A closer look at Boost, the new program for NC community college students

Boost is the first statewide replication of the CUNY ASAP model, a nationally acclaimed and evidence-based program that has proven its ability to increase three-year community college graduation rates. It is also the first replication of CUNY ASAP tied directly to workforce needs — eligible students must be enrolled in an associate degree program that aligns with Propel NC, the N.C. Community College System’s (NCCCS) proposed funding model that “prioritizes connecting students to high-wage, high-demand jobs.”

But what does Boost actually look like on the ground?

One year ago, a hurricane made its way into the Appalachian mountain range. After days of rain, wind, landslides, and floods, the region began cutting itself out of North Carolina’s largest natural disaster. At EdNC, we headed west to report on the storm’s aftermath and the status of public schools in the area. The region was in crisis, but relief and recovery were already underway thanks to local first responders and essential workers. Those people who are called to serve and save — EMTs and paramedics, electrical lineworkers and firefighters — are all trained in the community college system.

This is a one-hour audio special of first-person perspectives from people who lived through Helene and helped in its wake. If you are interested in diving further into each story, see our series from May 2025.

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival wrapped its fourth annual event on Aug. 31, 2025. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, the festival honors the musical influence of Cleveland County native Earl Scruggs and was established in partnership with Isothermal Community College’s public radio station WNCW 88.7 and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby. This year’s event was particularly significant for the region still untangling all that Hurricane Helene left in its wake. A spotlight performance, “Healing the Hollers,” featured performances from regional artists using music as an act of recovery and healing.

From Dr. Leatherwood: “As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, I cannot help but reflect — personally and professionally — on all that our region has endured over the past year. Living through Helene here in western North Carolina was both humbling and eye-opening. Like so many of our neighbors and students, I felt the disruption, uncertainty, and even fear that came with the powerful storm.”

Hurricane Helene widened digital inequities for western North Carolina community college students and unveiled challenges in the usage of online student support services, according to a new brief from the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at the NC State University’s College of Education. The brief analyzes students’ access to and use of new student support services at Isothermal Community College, McDowell Technical Community College, and Western Piedmont Community College following Hurricane Helene. The three colleges were months into the implementation of Foothills FORWARD, a federally funded success coaching program, when Helene struck the region, the brief says.

Helene recovery funding | During a Hurricane Response and Recovery Subcommittee hearing at the General Assembly last week, state leaders said that almost 75% of the region’s $59.6 billion total estimated financial need is unfunded. State and local government officials detailed holdups with federal funding and attributed delays to FEMA. According to a presentation to the committee by Matt Calabria, director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina, about $14.9 billion in recovery funding is allocated or expected, leaving $44.7 billion in unfunded needs. You can read more about the hearing here.

EdNC wins public service award | The North Carolina Press Association recently awarded EdNC its public service award for our coverage and strategic support of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Since Helene hit North Carolina at the end of September 2024, EdNC has published 130 articles about the storm, its impact on western North Carolina, and how communities and organizations are working toward recovery.

First responder programs | In this article, The Hechinger Report focuses on the growing number of  community colleges that are adding training for workers to combat fires, floods, and other disasters. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is featured in the piece.

President updates | Rockingham Community College installed Dr. Sylvia Cox as its sixth president on Sept. 23. Cox came from Southeastern Community College, where she served as executive vice president and chief academic officer for the past four years.

Dr. Jay Carraway, president of James Sprunt Community College, announced his retirement earlier this month. Carraway will retire in February 2026. The presidential search is currently underway.

Enrollment | According to a recent news release, Surry Community College leaders say the college is seeing pre-pandemic enrollment levels. “Overall enrollment is up this fall. The increase comes after a decline during COVID-19,” the release says. More than 3,100 students are enrolled this semester.

The UNC System had record enrollment this fall. The total number of students is up 3.4% over 2024. The number of transfer students jumped 8.2% from the previous fall. For the first time, the state’s public universities surpassed a quarter of a million students, the press release said.

Scholarship recipients | Three students were recently awarded the Samuel M. Taylor Memorial Life Sciences Scholarship. The award is a prestigious educational scholarship, a NCCCS press release says, and will empower the students to develop industry-critical skills required to succeed in biotechnology and life sciences fields. The recipients are: DeAnthonie Taylor of Central Carolina Community College, Shawn Moore of Central Carolina Community College, and Michael Butcher of Montgomery Community College.

Nursing shortages | The National Health Talent Alliance released their 2025 analysis of workforce data. According to the report, 13% of North Carolina’s registered nurse (RN) positions are unfilled, compared to last year’s 17%. Additionally, persistent shortages remain among support staff, like licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Long shifts, heavy workloads, and low pay in rural health care systems contribute to the shortages, the report says.

Electric vehicle training | Cape Fear Community College recently launched a new electric vehicle supply equipment technician course, “designed specifically for licensed electricians seeking to expand their skills and gain hands-on training in the rapidly growing electric vehicle charging industry,” a college press release says.

Grants | Recently, two colleges were awarded National Science Foundation (NSF) grants. Southeastern Community College received an advanced technological education grant to cover the cost of new training equipment, curriculum development, college instructor professional development, and high school instructor education and training for the college’s electric vehicle training program. Piedmont Community College also received a grant to strengthen and expand its advanced technological education. The funded project will provide training in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Small businesses | Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is partnering with NCCCS by offering free, practical business training, access to capital, and personalized support services a system press release says. The inaugural cohort will be hosted at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington.