When Sampson Community College graduates students this May, 33 of the graduates will be members of the Career and College Promise program at SCC. Students in this program graduate high school with an associate degree from SCC—for free.

CCP is a dual enrollment program that allows high students to get ahead on their post-high school studies, whether they plan to attend a 2-year or 4-year institution. Students in CCP receive certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees for college transfer credit or entry-level jobs.

Perry Gillespie, Director of College and Career Promise, says student participation and response to the program has been exceptional. “Every year, the number of students enrolling increases, which we consider excellent news. We’re so excited about this growth. Ultimately, it means that more students in our area are saving money and earning college credit.”

Gillespie expects the numbers to continue to grow. In addition to those graduating, 600 other students in the program will be receiving college transfer credit, diplomas, or certificates.

Aside from a fee of less than $50, tuition comes at no cost to students. Students are responsible for textbook fees and parking passes, as needed.

Any high school student can participate in the program if they meet the program requirements. Interested students can access more information on the Sampson Community College website homepage, or contact Perry Gillespie at pgillespie@sampsoncc.edu or (910) 900-4084.

(Michael Blankenship)

First Row: Wanda Capps: Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Laney Pope: HHS, AA, East Carolina University- Speech and Hearing Sciences. Carla Tyndall: MHS, AA/AS, Campbell University- Nursing (Major), Christian Studies (Minor). N’kyia Dumpson: CHS, AA, Campbell University-Business (Major), Law (Minor). Fryda Garcia Vazquez: CHS, AA, Campbell University-Pre-Dentistry. Kassiddy Holland: MHS, AA, Meredith College-Criminology (Major), Forensics (Minor). Cricinda Honeycutt: MHS, AA, Campbell University-Psychology

Second Row: Kaylee Jones: MHS, AA/AS, UNC-Charlotte- Psychology (Major), Spanish (Minor). Kalee Costello: MHS, AA/AS, Campbell University-Business Administration. Aliyah Brewington: MHS, AA, UNC-Charlotte- Premed (Major), Psychology (Minor). Gabriele Salas-Davis: MHS, AA, UNC Pembroke-Nursing. Lily Askew: HHS, AA, UNC Wilmington-Nursing. Anna Sutton: HHS, AA, UNC Wilmington-Education.

Third Row: Cody Brandon: CHS, AA, Elon University-Double Major: Sociology & International Studies. Hailee Stone: CHS, AA, UNCW (via SCC/RIBN): Nursing. Jeana Grace Bowker: HCA, AA/AS, NC State-Double Major: Fashion & Textile Design/Business Administration, French (Minor). Mary Phipps: HHS. AA, East Carolina University (Honors College)- Biology. Karaline Hammond: MHS, AA, ECU Honors College or UNC Chapel Hill-Biology. Jordan Wallum: MHS, AA, Emmanuel College- Christian Ministry.

Fourth Row: Dawson Blanchard: MHS, AA, Campbell University-Pre-Pharmacy. Alana Schmidlin: MHS, AA, UNC Chapel Hill: Speech Communications & Rhetoric (Major), Psychology (Minor). Mason Tucker: MHS, AA, Campbell University-Double Major (Sports Management & Marketing). Bobby Luke Strickland: MHS, AA, NC State (Sports Management) or East Carolina University (Engineering). Austin Hargrove: MHS, AA, Methodist University: Double Major (Environmental & Occupational Management). Andrew Buelna: MHS, AA, UNC Wilmington, Business Administration.

Fifth Row: Dr. William Starling: President of Sampson Community College.

A group of people posing for a photo

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Clinton High School graduates who missed the group photo at Sampson Community College. (Michael Blankenship).

First Row: Samuel Holloman: CHS, AA/AS, NC State-Civil Engineering. Jessica Parker: CHS, AA, Liberty University-Criminal Psychology. Jose Pineda: CHS, AA, UNC Pembroke-Chemistry.

Midway High School graduates who missed the group photo at Sampson Community College. (Michael Blankenship).

First Row: Cecilia Prieto: MHS, AA, Methodist University-Biology (Major), Business (Minor). Emma Gillis: MHS, AA, UNC Chapel Hill-Chemistry. Austin Miller-MHS, AA/AS, UNC Charlotte-Mechanical Engineering.

Second Row: Alexander Antonio, MHS, AA, Methodist University-Marketing. Halle Mead: MHS, AA, Undecided on School-Radiology. Matthew Faircloth: MHS, AA, Campbell University-Prepharmacy.

About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education.