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

March 23, 2026 Mark Locklear
arial shot of 51 campus with a yellow filter and the words The BraveNation Advantage in bold across the middle
UNC Pembroke and Central Piedmont Community College leaders celebrate the launch of BraveNation Advantage

The 51 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 51, 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 51 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 51.

“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 51;
  • 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 51

Since 2024, 51 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.

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