Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam joined representatives from to George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) on Monday to celebrate the first class of students enrolled in ADVANCE, a partnership that is clearing obstacles so more students can earn four-year degrees.
The governor headlined an event at Mason’s Center for the Arts attended by more than 300 people, including Virginia Secretary of Education and Mason alumnus Atif Qarni, presidents from both institutions, faculty, staff and students, and representatives from Northrop Grumman and Micron Technology. Both companies also announced generous gifts to ADVANCE to help more students succeed.
The ADVANCE program creates a single point of admission and financial aid for students, along with a dedicated advisor from admission to NOVA through graduation from Mason, realignment of curricula to ensure students do not lose credits when they transfer, and financial incentives for the neediest students to advance to graduation.
“ADVANCE is one of the most innovative ideas in higher education today,” Northam said. “George Mason University and NOVA have demonstrated that through collaboration and partnership, we can empower individuals, strengthen our workforce and create a Virginia that works better for all of its citizens.”
The program is strengthening an existing partnership that has helped nearly 3,000 students annually transfer from NOVA to Mason while simultaneously saving students money.
“This is a sustainable solution that is going to change the lives of students,” said Mason President Ángel Cabrera.
Estimates show students who earn a four-year Mason degree two years after transferring from NOVA can save a full year of tuition.
"We're giving them an affordable way to get their degree and ultimately fulfill their dreams," said Michelle Marks, Mason's Vice President for Academic Innovation and New Ventures.
The gift from the Northrop Grumman Foundation will be used to establish a scholarship fund for ADVANCE students pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees.
“We recognize the growing need for a skilled workforce, trained and equipped to maintain our nation’s technological edge,” said Shawn Purvis, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services. “This program we celebrate today is exactly the kind of program our region calls for.”
The gift from the Micron Technology Foundation will be used to provide stipends and coaching support for NOVA engineering students transferring to Mason, as well as for ADVANCE outreach into local high schools.
Nationally, 80 percent of community college students say they intend to complete a four-year degree. Only 15 percent, however, realize that dream within seven years as unexpected obstacles prove difficult to overcome.
"We're (NOVA) just one pathway. Mason is the other pathway,” said NOVA President Scott Ralls. “But, thanks to ADVANCE, it's the same pathway."
Ameia Moore-Stone said the ADVANCE story is her story. The 35-year-old, full-time nonprofit employee and mother was keenly aware that education was her springboard to a better life when she first enrolled at NOVA in 2014, but she suffered setbacks along the way.
ADVANCE is a game-changer for Moore-Stone and many other transfer students like her.
“I have big dreams and big plans, and—because of the ADVANCE program—I think I have a good chance of reaching my goals,” she said.
ADVANCE has already begun attracting attention from educators and leaders throughout the nation as a possible model for transfer student success.
“It’s a great role model not only for the state, but for the whole nation,” Qarni said.