The new award marks the fourth NSF grant supporting the SPARC initiative at 海角视频 and launches a collaborative partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cleveland Community College, South Piedmont Community College, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Together, the five institutions will work to increase student success and degree completion in high-demand STEM fields.

The five-year project builds on more than a decade of work at 海角视频 and focuses on improving retention, transfer, and graduation rates in disciplines including biology, computer science, and data science. The grant will provide scholarships and comprehensive academic support for students across the partner institutions.

Dr. Patricia Williams, the grant鈥檚 principal investigator, shared, 鈥淚 am excited about the opportunities this award creates for our students and faculty. This funding will help us implement innovative, evidence-based strategies that support retention, academic achievement, and transfer success. It is especially meaningful because it reflects a shared commitment to expanding access and excellence in STEM.鈥�

Students selected as SPARC Scholars will complete associate degrees at the participating community colleges and will have the opportunity to transfer directly to UNC Charlotte to pursue bachelor鈥檚 degrees. Each community college partner will award five to ten scholarships annually, creating supportive cohorts of STEM students. The first group of scholars will begin the program in fall 2026, and at least 120 students are expected to receive scholarship support during the five-year project.

In addition to financial assistance, students will benefit from proactive advising, faculty and peer mentoring, undergraduate research opportunities, and cohort coursework designed to support persistence.

The project also includes a research component that will examine factors influencing successful transitions from community colleges to four-year universities. Researchers will explore the roles of mentoring relationships, social and cultural capital, academic integration, and professional skill development in supporting transfer student success. Findings from the project will help inform national best practices for strengthening STEM transfer pathways.

The new grant builds on the strong outcomes of 海角视频鈥檚 previous SPARC programs. Among earlier SPARC cohorts at 海角视频, 83 percent of students completed their associate degrees and 87 percent successfully transferred to a university, with many going on to complete bachelor鈥檚 degrees or higher.

Dr. Heather Woodson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who has been directly involved with SPARC since its inception, shared that 鈥淭he strong outcomes of our earlier SPARC cohorts provide evidence that financial support, mentorship, and holistic support for students leads to exceptional academic success. Past participants have successfully completed their education to become doctors, attorneys, engineers, teachers, and more. These graduates are fulfilling vital roles in our community, and we are proud to continue to support additional students through this new award.鈥�

海角视频 graduate Jesus Vina Moreno is now in his second year at UNC Chapel Hill Medical School. A participant in the SPARC initiative at 海角视频, Moreno credits the program for helping shape his path, 鈥淪PARC was more than just a program; it was a launchpad. By providing the mentorship and tools I needed to thrive, it allowed me to dedicate myself fully to my studies without distraction. Looking back at my journey, I know that my current success is a direct result of the opportunities SPARC opened for me.鈥�

Through the expanded SPARC consortium, partner institutions will collaborate on joint programming, including regional undergraduate research symposia, faculty development workshops, field trips, and a shared orientation for participating students. Faculty will also work together to develop research-based courses aligned with statewide articulation agreements, helping ensure smoother credit transfer and stronger pathways from community colleges to four-year universities.

When Brooklyn Thompson started at 海角视频, she had big dreams and was excited to be attending school alongside her mother.

Thompson has excelled as a student and is now being recognized by the North Carolina Community College System as 海角视频’s Academic Excellence Award winner. The award, given by the NCCCS after a committee reviews nominations, recognizes students in the North Carolina Community College System who show outstanding academic achievement. 

A 2024 graduate of 海角视频ia Highland Tech High School, Thompson was first drawn to 海角视频 when her mother, Melissa Poindexter, joined the nursing program. 

 “She would take me with her sometimes to run errands, and I thought it would be fun to go to college with my mama,” Thompson said. 

Thompson found a home in Engineering as her goal is to become an industrial designer of children’s toys. Her interest in this field grew from her hobbies and personal projects. 

