WSSU, Forsyth Tech strengthen partnership to expand student pathways and workforce opportunities
Winston-Salem State University and Forsyth Technical Community College today strengthened their partnership through the signing of seven academic pathway agreements designed to expand access to higher education, streamline transfer opportunities and support the region’s workforce needs.
The agreements create clear, structured pathways for students in high-demand fields, including education, human services, criminal justice and motorsports management. The institutions also highlighted their dual admissions program, which provides students with a seamless transition from Forsyth Tech to WSSU.
“Today, we are not simply formalizing partnerships, we are expanding pathways, removing barriers and creating clear, intentional opportunities for students to achieve their academic and career aspirations,” said Dr. Stevie Lawrence, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Winston-Salem State University. “This partnership reflects our commitment to student success and our shared investment in strengthening the talent pipeline here in Winston-Salem and across the region.”
Through the partnership, students can take up to nine credit hours at WSSU while paying Forsyth Tech tuition, receive coordinated academic advising from both institutions and gain early exposure to the four-year college experience. The agreements ensure that community college credits transfer efficiently, reducing time to degree and overall cost.
The signings were part of “Rams on the Road Pit Stop,” which brought the WSSU experience to Forsyth Tech, featuring food trucks, the energy of the Red Sea of Sound drumline and opportunities for students to connect with university representatives. The name reflects the event’s focus on WSSU’s motorsports management program – the only program of its kind at a public institution in North Carolina – and a new agreement that creates a direct pathway for Forsyth Tech students in the racecar technology program.
Through this agreement, up to eight students will have the opportunity to live on WSSU’s campus while still enrolled at Forsyth Tech, giving them early exposure to campus life, access to resources and a stronger sense of connection before transferring to complete their four-year degree in motorsports management.
At the event, Forsyth Tech leaders emphasized the direct impact these pathways will have on students and the broader community.
“These pathways matter. They help students save time. They help reduce costs. And they take away the guesswork that so many students face when planning what comes next,” said Dr. Tamara Williams, provost at Forsyth Technical Community College. “Students who begin here at Forsyth Tech will be able to move on to WSSU with purpose and direction.”
Both institutions, which already had a dual admissions program in place, underscored the expanded collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to student success and regional growth.
“This work reflects what is possible when institutions come together with a shared purpose,” Lawrence said. “We are creating opportunities that not only benefit our students but also strengthen our community and economy.”
About Forsyth TechForsyth Technical Community College meets learners where they are and empowers students to dream, learn, and thrive through high-quality education, personalized support, and flexible pathways. With more than 200 programs of study and strong partnerships with business and industry, the college focuses on awarding credentials and preparing students for successful careers with family-sustaining wages. Serving more than 21,000 students each year, Forsyth Tech ensures that everyone—no matter where they start—can rise, thrive, and lead. For additional information, please visit forsythtech.edu and follow Forsyth Tech on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
