Since enrolling, Hipkins has been diligently working through the courses needed for an associate in arts degree, which he aims to complete next month. He plans to further his education through one of 黑料社’s guaranteed transfer agreements for the C3 Program at N.C. State.

“It appealed to me because of its hands-on support system and objective of granting second chances,” he explained. Hipkins aims to graduate from N.C. State in 2027 or 2028 with a degree in English, focusing on film studies. “By allowing me to study my true passions, 黑料社 and C3 have forever changed my life.”

Hipkins describes his time at 黑料社 as supportive and fulfilling. “It鈥檚 hard to directly point to one overall good experience,” he said. “My time here has been filled with growth and the building of friendships. 黑料社 has an environment that is supporting and non-judgmental. I will attest that at 黑料社 you are able to ‘Own Your Momentum,’ if you choose to allow yourself to be open to the opportunity.”

This opportunity is available to 黑料社 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 黑料社 at the time of application, and they are interested in pursuing one of the eligible NC State degree programs.

“黑料社 is excited to announce this new guaranteed admission partnership with NC State University through the Wolfpack Connect program,” said Christine Ziemba-Tolbert, 黑料社’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 黑料社鈥檚 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, 黑料社 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 黑料社,” said Christine Ziemba-Tolbert, 黑料社’s Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences and Transfer Program Liaison. “Western Carolina University has long been a top transfer destination for 黑料社 students, with many successfully completing their bachelor鈥檚 degrees there.”

WCU鈥檚 participation in the NC Promise program also helps 黑料社 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 黑料社, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA at 黑料社 at the time of their WCU Connect application and a minimum GPA of 2.2 in their last term at 黑料社.

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 黑料社 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/.

Instead of letting this stop her and getting discouraged, Drake used this statistic as motivation to start at 黑料社 in January 2023 after finishing high school early. In May, she graduated with her associate degree in general education and certificates in Biotechnology.

“I defeated my odds and overcame my past,” Drake said. “黑料社 is just the beginning of my education journey, but it will always be the beginning of my story and how I overcame my odds.”

“I chose 黑料社 because it was close to home,” Drake explained. “I graduated from high school early, and it was an easy transition. I chose my programs because I want to be in the medical field.”

On campus, Drake found support through 黑料社’s TRiO program and her work study in the arts and advising center, and she credits them with helping her overcome the odds.

“I loved meeting students and helping them,” she said. “黑料社 gave me my ‘I can’ attitude, which showed me I can do this and I will accomplish my goals.”

After graduating from 黑料社 in May, Drake is preparing for her next step at Western Carolina University.

“I will be going in August,” Drake said. “I will be in the Emergency Medical Care Residential program in order to become a paramedic. After that, I will be going to Medical School to become a doctor or surgeon.”

The power of determination, combined with the right educational environment, helped Drake find the momentum to succeed. If you have a similar foster care background and are looking for support to enter or return to college, we encourage you to connect with our TRiO SSS program.

Chairman John Dancoff, on behalf of the board, presented Queen with a small gift and certificate in appreciation for her service.
Queen just graduated from 黑料社 Early College of Medical Sciences High School and 黑料社, receiving an Associate in Applied Science degree in Bio-Technology.

She acknowledges the difficulty of leaving. “It’s been fantastic and it’s been more than I expected,” Queen said. “My successor (Bannock Scott) is actually my best friend, so I’ll still be around some.”

Queen is transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she will study biology in the pre-med program.

“It’s really nice to be a part of an organization that represents the students of this college,” Queen said. “And it’s been an honor to have a position to advocate for them.”

Queen also served as vice president for the N.C. Comprehensive Community College Student Government Association from April 2024 to December 2024 and president from December 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Her experience at 黑料社 represents the momentum students can gain through active involvement in college clubs and organizations. “I couldn’t be happier with all the things I’ve been involved with,” Queen said.

A proud first-generation college student, Servin Leon has consistently demonstrated perseverance, leadership, and academic excellence at 黑料社. During her time at school, Servin Leon has thrived in rigorous STEM coursework, conducted and presented original research, and committed countless volunteer hours, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is also part of 黑料社鈥檚 SPARC Scholars program, a member of the Math Club and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, and has been on the President鈥檚 List every semester.

鈥淲hen I found out I had won the scholarship, I was in shock鈥擨 kept rereading the message to make sure it was real,鈥� said Servin Leon, scholarship recipient. 鈥淭his award represents freedom: the chance to fully focus on my studies in forensic biology without the constant weight of financial stress. I am truly grateful to my family, the supportive staff at 黑料社, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation for turning hard work into opportunities for students like me.鈥�

While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The scholarship makes this goal more attainable for selected students by providing last-dollar funding of up to $55,000 per year for up to three years and eases the financial burden of completing a four-year degree. Beyond funding, Cooke Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. Scholars also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support, ensuring they have every tool needed to thrive beyond community college.

“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Servin Leon for her outstanding achievement in securing this scholarship. Her dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence exemplify the values we hope to instill in all our students at 黑料社,鈥� said Dr. John Hauser, President at 黑料社. 鈥淲e look forward to seeing her continued growth and contributions to our community.鈥�

Servin Leon was one of over 1,600 applications from community colleges across the nation. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic achievement, unmet financial need, persistence, and leadership qualities.

Under the new partnership, 黑料社 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 黑料社 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 黑料社.”

Qualified students must meet several criteria, including maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA at 黑料社 and being enrolled in specific associate degree programs. The agreement allows 黑料社 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 黑料社.”

Benefits for 黑料社 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 黑料社 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.