A partnership between Union County Public Schools, South Piedmont Community College and Wingate University aims to make sure every student graduating from high school has a clearly defined, affordable, and easily accessible plan that leads to a meaningful career.
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As part of the UC Guarantee, students can choose which path best fits their academic interests and supports their individual talent. The UC Guarantee will help all Union County Public School students navigate future plans regardless of whether they want an apprenticeship, certification, workforce training, serve in the armed forces, or attend a two-year or four-year school.
What falls under the UC Guarantee?
WU 100 Scholarship
Beginning with the fall 2024 semester, any Union County Public School graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is eligible to receive a $100,000 grant awarded over four years to attend Wingate University.
Road2Wingate
Students who plan to seek a bachelor’s degree at Wingate but want to start at South Piedmont can take advantage of collaborative academic and career counseling from both schools, access the University’s Ethel K. Smith Library, and attend Wingate athletic events free of charge while earning their associate degree.
Wayfind
A college access program with a foundation in mentorship, Wayfind invites 10 students from each eighth-grade class at East Union and Monroe middle schools to pair with Wingate University students who guide, support, and encourage the scholars in their pre-college journey. Participants receive SAT & ACT preparation, attend college visits, and participate in summer enrichment. Those who complete the program successfully are eligible for a full tuition scholarship to Wingate.
Teach UCPS
Future educators can begin taking Teaching as a Profession classes in ninth grade, earn an associate degree from South Piedmont while enrolled in the Road2Wingate program and finish their bachelor’s as a Gateway Scholarship recipient. Students enrolled at the Career & Technical Education academies at Weddington or Porter Ridge high schools may choose an apprenticeship pathway and work as a UCPS teacher assistant while completing their education.
College & Career Promise
Union County high school students (public, private, charter and home schools) who meet GPA and other requirements are eligible to take classes at South Piedmont at no charge while still in high school. The College Transfer Pathway focuses on transferable general education courses, while the Career and Technical Education pathway includes courses on manufacturing, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and transportation.
