The goal of Our Future in UNiSON is to close the educational attainment gap in Anson and Union Counties by ensuring that by 2030, 4,869 (9%) more residents have a high-quality credential or a postsecondary degree.
Covering Anson and Union Counties in NC
What it looks like now...
Anson County is located in the central piedmont of NC. It has remained a largely rural area, and the primary industries are manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and educational services. Anson is the only Tier 1 county within the Charlotte region, ranking among the most economically distressed counties in the state, with a median household income of $38,023 and a poverty rate of 19.8%.
Seven miles southeast of Charlotte, Union County is one of the fastest growing counties in NC with urban, suburban, and rural areas. The major industries are aerospace, agriculture, aviation, medical, and manufacturing. Union is a Tier 3 county, but there is a large wealth divide. In the west, the median household income is as high as $178,194. In Monroe, it is $47,303. If you go further east to Wingate, only 15 minutes from Anson, it is $41,875. These residents experience the highest rates of poverty in the county, with 30.6% in Wingate and 20.2% in Monroe living below the poverty line.
Why it needs to change...
In Anson County, postsecondary educational attainment is nearly half that of the region and poverty rates remain higher than state and national averages. 44% of schools are low-performing, and only 43% of seniors enroll in postsecondary institutions within 12 months of graduation. Overall, 1% of 25-44-year-olds in Anson County have earned a master’s degree or higher, 8% have a bachelor’s degree, and 11% have an associate degree.
With over 200,000 residents and 42,000 students, Union County has the 6th largest school system in NC. However, only 9% of high school students participate in Career & College Promise programs, and the percentage of seniors completing the FAFSA is below the state average. Overall, 11% of 25-44-year-olds in Union County have earned a master’s degree or higher, 27% have a bachelor’s degree, and 8% have an associate degree. Postsecondary education is crucial to meeting workforce demands as the county population and need for skilled workers continues to increase.
MISSION
UNiSON improves lives by supporting community, education and economic mobility in Anson and Union counties.
VISION
UNiSON's vision is to create a prosperous future for all individuals and communities in Anson and Union counties.
WE VALUE ...
All voices
Innovation
Collaboration
Our Core Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet the incredible team behind UNiSON, each bringing their own unique passion and expertise to support our mission. Together, we work tirelessly to make a real impact. Join us and help create a better future for all.
Kelly
Stegall
Interim Vice President of Business & Workforce Solutions
South Piedmont Community College
Dionnya Pratt
Director of CTE and Instructional Technology
Anson County Schools
Charlotte
Hancock
Director of College Readiness
Union County Public Schools
Caroline Hightower
Branch Manager
Hampton B. Allen Library
_JPG.jpg)
Jessica Rielly
Director of Communications and Special Projects
Union County Chamber
Maria Lander
Project Coordinator
Our Future in UNiSON
Michelle Lancaster-Sandlin
Executive Director for IDD Initiatives
Wingate University
Senemeht Olatunji
Regional Impact Manager
myFutureNC
