Cougar Kickstart sparks success for incoming students

SANFORD, N.C. – Dozens of new Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) students began their college journey with confidence this summer through Cougar Kickstart, a dynamic Summer Bridge program designed to help them transition successfully into their first semester.
Hosted across multiple sessions at the Lee Main Campus and the Harnett Main Campus, Cougar Kickstart offered students a full day of engaging activities focused on academic preparation, resource awareness, and community-building. From guided campus tours and interactive workshops to conversations with faculty and advisors, participants left feeling better equipped to navigate college life.

The day began with a welcome breakfast followed by a tour of campus led by CCCC’s Student Outreach and Recruitment (SOAR) office. Students explored CCCC’s Career Communities, gained insights into academic planning over lunch with advisors and peer mentors, and engaged in a Strengths Discovery session that helped them identify their personal strengths and reflect on how to apply them in college, career, and teamwork settings.

The afternoon continued with a resource fair featuring TRiO Student Support Services, the Library, the Academic Assistance Center, and campus organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa and the Student Government Association. The day concluded with a panel of faculty and current students sharing their real-life strategies for success.

Each participant received a CCCC swag bag filled with school supplies and a laptop to support their academic journey—just one of the ways the college ensures students are set up for success before classes even begin.

“At CCCC, we want our students to step into college life feeling informed, supported, and connected,” said Sarah Shannon-Mohamed, Director of Onboarding and New Student Programs. “Cougar Kickstart ensures students leave with a strong sense of support and a clear understanding of how to navigate their first semester.”

For many students, the experience was both energizing and reassuring. “Cougar Kickstart was a great experience—everyone was so welcoming, so fun! I got to meet so many new people, and I’m so ready to start school in the fall,” said student participant Sariyah Daye.

With a focus on meaningful connection, strengths-based learning, and practical preparation, Cougar Kickstart laid the groundwork for a strong and successful start to the semester.