UNC Pembroke, Central Piedmont Launch BraveNation Advantage Partnership To Expand Student Pathways

The University of North Carolina Pembroke and Central Piedmont Community College have partnered to launch BraveNation Advantage, a guaranteed admission program designed to create a seamless, supportive and affordable pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success access and upward mobility, providing Central Piedmont students with a clear and confident transition to UNC Pembroke.

Through BraveNation Advantage, eligible students who complete designated coursework at Central Piedmont will be guaranteed admission to UNCP, ensuring a smooth transfer experience and helping students stay on track to earn a four-year degree.

At its core, the program is about more than transfer — it's about connection.

BraveNation Advantage aligns advising, academic planning and student support services across both institutions, giving students early access to UNCP resources and a strong sense of belonging before they arrive on campus.

“This partnership with Central Piedmont Community College expands access and creates a clear, supportive pathway for students to continue their education at UNC Pembroke,” said Dr. Kelly Brennan, vice chancellor for Enrollment at UNCP.

“Through BraveNation Advantage, students gain early access to advising, resources and a university community that is committed to their success from day one,” Brennan said.

“BraveNation Advantage connects two institutions around a single student journey,” said Dr. Heather Hill, provost at Central Piedmont. “By clearly mapping how credits transfer and strengthening support at every step, we're helping students move forward with confidence toward a bachelor's degree and the career opportunities that follow.”

The BraveNation Advantage program offers several key benefits for students:

• seamless transfer pathways, with clearly defined course alignment between Central Piedmont and UNCP;
• guaranteed admission for eligible students, removing uncertainty in the transfer process;
• coordinated advising and support, helping students navigate each step of their academic journey; and
• a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree, allowing students to begin locally and complete their education at UNCP

Since 2024, UNCP has signed similar agreements with Robeson, Sandhills and Wake Technical community colleges, further strengthening transfer pathways for students across North Carolina.

This new partnership reinforces its role as a regional leader in access-driven, student-focused education, committed to meeting students where they are and helping them achieve their academic and career goals.