Forsyth Technical Community College’s College Lift program recently was awarded the prestigious Bellwether Award for Instructional Programs and Services.

This national award recognizes innovative and scalable community college programs that address critical challenges in higher education. College Lift was selected as one of 10 semifinalists in November from a highly competitive pool of institutions across the United States and its territories.

“According to myFutureNC, in Winston-Salem, only one in four ninth graders will ultimately earn a post-secondary degree—this challenge demands a community-wide response,” Forsyth Tech President Janet Spriggs said. “At Forsyth Tech, we believe it’s vital to reach students well before they graduate high school. College Lift is about working hand in hand with our partners at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, families, and community partners to break generational cycles by giving students the tools and support they need to succeed in college and beyond.

Modeled after the University of Southern California’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative — a program with a 99% college matriculation rate for nearly 30 years — College Lift is a rigorous, seven-year commitment that provides wraparound academic and family support to ensure students are not just prepared for college, but that they get there.

Students in the program dedicate 21 extra Saturdays each year to structured instruction in core subjects, public speaking, creative writing and college readiness, while their families attend 15 of those Saturdays to gain essential skills for supporting their child’s education and navigating the college process.

Beyond the classroom, students receive after-school tutoring, summer learning opportunities and wraparound support including mental health counseling, food assistance, and emergency aid. The program also invests in families through workforce training, financial and digital literacy education, and career exploration. Thanks to partnerships with Salem College, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Carolina University and Forsyth Tech, program graduates are awarded tuition-free college access, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their education and build a brighter future.

“College Lift has changed my life,” said Alexandra Sagastume Alcantara, a current senior at Reynolds High School and College Lift scholar, who presented to the Bellwether Award judges. “I’ve been part of this program since middle school, and now I’m preparing to graduate in May and head to UNC Greensboro—my first-choice school. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities this program has given me and my family.”

Removing barriers

The first class of College Lift scholars graduated high school in June 2024, and every single one enrolled in college. This May, a second graduating class is on track to do the same.

“This isn’t just about preparing students for college—it’s about removing the barriers that prevent them from getting there, keeping them there and ensuring they succeed,” said Ana Damaris Ortiz, director of College Lift. “We are changing the trajectory of families, one student at a time.”

Since launching, College Lift has expanded from one middle school to four and now serves nearly 300 students, thanks to the program’s strong partnership with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. The program’s success proves that early, sustained intervention works — and that this model is scalable and replicable nationwide.

The Bellwether Award cements Forsyth Tech’s leadership in innovative student success initiatives and highlights College Lift as a national model for transforming educational outcomes.

“This award is a celebration, but it’s also a call to action,” said John Davenport, Chair of the Forsyth Tech Board of Trustees. “If we can make this kind of impact in Winston-Salem, we can help other colleges do the same for their communities. Education is the greatest tool for economic mobility, and College Lift is proof of what’s possible when we remove barriers for students and families.”

This article was originally published here.