Here's how we will accelerate your education
- Reduce or eliminate your tuition costs
- Help with other costs of attending college
- Connect you with tutors and other support services
- Provide a dedicated academic advisor to keep you on track for graduation
North Carolina's Accelerated College to Career Program
About NC Boost
Finish College Faster and Go Further in Your Career
Earn your degree quickly and build real career momentum without starting from scratch through North Carolina's accelerated college-to-career program.
Boost helps you move faster through college with the support, structure, and financial help to make it possible. Designed for students who want to finish strong and step into a career, Boost gives you:
- A clear, accelerated path to a degree
- One-on-one advising and academic support
- Help with tuition, textbooks, and other forms of support
- A community that believes in your goals and helps you reach them
Boost is available here at McDowell Technical Community College in high-demand fields. It's a smarter way to earn your credential and start your career faster.
Program Information
Boost builds on the CUNY ASAP Model, one of the most effective student success models in the country at City University of New York. This nationally recognized approach helps students graduate faster and with stronger outcomes.
North Carolina is taking it further. With support from Arnold Ventures and the largest private grant ever awarded to the NC Community Colleges, Boost adapts the model to meet the needs of our students and employers.
By providing structured advising, clear course pathways, and financial support, Boost removes barriers and keeps students on track to graduation.
Do you qualify for NC Boost?
Boost is designed for students who are ready to move forward and need the right support to make it happen.
- Be a North Carolina resident eligible for in-state tuition
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have no more than 24 program-applicable college credits earned or in progress
- Enroll in an eligible degree program at a participating college
- Complete the FAFSA and qualify for the Next NC Scholarship
- Plan to complete at least 24 credits per academic year
Eligible Programs
- Associate in Arts
- Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation
- Associate in Engineering
- Associate in Science
- Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation
- 911 Communication and Operations
- Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology
- Applied Engineering Technology
- Automotive Systems Technology
- Building Construction Technology
- Computer-Integrated Machining
- Diploma in Practical Nursing
- Diploma in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
- Diploma in Automotive Systems Technology
- Diploma in Building Construction Technology
- Diploma in Computer-Integrated Machining
- Diploma in Electrical Systems Technology
- Diploma in Health Information Technology
- Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Diploma in Welding Technology
Program Expectations
Upon acceptance into the program, all students begin their first semester in the High Support Tier. Starting in their second semester, students may transition to the Medium or Low Support Tier based on grades, attendance, and advisor discretion.
- High Support Tier – Advisor meetings are required twice per month.
- Medium Support Tier – Advisor meetings are required once per month.
- Low Support Tier – Advisor meetings are required twice per semester.
Regardless of support tier, all participants must attend two Career Development Activities. Students who meet all program expectations can earn up to $800 per academic year in stipends, plus up to $600 in textbook allowance!
