Eagle Connect Now Offers VGCC Students Guaranteed Admission to NC Central
Vance-Granville Community College is expanding local students’ pathways to bachelor’s degrees through Eagle Connect, a new partnership with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) that was formalized Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Raleigh Convention Center.
The signing ceremony, held during the biennial North Carolina Community College System Conference, brought college and university leaders from across the state together to advance transfer opportunities and strengthen the path from community college to NCCU.
“Eagle Connect is about creating opportunity and making the next step in a student’s educational journey easier to navigate,” noted VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We are proud to partner with NCCU to provide VGCC students who choose to earn a four-year credential with a clear pathway to continue their education and pursue their goals.”
VGCC is one of eight North Carolina community colleges who joined the Eagle Connect partnership. Other participating institutions include Alamance Community College, Brunswick Community College, Catawba Valley Community College, Central Carolina Community College, Nash Community College, Pitt Community College, and Robeson Community College. The presidents of seven of the colleges were joined by NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon for the ceremony.
Eagle Connect students receive guaranteed admission to NCCU, a waived $50 application fee, and support with choosing classes and early registration. They may also qualify for transfer scholarships and find ways to lower the cost of earning a four-year degree. Before transferring, students gain early access to NCCU resources and campus experiences, including select athletic events, Lyceum programs, career fairs, educational workshops, and the James E. Shepard Memorial Library. These opportunities help students prepare for academic success and feel connected to the NCCU community. Once they transfer, students can use the university’s Course of Study Planner to stay on track toward earning their bachelor’s degree.
The partnership is the result of concerted efforts by the HBCU (historically Black college or university) to expand opportunities for students in rural North Carolina.
“Eagle Connect strengthens our commitment to expanding educational access by creating seamless transfer pathways that help students transition successfully from North Carolina community colleges to North Carolina Central University,” said Ontario Wooden, Ph.D., NCCU provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Through these partnerships, we are enhancing student success, strengthening academic collaboration, and creating greater opportunities for North Carolina residents to pursue their educational and career goals.”
To learn about additional transfer opportunities available to Vance-Granville Community College students, visit VGCC’s online Transfer Center or call (252) 738-3255.
About North Carolina Central University
Top-ranked programs from the sciences to the arts and an award-winning online education platform make North Carolina Central University “Where Purpose Takes Flight.” At NCCU, innovation and academic excellence are central to transforming lives and preparing students to embrace the bold and seize opportunities for global success. Founded in 1910 and consistently ranked among the top historically Black colleges and universities, NCCU is home to three pioneering research institutes addressing critical health challenges and AI, offering students hands-on experience with world-class faculty, staff, and industry professionals. The university features standout programs and initiatives, including the first bachelor’s degree in jazz studies within the University of North Carolina System, the visual impairment training program in the School of Education, and the Technology Law and Policy Center at the School of Law.
