VCU and Reynolds Community College to launch NEXT Step VCU dual-admission program

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to accurately reflect the day the signing ceremony will be held, due to a reissued release from VCU.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Reynolds Community College are launching a dual-admission program on Monday.

During a signing ceremony on Monday, Sept. 8, VCU and Reynolds Community College will launch a dual-admission program, NEXT Step VCU, providing support to eligible college students pursuing a bachelor's degree.

According to a Sept. 3 release, the initial cohort will enroll around 50 to 100 students, delivering resources to make transferring schools as "seamless as possible."

Program benefits include cost savings, credit guarantees, customized academic advising and access to community-building opportunities, in addition to VCU's library services, campus facilities and cultural events.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Sept. 8, at the Navy Hill Community Room -- Room 633 -- at the Reynolds downtown campus at 700 E. Jackson Street, with a reception with hors d'oeuvres will follow, officials said.

You can park at the nearby garage at 820 N. 8th Street.

Many speakers, including former students and presidents from both universities, are set to attend. This includes VCU President Michael Rao, Reynolds President Paula Pando, Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Doré and student Manuella Escobar, who transferred from Reynolds to VCU through the Mellon Pathways Program, which is the model for NEXT Step VCU.