William Peace University and NEAAAT Announce Guaranteed Admissions Agreement for STEM-Focused High School Graduates
Raleigh, NC (04/30/2025) — William Peace University (Peace) and Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies (NEAAAT) have entered into a new guaranteed admissions agreement designed to expand college access and support STEM education for students in northeastern North Carolina.
"William Peace University is focused on making higher education more accessible and affordable for all North Carolinians," said President Lynn Morton. "Partnering with schools such as NEAAAT provides students with a clear path to a four year degree. The focus on STEM education also connects to our mission of preparing students for careers that are growing in Raleigh and the Triangle."
Under the terms of the agreement, NEAAAT graduates who complete all coursework required by Peace's admissions policies, submit a completed application by the required date, and submit final transcripts and all required documentation will be guaranteed admission to the university. The partnership aims to streamline the transition from high school to college, particularly for students interested in STEM fields.
"We're thrilled to be able to offer students here at NEAAAT a direct path to an outstanding postsecondary education at William Peace University," said CEO Andrew Harris. "Our shared commitment to providing students with real-world, hands-on learning experiences positions graduates to make a positive global impact. Our growing partnership will yield substantial benefits for our students, setting them up for lifelong success."
Key Features of the Agreement:
- Guaranteed Admission: NEAAAT students who meet Peace's admission requirements-including coursework, timely application submission, and provision of required documents-will be offered admission to Peace.
- Merit Scholarships: Eligible NEAAAT graduates will receive renewable merit scholarships ranging from $12,000-$20,000 per year, based on GPA. Scholarships are renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters, provided students enroll full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Application Fee Waivers: Peace will waive application fees for all NEAAAT student applicants.
- Dual Credit Acceptance: Peace will accept college credits earned through NEAAAT's dual credit programs, provided courses are taught by accredited faculty, appear on official transcripts, and are completed with a grade of C- or higher.
- Support Services: The agreement includes regular visits from Peace admissions counselors. NEAAAT families are also invited to participate in university-hosted events and workshops, including financial aid and scholarship information sessions.
- Institutional Collaboration: The agreement also establishes ongoing collaboration between Peace academic advisors and NEAAAT faculty to align course expectations and ensure students are well-prepared for university-level work.
About William Peace University
Founded in 1857, William Peace University is a nationally-ranked institution in Raleigh, North Carolina - one of U.S. News' Best Places to Live - serving almost 800 students in 30+ undergraduate and 10 professional programs. Nestled in the heart of Raleigh's downtown area, the University focuses on an immersive curriculum and innovative teaching methods to ensure students graduate career-ready and prepared to thrive in an ever-changing workforce. Learn more at peace.edu.
About NEAAAT
The Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies is an innovative regional Public Charter STEM school in Elizabeth City, NC. With interdisciplinary project-based learning at its core, NEAAAT emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills through highly engaging, real-world problems and projects. The learning environment emphasizes work and accountability in small teams, hands-on construction of real products and prototypes, and pervasive use of technologies to support learning both within the school and flexibly anywhere. Learn more at northeastacademy.org.
MEDIA ADVISORY:
News organizations are welcome to attend the signing ceremony on May 1 at 1 p.m. on the campus of William Peace University. Please contact Karen Dunton to confirm attendance and parking. Photos of the signing will also be made available upon request.