GREENSBORO, N.C. — Public HBCUs in North Carolina offer students a chance to catch up or get ahead with free summer courses. 

UNC System HBCUs are offering free summer classes to current students

The free courses are funded by federal COVID-19 funding

Some schools are including textbooks, as well as dining and housing discounts for students

Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the UNC system are utilizing federal COVID-19 relief funding to offer free courses — and in some cases, free and discounted textbooks and housing and dining — for students.

Nathaniel Adkins works as an administrative assistant in the College of Agriculture at N.C A&T. While he started his degree some years ago, he’s determined to finish it with the help of free summer courses. 

“Summer school helps you. It gives you a jump start. And it also allows you to repeat things that you may have not completed in the academic year,” Adkins said. “Summer school helps you. It gives you a jump start. And it also allows you to repeat things that you may have not completed in the academic year,” Adkins said. 

Adkins is studying agriculture with a focus on agri-business and food systems industry management. In between student appointments and administrative duties, he’s inching closer to his graduation date. 

N.C. A&T offers two summer sessions. In-state students can take up to six credit hours per session, while out-of-state students can take three credit hours per session.

Adkins appreciates the opportunity to complete courses for free. He encourages his students to take advantage of the opportunity as well. The program allows Adkins to better his future while raising his 12-year-old son. 

“Releasing that pressure, where I’m not concerned about sending my son to summer camp or paying for summer school. I can do both. That’s the greatest feeling in the world for a single dad,” he said.