The Associate in Arts in a Year program at South Piedmont Community College offers motivated students an accelerated, affordable path to a college degree – and faculty say the results are remarkable.
For English instructor Dan Popoff, teaching in the AAY program is a standout chapter in his career.
An Army veteran, Popoff spent 30 years in the funeral business, but two years ago, transitioned to his new career in higher education. In addition to teaching, he is completing his doctorate degree in English at Liberty University.
“At first glance, those paths may seem unrelated,” he said, “but the heart, everything I’ve done has been rooted in education. Whether it was helping a family through end-of-life decisions or teaching English, I enjoy teaching and helping people learn.”
A Different Kind of Classroom
Popoff began teaching in the Associate in Arts in a Year program in fall 2025 and immediately noticed how different it felt from traditional classes.
“In a typical course, you might see about 60 percent of students who are truly motivated,” he explains. “In AAY, it’s closer to 99 percent. That level of commitment changes the entire dynamic.”
Because the program is accelerated and structured in five-week terms, students arrive focused and ready to engage. Smaller class sizes encourage discussion, collaboration, and peer learning—often leading to full participation across the room.
“When students see their classmates contributing, they’re more likely to speak up themselves,” he says. “Engagement becomes nearly 100 percent.”
Accelerated Learning That Makes Sense
The AAY program is designed to help students move efficiently through coursework without sacrificing quality. This is done through intentional alignment of courses. For example, while completing Popoff’s English class, students would simultaneously complete a Communications class. That arrangement allows students to research one topic but produced both a written paper – a requirement for English – as well as an oral speech – a requirement for Communications.
“That integration saves time and allows students to go deeper instead of doing the same work twice,” he notes.
The program also meets students where they are, whether they choose to attend online or in-person. Online courses use tools like Canvas and interactive learning strategies to keep students engaged, while in-person students benefit from more individualized attention.
Commitment That Pays Off
Popoff emphasizes that success in AAY requires dedication – but it’s worth the work.
“It’s not hard, but it does require commitment—sometimes even more than a traditional college schedule,” he says. “Students who choose this program are saying, ‘This is where I want to go,’ and they like the gratification of making progress fast.”
That momentum, paired with affordability, is a major draw. Out-of-pocket costs are capped at just $1,500 for qualifying North Carolina residents, making the Associate in Arts in a Year program one of the most cost-effective ways to earn a college degree. With an Associate in Arts degree, students are positioned for university-level study and advancement in the workforce.
For students who are motivated, focused, and ready to move forward, AAY offers exactly what its name promises — a clear path to an associate degree in just one year.
“It’s a pleasure to teach these students and help them reach their goals,” Popoff said.
The deadline to join the fall 2026 Associate in Arts in a Year cohort is May 15. Learn more here.