Fayetteville Technical Community College works diligently to ensure that students receive a top education that will prepare them for their future endeavors. With programs like the Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program, or C-STEP, students can get one-on-one educational support to help with their success on campus and prepare them for their academic journey at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The C-STEP office at UNC-Chapel Hill seeks to admit, identify, enroll and graduate high-achieving, low-to-moderate-income students transferring to Carolina from partnered community colleges, such as FTCC.
C-STEP allows students to be a part of an Ivy League institute without having to go to Harvard or Yale. Loutricia Nelson works in the University Outreach department at FTCC and proudly works with the program and its participants to give academic advising, coaching and college program preparation to ensure the students’ success.

In talking with Nelson, you immediately sense her pride in her job and students.

Even after being accepted to UNC-Chapel Hill, students will continue to meet with Nelson who offers counseling to help keep them successful in their programs.
Part of C-Step is to have students visit the campus to become familiar with building landmarks, their specific program areas, and faculty and staff. Students also participate in a shadow program where they shadow a current UNC student in their program to see the campus, experience college classes, and begin to network and make friends.

Talking with some students in C-STEP at FTCC was enlightening. These students display tremendous confidence in their current studies and future success.
C-STEP students not just work closely with Nelson but also build a community where they can support each other and develop friendships that can be carried with them to UNC-Chapel Hill. When talking with the students, some are in the same programs, so they can find support within themselves and help continue the study habits cultivated at FTCC.

Nelson teaches these students individualized study habits, time management skills, and timesheet mapping so that they can succeed in their programs and eventually apply their skills with a lifetime career.

C-STEP students understand the responsibility and dedication it takes to succeed academically as they transition from FTCC to UNC-Chapel Hill and beyond. C-STEP opens doors and opportunities for students to not just succeed on these campuses but also learn to be resourceful and continue to fuel their drive. C-STEP requires students to earn their associate degrees at a North Carolina Community College and then transfer to a Carolina College to complete their studies.
If you are interested in learning more about C-STEP, please contact Loutricia Nelson at nelsonl@faytechcc.edu.