Charlotte, N.C/Feb. 8, 2023 — Johnson C. Smith University added Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, N.Y. to its JCSU Connect Program during an articulation agreement signing.
The agreement allows OCC students to earn an associate’s degree from the community college with guaranteed entry as a junior in a bachelor’s degree program at JCSU. OCC also signed an agreement with Lincoln University, an HBCU in Pennsylvania, during the same event.
“We are really excited about opening up this venue for students who are interested in the HBCU experience,” said President Clarence D. Armbrister.
“This is certainly a historic day for our institutions,” added OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton. “As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month, we are also preparing to give our students at OCC an opportunity to attend one of two of the most outstanding HBCUs in the nation.”
OCC students are eligible for the JCSU Connect program if they complete the inquiry form, earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree at OCC, remain in good standing with OCC and maintain a 2.0 grade-point average.
As a result of maintaining the standards to receive a JCSU scholarship, students in the program will receive a minimum of $8,000 in aid to earn their bachelor’s degree at Johnson C. Smith University.
Similar agreements have been signed with Gaston College and Central Piedmont Community College.
While at Onondaga Community College, JCSU Connect students will have access to Duke Memorial Library, faculty, advising and other resources. The overall goal of the program is to put students on a guided path to a bachelor’s degree, preparing them for a meaningful career or graduate study.
