VIDEO
An Introduction to NCCU's Preparing to Soar Program
BACKGROUND
Preparing to Soar is a year-long bridge program (beginning in the summer prior to enrollment) designed to assist first-year student-athletes with transitioning to the college environment and earn eight hours of credits towards a degree. Preparing to Soar will enhance each student-athlete’s academic, social and personal transition to North Carolina Central University. A collaborative partnership with faculty, staff, university leadership and community liaisons will create a learning community which will foster the growth and development of the participants and ultimately lead to graduation.
PROGRAM VISION
The Preparing to Soar Program (Preparing to Soar) will utilize university resources to develop the skills necessary for first-year student-athletes to thrive academically during their tenure at North Carolina Central University, which will have a positive impact on retention, eligibility and graduation.
GOALS/OBJECTIVES
Implementing an intensive academic enrichment experience for incoming first generation, international and transfer student-athletes who will initially enroll at North Carolina Central University:
- To have each student successfully earn eight credit hours towards graduation with enrollment into English, Math and First- Year Experience courses;
- Improving retention, graduation and APR rates by tracking first-year student-athletes from enrollment of Preparing to Soar to graduation;
- Engaging Preparing to Soar participants in Life Skills programs and activities which will aid in the transition from high school to college.
PREPARING TO SOAR ROSTER 2016-17
Paulina Afriyie, Bronx, NY - Women's Basketball
Chavalyea Alexander, Charlotte, NC - Football
Derrick Alexander, Baltimore, MD - Men's Track & Field
Nahir Berrios-Laguerre, Raleigh, NC - Women's Volleyball
Natasha Berrios-Laguerre, Raleigh, NC - Women's Volleyball
Jada Blow, Chicago, IL - Women's Basketball
Sharnea Brown, Baltimore, MD - Women's Track & Field
Kawaun Cox, Summerville, SC - Football
Jalen Dampier, Kennesaw, GA - Football
Bruce Davis, Greensboro, NC - Football
Dontae Edwards, Durham, NC - Football
Twishawn Glenn, Daytona Beach, FL - Football
Maleek Henderson, Danville, VA - Football
Erin Houser, Orangeburg, NC - Women's Basketball
Corey Joyce, Greensboro, NC - Baseball
Chancellor Kennedy, Charlotte, NC - Football
Shoalin McGuire, Ridgeway, VA - Football
Xavier McKoy, Charlotte, NC - Football
Austin Parker, Jackson, TN - Football
J.B. Sheaffer, Raleigh, NC - Football
Nia Singletary, Raleigh, NC - Women's Volleyball
Deja Stevenson, Baltimore, MD - Women's Track & Field
Jazlin Taylor, Jamestown, NC - Women's Basketball
Isaiah Totten, Apex, NC - Football
Joshua Varona, Pompano Beach, FL - Football
Kennedy White, Raleigh, NC - Women's Volleyball
Carter Williams, McLeansville, NC - Baseball
PREPARING TO SOAR ROSTER 2015-16
Stewart Boyd - Football
Glen Calvin - Football
Marley Conley - Football
Torrance Cotton - Football
Trevon King - Football
Nicholas Leverett - Football
Nigel Macauley - Football
Jarrett McCarter - Football
Alden McClellon - Football
Naiil Ramadan - Football
Cyrus Stanback - Football
Jaquell Taylor - Football
Jalen Wilkes - Football
Cedric Wiggins, Jr. - Men's Basketball
Breanna Carter - Softball
Jazmine Daye - Volleyball
Sydney Richardson - Volleyball
Kierra Shipman - Volleyball
Jordan Shipman - Volleyball
Kendra Simmons - Volleyball
Sydney Sumner - Volleyball
Whitney White - Volleyball
Dominique Adams - Women's Basketball
Jayla Calhoun - Women's Basketball
Deja McCain - Women's Basketball
