SCC partners with faith-based community to educate public on NC Reconnect

A statewide initiative known as NC Reconnect is working to increase enrollment at North Carolina’s community colleges by helping adult learners return to school and complete their education. Southeastern Community College values Columbus County’s churches and faith-based community, and the college has joined forces with them to educate the public about NC Reconnect’s resources.  

SCC President Dr. Chris English spoke to members and pastors of the Brunswick-Waccamaw Missionary Baptist Association on June 8. He discussed NC Reconnect and Columbus County’s adult learner statistics and data with representatives of 12 of the 16 churches that comprise the Association.  

“My message to them was that they change a lot of lives, and they are in the business of changing lives through God’s help,” English said. “We want them to help and assist us with getting out our message about our support for adult learners.” 

English explained to them that NC Reconnect targets adult learners between 25 and 44 years old. He said there are 12,000 Columbus County citizens in that demographic, and about 8,000 of them have never had contact with SCC.  

“We know that a large portion of those 8,000 citizens are involved with a church in some way,” English said. “And what better way to reach somebody about education than through the word of God’s teaching?” 

English received positive feedback and support from the Brunswick-Waccamaw Missionary Baptist Association. He said that with much of Columbus County’s population associated with a faith-based community, partnering with churches was a great way to deliver SCC’s message.  

“With our postcard flyers and letters with information and QR codes, we want people to know that families making $80,000 or less per year can come to college for free,” English said. “Don’t let the cost of college hold you back and let us take care of that cost by providing it to you for free. We want that message to be loud and clear.” 

Angie Ransom, Associate Vice President for Education and Training, suggested the idea for faith-based community outreach. Apprenticeship Specialist Chalisse Neely said her church was part of the 16-church association that was having a building fund meeting on June 8. Neely coordinated with the association and got plans in motion for SCC to be present at the meeting.  

“They just got to have a little encouragement,” Neely said. “A lot of people feel like they can’t do it because the funding is not there, or they can’t go to work and school at the same time. But you can.” 

Columbus County pastors Andy Anderson, Dave Heller, Timothy Lance and Tracey Troy were all on board with getting the word out about NC Reconnect to the churches they serve. Anderson and Troy are former students of SCC, and they said they knew the value of education earned at SCC.  

The NC Reconnect program was launched in 2021 through a collaboration between the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC and the North Carolina Community College System. Southeastern Community College is part of the fifth cohort of NC Reconnect and is working to provide “better skills and better jobs” for Columbus County. 

Learn more about NC Reconnect at SCC’s Adult Learner Open House on July 17 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Williamson Library on campus.