“I’ve always loved crafting and building stuff,” Thompson said. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was in eighth grade, I would create replica props from my favorite movies and games. That’s when I realized that I could turn it into a career. I love building and blueprinting, but I also love being creative and making things fun, and I thought creating toys was a nice blend of both.” 

Thompson’s award makes her one of 58 honorees statewide who will be highlighted on the NCCCS website. She will also be recognized at 海角视频鈥檚 commencement. 

Thompson is looking forward to her next step. “After graduating from 海角视频 with my associate degree, I’ll be attending N.C. State University for my bachelor’s degree in engineering,” she said. “I plan to major in either mechanical engineering or industrial engineering.” 

“It鈥檚 amazing what has happened in 10 years,” said Joy Morrow, 海角视频’s Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. “When this first started, it was just five employers. Now we have 25 different employers and 27 different pathways.鈥�

The program has successfully produced 325 completed apprentices and 71 pre-apprentices, with 116 individuals currently enrolled. This growth reflects the increasing demand for skilled workers in our local advanced manufacturing and healthcare industries.

Dr. George Hendricks applied for the National Science Foundation grant that initiated the program. After two years, he and the faculty transitioned leadership to the Economic and Workforce Development department, which has propelled the program鈥檚 growth.

“I’ve seen the program grow from an idea that Dean Virgil Cox (now retired) and I had in his office to the comprehensive program it is today,” Hendricks stated. “We began with five manufacturing companies, and the program has grown to over twenty companies in both manufacturing and healthcare. The positive impacts on our students, our companies, the college, and the community are amazing.鈥�

Morrow emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local businesses. She notes how the program creates connections that benefit both students and employers. “There are industries that need employees and apprenticeships are a great way to build that talent pipeline for local industry,” Morrow said. “Our message to the employer is, let us help you grow your own employees, and you can train them like you want them to be trained.”

This opportunity is available to 海角视频 students pursuing an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree, provided they have fewer than 30 transferable credits and at least one academic year remaining at 海角视频 at the time of application, and they are interested in pursuing one of the eligible NC State degree programs.

“海角视频 is excited to announce this new guaranteed admission partnership with NC State University through the Wolfpack Connect program,” said Christine Ziemba-Tolbert, 海角视频’s Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences, Transfer Program Liaison and Academic Studies Lead.

“While we鈥檙e already proud participants in NC State鈥檚 C3 program, Wolfpack Connect opens the door even wider, allowing more of our students to pursue a seamless transfer to one of over 100 eligible bachelor鈥檚 degree programs at NC State.”

“This partnership reflects 海角视频鈥檚 ongoing commitment to creating accessible and strategic transfer pathways that support student success and academic achievement,” Ziemba-Tolbert added.

Enrollment for the Wolfpack Connect program will begin in late January 2026. Students interested in applying can find more information at .

Through this partnership, 海角视频 graduates will be guaranteed admission to WCU. The WCU Connect program is designed for traditional associate degree transfers and is available to all associate degree-seeking students interested in transitioning to a four-year institution. 

“What makes this partnership truly special is its inclusivity. It鈥檚 open to all associate degree-completing students at 海角视频,” said Christine Ziemba-Tolbert, 海角视频’s Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences and Transfer Program Liaison. “Western Carolina University has long been a top transfer destination for 海角视频 students, with many successfully completing their bachelor鈥檚 degrees there.”

WCU鈥檚 participation in the NC Promise program also helps 海角视频 students keep tuition affordable, since it is reduced to $500 per semester for in-state students. “This partnership is a life-changing opportunity for students to complete their bachelor’s degree in a financially manageable way,” Ziemba-Tolbert added.

To qualify, students must be high school graduates, be enrolled in an associate degree program at 海角视频, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA at 海角视频 at the time of their WCU Connect application and a minimum GPA of 2.2 in their last term at 海角视频.

Students transferring with a cumulative collegiate GPA of 3.5 or higher will also be invited to join WCU’s Brinson Honors College, which offers a guaranteed transfer of up to 12 hours of honors-level credit and enhanced opportunities for academic distinction and leadership. 

