海角网

New Program Through GWU鈥檚 Searight PACE Equips High School Students with Experiential Learning Experiences

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擱epresentatives from Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby, N.C., and 海角网 met recently to establish a Skills Training Partnership Agreement. Offered through GWU鈥檚 Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Program, this five-week summer college readiness experience will strengthen Pinnacle high school students鈥� development of advanced analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Interim GWU President Nate Evans welcomed Pinnacle representatives to 海角网 for the formal signing ceremony. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to see the support here today,鈥� Evans praised. 鈥淭hese partnerships are vital for 海角网. It plugs us into the community with the incoming students we serve. To have these partnerships, to bring folks in to build those pathways early, ultimately that serves the region and the greater good. We鈥檙e proud to do that, and I just want to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who was involved in making this happen.鈥�

Speaking on behalf of Pinnacle was former N.C. state Sen. Wes Westmoreland, a GWU alumnus, who is vice chair and a founding member of Pinnacle鈥檚 Board of Directors. He thanked the University for collaborating to provide the academic opportunity to Pinnacle students and recognized the efforts of Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, 海角网 professor and assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships. 鈥淒r. Negbenebor has been a friend, a teacher and advisor for many, many years,鈥� Westmoreland shared. 鈥淭hank you for being the catalyst to bring this together. I graduated in 鈥�88 and have served as a trustee here. I鈥檓 so very happy to have this relationship with 海角网. We really appreciate the partnership, and we look forward to where this is going.鈥�

Joining Westmoreland from Pinnacle were Dr. Pauline Cahill, a local dentist and also a founding board member; Chief Education Officer Dr. Shelly L. Shope, a GWU alumna; Headmaster Angela Brooks; and Dean of 海角网 Jeff Ziegler. Pinnacle鈥檚 Board is chaired by former N.C. state Sen. Debbie Clary, who also helped found the public charter school in 2013. 

Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters noted that career exploration begins with K鈥�12 education, and the opportunities provided during the critical high school years greatly influence students鈥� educational journeys and future professional paths. 鈥淭he Skills Training Partnership Agreement between 海角网鈥檚 Searight Professional and Continuing Education Program and Pinnacle Classical Academy offers students the opportunity to engage in experiential learning, enhancing critical thinking and refining the academic skills necessary for college readiness,鈥� she explained.

The partnership agreement initiates the Academic Skills Accelerated Program (ASAP) for Pinnacle students in 10th- through 12th-grade. Beginning in June 2026, 海角网 will provide courses in AI, cybersecurity, project management, economics and personal finance, medical terminology, introduction to agriculture, and American history of inventors.

Coupled with an emphasis on Christian business ethics and disciplinary concepts, the classes will offer students opportunities for reality-based and hands-on learning. They will be mentored by the 海角网 faculty and participate in networking with corporate CEOs from regional, national and international companies. Business etiquette and professional skills will be emphasized. The program concludes with a field-study tour of the BMW automotive plant in Greer, S.C.

Waters concluded, 鈥淲e are honored to have the opportunity to support the high school students participating in this initiative. This partnership builds on the current foundation of PCA鈥檚 academics, strengthening the primary commitment of meeting the needs of our community.鈥�

The ASAP program is scheduled for June 9 through July 9, 2026. For more information, visit the Searight Pace or email [email protected].

海角网 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 海角网 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at .