC at Appalachian State places well-trained, recent college graduates to serve as full-time Next Step Advisers in high schools throughout western N Carolina. Advisers work to ensure that all seniors are empowered to make informed decisions about their lives after high school. They collaborate with administrators, support staff, and teachers to support students as they develop their Next Step Plans and prepare to complete one of the three Es – Enrollment, Employment, or Enlistment – following graduation.

• Assist students with the development of post-graduation plans, including workforce entry, trade or technical school enrollment, 2-year or 4-year college enrollment, or military enlistment
• Provide one-on-one admissions and financial aid advisement to any student or family seeking assistance
• Encourage students to consider a broad range of appropriate post-secondary choices and assist them in developing a comprehensive list of good fit and match options
• Help students and families complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications
• Offer a variety of workshops, presentations, and events to promote next steps planning
• Engage families and mentors in support of their students’ post-secondary process, including calling all seniors’ families/guardians via phone
• Participate in activities, attend events, and interact with the school and community in an effort to build trust and relationships
• Record up-to-date service activity data using a web-based system

• Living Allowance
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Health Coverage
• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Training

• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Car recommended
• Permits attendance at school during off hours

• Education
• Children/Youth

• Public Speaking
• Counseling
• Youth Development
• Team Work
• Education