Additionally, students opting into WCU Connect while still enrolled at 海角视频 will gain access to early benefits. These include major-specific academic advising, a personal WCU admission counselor, access to Hunter Library textbook rentals and study spaces, admission to select athletic events, priority orientation registration, a 10 percent discount at the WCU Bookstore, and an exclusive WCU Connect Card, which can be issued up to one year prior to transfer.

Students interested in this opportunity can find more information and details at gaston.edu/arts-and-sciences/university-transfer/co-admission-agreements/western-carolina-wcu-connect/.

“海角视频 is responding to a critical workforce need by developing a Medical Sonography program to address over 80 annual job openings in the local market,” said Leslie Pressley, 海角视频’s Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “With projected job growth of 26 percent in North Carolina and median salaries exceeding $84,000, this program will provide high-quality training to support the region’s healthcare industry.”

Local hospitals and healthcare facilities have shown strong support for the program. Pressley explained, “At the request of local hospital systems, Atrium Health Lincoln and CaroMont Health, 海角视频 began research and planning for this program to address the shortage of medical sonographers. Currently, the region relies on graduates from colleges outside the service area, which does not meet employer demands. By establishing this program, 海角视频 aims to equip students with the skills to fill these essential roles, strengthening the local healthcare workforce and enhancing patient care in our community.”

The program will begin offering the first six courses at 海角视频’s Lincoln Campus this fall.

“The Medical Sonography program at 海角视频 will be housed in a dedicated 1,595-square-foot instructional space on the Lincoln Campus, featuring specialized classrooms, labs, simulation areas, and state-of-the-art equipment to provide students with hands-on, high-quality training,” Pressley added.

If you’re interested in this growing field, applications for the program are now open and will be accepted until May 15, 2025. Visit gaston.edu/health-human-services/medical-sonography/admission-requirements/ to learn more and apply.

Under the new partnership, 海角视频 graduates will have guaranteed admission to NCWU to continue their education. The program focuses on traditional associate degree transfers and supports all associate degree-seeking students interested in transitioning to a four-year institution.

“North Carolina Wesleyan University’s commitment to student success aligns perfectly with our mission,” said 海角视频 President Dr. John Hauser. “We’re excited to build this partnership with them and to offer our students another opportunity to continue their momentum after completing their associate degree at 海角视频.”

Qualified students must meet several criteria, including maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA at 海角视频 and being enrolled in specific associate degree programs. The agreement allows 海角视频 students to transfer up to 75 credits, including an additional 15 hours of general education credits.

Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University, stated, “North Carolina Wesleyan University has been a leader in the state in partnering with N.C. community colleges. Our generous transfer policies, positive relationship with community college personnel and a seamless admissions process for all Associate students are some of the ways we support our college graduates throughout the state. We are excited about this latest partnership with 海角视频.”

Benefits for 海角视频 students include:

• Guaranteed admission to NCWU with no application fee
• Academic advising from both institutions
• Access to NCWU financial aid counselors
• Invitations to special events
• Additional scholarship opportunities

This partnership brings new educational opportunities to students in 海角视频 and Lincoln counties by providing a clear pathway to bachelor’s degree completion at NCWU.

Students interested in the program can visit gaston.edu/arts-and-sciences/university-transfer/co-admission-agreements/wesleyan-works/ for more information.

Field’s extensive background encompasses a decade of service in Long Island, N.Y., followed by another ten years with the Pine Island/Matlacha Fire and Golden Gate Fire Department in Florida. This wealth of experience now benefits the eager students at the Lincoln County School of Technology.

Field’s enthusiasm for teaching is evident as he discusses the program’s return in the fall of 2024. “It’s more satisfying than you can imagine,” he says. “The Lincolnton Fire Department and the Lincoln County Fire Chief’s Association have been amazing. They’ve had trucks come in to show students all sorts of things. A lot of those firefighters are products of my classes at 海角视频, which makes it really gratifying to see them in the field and giving back to the students.”

