
The Transfer, Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (TrACE) initiative was launched in 2022-23 to increase persistence and graduation rates at participating UNC System institutions by providing additional support for incoming students from NC community colleges.
Adapted from the empirically validated City of New York (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) and Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (ACE) models, TrACE provides incoming community college transfer students with a comprehensive set of student supports including personalized advising, academic and career support services, financial aid, textbook assistance, and scholarships.
Participating institutions
Three UNC System institutions are piloting the TrACE initiative across the state.


support for transfer students
TrACE provides comprehensive financial and non-financial support for transfer students including:
- Personalized advising – Students are assigned to a dedicated TrACE advisor whose caseload does not exceed 150 students. Throughout the semester, students meet with their advisor to discuss challenges they face as they make progress towards their degree.
- Tuition support – Eligible students receive a tuition and fee gap scholarship.
- Textbook assistance – All TrACE students receive $300/semester to cover textbook costs.
- Monthly engagement incentive – Students receive $100/month for meeting their engagement requirements, which include advisor meetings, career and academic support activities, and integration and belonging activities.
- Summer tuition support – TrACE offers financial support for summer courses to help students graduate on time.
- Integration and belonging activities – To support students’ transition from community college to their four-year university, students participate in workshops and events designed to help them navigate campus resources and connect with their campus community.
- Career and academic support – Students have access to curated career workshops and professional development opportunities.


PartnerS
TrACE is made possible by the support of partners including the North Carolina Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, Arnold Ventures, and ECMC Foundation.
Learn More
For more information on TrACE, please contact Mary Varghese at the UNC System Office at mavarghese@northcarolina.edu.