For many UNC Chapel Hill students, the path to a four-year degree begins at a community college. The University’s Carolina Transfer Excellence Program (C-STEP) is helping more North Carolinians secure their way and provide access to higher education. education.

Founded in 2006 with the support of the Jack Kent Cook Foundation, C-STEP is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving students with financial needs, allowing community college students to help the state of Carolina. I am preparing to transfer to and graduate from. The program partners with 14 community colleges across the state to identify talented low- and middle-income students who, upon completion of an associate’s degree and other requirements, are admitted to the state of Carolina. Guaranteed admission.

However, this program is more than just a transfer guarantee. C-STEP supports students attending community colleges. We provide academic advisors to plan students’ studies and invite students to Chapel Hill to experience the Carolina and create opportunities for shadowing. As the Tar Heels prepare to move to Chapel Hill, C-STEP assists in the transition by providing peer her mentor and orientation.

C-STEP continues to support students after they arrive in Chapel Hill, offering internship scholarships and regular check-ins to help Tar Heels get the most out of their time in Carolina.

Rebecca Egbert, C-STEP Program Director and Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, said: “C-STEP students are academically prepared, fully involved in the university and university community, and well on their way to success.”

Rebecca Egbert, C-STEP Program Director and Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

C-STEP continues to support students after they arrive in Chapel Hill, offering internship scholarships and regular check-ins to help Tar Heels get the most out of their time in Carolina.

Rebecca Egbert, C-STEP Program Director and Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, said: “C-STEP students are academically prepared, fully involved in the university and university community, and well on their way to success.”

Since its inception, the program has helped more than 1,200 North Carolinians reach their goal of attending Carolina.

“C-STEP helps students embrace the courage, strength, and resilience to pursue their studies, but I needed a boost to fully understand,” said Egbert. “I have seen students rise out of poverty. I’ve seen them give their time freely to help make their dreams come true, and I’ve seen how one student’s courage to apply can transform an entire family. rice field.”

Continue reading to learn more about C-STEP by Egbert

There are other ways to transfer to Carolina. What’s the difference in C-STEP and why is it important?

C-STEP aims to remove the barriers that often prevent students from succeeding. By removing these barriers, students are free to build confidence and have a strong foundation to pursue their dreams.

Extensive research has led the Jack Kent Cook Foundation to conclude that there is a historical “deficit” of underrepresented and underserved student populations when deciding where to transfer after graduating from community colleges. rice field. “Undermatch” in this case refers to students choosing schools based on factors such as convenience, proximity to home/family, and fear of the unknown, rather than schools that challenge students to further their studies. refers to preferences. Jack Kent Cook identifies elite public institutions across the country and creates special admissions programs to ensure these students reach their true potential and align themselves with elite institutions for holistic and academic excellence. Assisted with public support.

What makes the University of Carolina a good university for a program like this?

Carolina offers world-renowned educational and experiential learning opportunities that go well beyond the classroom. Carolina campus partners such as University Career Services, Learning Center, Office of Scholarships and Student Aid and Academic Advising also provide excellent support for transfer students. We believe that C-STEP students are well equipped and motivated to take advantage of these opportunities.

With the goal of serving all North Carolinians, providing premier research, opportunities, and knowledge, and expanding access to higher education, C-STEP “improves the quality of life for all in the state.” directly aligned with the State of Carolina’s mission statement of improving Our educational institutions can support these students and change their lives through C-STEP.

You’ve been involved with C-STEP since its inception 16 years ago. What keeps you motivated to work on this program?

I believe in creating real opportunities and helping people realize that they can join Carolina and that it will change their lives forever. -We just provide a simple roadmap to guide them. I can go to work and watch people learn and grow over a period of time.Me look The real difference Carolina can make to someone’s life. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something so great?

What do C-STEP students add to the Carolina community?

C-STEP serves a very diverse group of students, from veterans to immigrants, first generation colleges to non-traditional students and beyond. They took a different route to Carolina, bringing valuable perspectives and knowledge to the on-campus and off-campus tables. classroom. Our students are motivated, thoughtful, enthusiastic and perfect to join the Carolina community.

Learn more about C-STEP