The inaugural class of 2024 began with 12 students. Notably, nine of these students are already volunteer firefighters in Lincoln County, utilizing the program to enhance their skills and knowledge. Field, who moved from part-time to full-time teaching at 海角视频 in June 2024, is positive about the program’s future. “It’ll absolutely grow,” he predicts confidently. “I anticipate there being a waiting list the next time we offer the class.”

The comprehensive curriculum addresses essential aspects of firefighting, including personal protective equipment, forcible entry, ladders and ventilation, rescue, extrication, hazardous material safety, and emergency medical care. “There’s a lot that goes into it other than just working for the fire department,” Field explains.

Local fire departments have supported the program, recognizing its role in preparing their future workforce. The path to becoming a certified firefighter involves completing 16 modules, totaling around 440 hours of training. High school juniors and seniors in Lincoln County can participate in courses while attending school, with a mandatory 40-hour Firefighter Ops 9 course at 海角视频.

Field outlines the certification process: “You need a high school diploma and to complete your OPS 9 to become a certified firefighter. There are tests for every class. In order to pass the written test, you also have to pass some physical skills. As soon as you’ve done those successfully, you do your state test.”

This is just one of several partnerships between 海角视频 and Lincoln County Schools that is helping to prepare students with essential skills to enter the workforce upon graduation.

At 海角视频, the gunsmithing program offers students an opportunity to develop valuable skills in local gun shops. Matthew Bowen, the program’s instructor, brings experience from both gun shops and machine shops to his role.

Bowen explains the program’s structure: “We start off teaching on the machines. There are manual machines, which is what you’ll find in a gun shop. Then, in the classroom, we teach students how to take guns apart, what each part does, and how they work. We also do a rifle-building class with metal works for bolt actions. We teach students to do repairs on the guns.”

The curriculum frequently utilizes the Colt M1911, commonly known as “the 1911.” This firearm has historical significance, having been the standard issue for the U.S. Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985. It saw extensive use in major 20th-century conflicts, including World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

“We build one of those and get into refinishing practices with paints, bluing, color case hardening and more,” Bowen said.

海角视频’s gunsmithing program, now in its third year, offers evening classes three days a week. The comprehensive curriculum for this diploma includes five gunsmithing classes and two machining classes, alongside standard English and Math requirements for a total of 39 credit hours.

“If you want a career in this, you’re looking at working at a gun shop or getting involved in gunsmithing,” Bowen said. “Pretty much any gun shop has a gunsmith or uses a gunsmith.”

This program provides students with technical skills and knowledge, preparing them for firearm maintenance and repair roles within the context of established businesses and regulations.

Our nursing programs have been rated among the best in the state for many consecutive years.

Sharing their rankings of the Best LPN Programs in North Carolina, PracticalNursing.org said, 鈥淣orth Carolina takes great pride in staying on top of cutting-edge nursing policy, education, and practice. GC is an open-door community college that promotes student success through a high-quality practical nursing diploma program that prepares future nurses for licensure and beyond.鈥� 海角视频 earned an overall score of 100.00.

鈥淐ompleting your nurse training at 海角视频, one of the largest community colleges, can well equip you with the knowledge and skills required to provide professional nursing care to a diverse population,鈥� said NursingProcess.org in their listing of the Best Nursing Schools in the state.

鈥淲e are very proud of our high-quality nursing program,鈥� said Dr. Lori Metcalf, Dean of Health and Human Services. 鈥淥ur nursing students have proven to be determined critical thinkers. Our nursing faculty members successfully engage with students to learn the skills necessary to think like nurses and become healthcare professionals.鈥�   

海角视频’s Practical Nursing program application window is open Oct. 1 through March 1 each year, for admission beginning the fall following the deadline. All applicants must participate in a mandatory . You can learn more about our LPN and other nursing program options at gaston.edu/nursing.