SANFORD - Nine students successfully completed summer requirements for Central Carolina Community College's College Connections free first-year experience and have chosen to continue their academic journey at the college.

The no-cost program is designed to offer a cohort of incoming freshmen the chance to prepare for college life, focus on career exploration, earn free summer course credit, enrich their academic skills, and have fun with new friends. This cohort will have additional opportunities beyond the summer to earn micro credentials and stay engaged socially during their time at college.

The eight-week summer semester program included a free laptop ... and lunch each day. Students had the opportunity to meet more than 30 college faculty and staff who helped them decide on academic and career plans for their futures.

Student comments included:

• "All the faculty had great energy and inspired me to work toward my goals. I am so grateful for this experience."
• "This program means that I have a whole new world opened up to me. I learned how to use my computer in a way I never thought I could."
• "This program gives you opportunities that you won't experience anywhere else. It helps you find your passion, your drive, what you want to progress in life with. They also help you understand college life, and you get to meet faculty."
• "This program means knowledge. It lets you know you are not alone."

Dr. Cristy Holmes, CCCC Associate Dean of University Transfer and Academy Advising, said the College Connections Experience positively impacted everyone involved. "I'm not sure who was more excited about the opportunity, the students or the staff," said Dr. Holmes. "The students were hungry to learn how to navigate college life. They were surprised by the variety of academic pathways, resources, and career opportunities open to them. Seeing the college through the students' eyes reminded me why we do what we do."

Those with questions about this program can contact Dr. Holmes at (919) 718-7225 or by email at cholm786@cccc.edu.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College - which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.