Gaston College, a two-year community college in Dallas, North Carolina, and Johnson C. Smith University, a private, historically Black educational institution in Charlotte, recently signed a direct-entry agreement, which allows students of Gaston College to easily transfer to Johnson C. Smith University.
Gaston College enrolls more than 5,600 students, according to the most recent data from the U.S, Department of Education. African Americans make up 12 percent of the student body.
Dubbed “JCSU 2+2 Connect,” students can transfer to Johnson C. Smith University upon graduating from Gaston College. Their credits will be applied to a four-year degree program at Johnson C. Smith University. Spending their first two years at a community college can save students a great deal of money on the path to a bachelor’s degree.
Program participants will get access to faculty, staff, and transfer counselors who will facilitate their transition from Gaston College to Johnson C. Smith University. In addition, transfer students will receive at least $8,000 in financial aid from Johnson C. Smith University.
“Johnson C. Smith University has been a leader in providing educational access for diverse traditional and non-traditional students in the Charlotte region for more than 150 years,” said Clarence Armbrister, president of Johnson C. Smith University. “We look forward to enrolling the highly talented and motivated students who earn their associate degree from Gaston College and providing them with an affordable, clear path to earn their bachelor’s degree and pursue rewarding careers.
