MONROE, N.C. — A local nonprofit is helping others get ahead. New Covenant Community Development Center in Monroe was founded in 2009 by former teacher Osco Gardin Jr. The organization aims to uplift the community by supporting low-income students or those with the potential to be first-generation college students.
New Covenant Community Development Center is more than just a project for Gardin, it’s a labor of love.
"I love teaching students," Gardin said.
His passion resonates with students.
"He's amazing," one student, named Dylan, said. "Y'all need to meet him. He's like a father figure."
A student named Carlos described Gardin as supportive. Smriti, another student, noted it's clear Gardin is rooting for them.
“He really cares about you and wants the best for you," Smriti said.
Gardin’s journey to New Covenant began in public schools, where he once taught. But his calling led him away from the classroom and into a new role — one that allows him to continue teaching in a different way.
"Through a mentor, I learned about the TRIO Upward Bound math and science program," Gardin told WCNC Charlotte's Sarah French.
TRIO, which started with three programs, has expanded to eight, including Upward Bound math and science. Established in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "war on poverty," TRIO programs identify and provide services to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The goal, as Gardin said, "was to level the educational playing field."
In 2009, Gardin founded New Covenant Community Development Center. By 2016, he submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Education, which awarded funds to run the program through Union County Public Schools.
Today, the program serves low-income students or those who could be the first in their family to attend college.
"We've graduated two classes since we started," Gardin proudly shares. "Every student who joined our program has been accepted to a college or university of their choice upon graduating."
New Covenant partners with Wingate University for a five-week summer program and offers free tutoring on Saturdays. The center also runs a cultural program, taking students to visit schools and cities they might never have had the chance to experience, including Atlanta, Charleston, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C. Next year, they aim to take the students to New York — something that seemed impossible until now.
On behalf of WCNC Charlotte, the Tegna Foundation, the Param Family Fund, and Steel Skin Realty, French presented a $6,000 check to help New Covenant Community Development Center.
"Every summer, we take them [students] on what we call a summer cultural trip, and we're planning to go to New York next year," Gardin said. "The funding we receive doesn’t usually cover flying to New York, but this check solves that problem for us."
But this is just the beginning for New Covenant.
"Thanks to our success — to God be the glory — we're expanding our program to elementary schools," Gardin said. "We’re excited to be building a new educational facility, which will allow us to provide STEAM education to students from K through 12. This new building will be ready soon."
Gardin is changing the lives of his students.
“Mr. Gardin has helped me come out of my shell,” Smriti said. “New Covenant has really boosted my confidence in making friends.”
Carlos said he's had great experiences he wouldn't have otherwise had.
“It has taught me a lot — to be a better person and become the grown man my family wants me to be," Dylan added.
With a new facility on the horizon and a growing list of eager students, New Covenant Community Development Center is not just shaping futures but also building a legacy of empowerment and education.
Contact Sarah French at Sarah@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.