A partnership between Anson County Schools, South Piedmont Community College, and Wingate University aims to ensure all Anson County residents know about, are supported in, and have access to affordable postsecondary pathways leading to local employment opportunities.
Advancing Anson helps students and community members explore educational opportunities, workforce programs, scholarships, and pathways that connect education with careers and long-term success in Anson County.
What falls under Advancing Anson?
Anson Advantage
Through a partnership between the Anson County Board of Commissioners and South Piedmont Community College, Anson Advantage helps Anson County residents access free short-term workforce training and reduced-cost associate degree opportunities that can lead to careers in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, welding, and more.
Road2Wingate
Students who plan to seek a bachelor’s degree at Wingate but want to start at South Piedmont can take advantage of collaborative academic and career counseling from both schools, access the University’s Ethel K. Smith Library, and attend Wingate athletic events free of charge while earning their associate degree.
Gateway Scholarship
Gateway to Wingate gives South Piedmont graduates an affordable pathway to complete their bachelor’s degree at Wingate University. Beginning Fall 2027, qualifying students can complete their degree for reduced tuition costs, with additional opportunities for tuition-free attendance for eligible families.
Wayfind
A college access program with a foundation in mentorship, Wayfind invites 10 students from each eighth-grade class at East Union and Monroe middle schools to pair with Wingate University students who guide, support, and encourage the scholars in their pre-college journey. Participants receive SAT & ACT preparation, attend college visits, and participate in summer enrichment. Those who complete the program successfully are eligible for a full tuition scholarship to Wingate.
College & Career Promise
Union County high school students (public, private, charter and home schools) who meet GPA and other requirements are eligible to take classes at South Piedmont at no charge while still in high school. The College Transfer Pathway focuses on transferable general education courses, while the Career and Technical Education pathway includes courses on manufacturing, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and transportation.
