A note from us
Welcome to Awake58 — a weekly newsletter where you’ll find the latest updates on community college related news and events around the state. Plus, a look at what’s trending nationally in higher education. If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up for the Awake58 newsletter here, and you can find last week’s edition on our website.
This week’s edition is by Liz Bell, EdNC’s early childhood reporter. Before we jump in, a huge congratulations to Liz who was recently named as one of four Spencer Education Journalism Fellows to join the Columbia Journalism School for the 2026-27 academic year!
A deep dive on apprenticeships in North Carolina and beyond for National Apprenticeship Week… Grant opens for colleges to establish on-campus child care… Updates from the short session and Gov. Stein’s proposed budget… President Jeff Cox honored ahead of retirement… Plus, a recap of the fourth annual adult learner convening…
Good morning, it is a pleasure to be in your inbox — Liz here. Though I’m often inside an early childhood bubble, I’ve likely been on your campus at some point over the last 10 years.
Early childhood and community colleges overlap in many ways — so I’m always excited to write a story at their intersection, including my recent piece on how Alabama is expanding its apprenticeship model to reach new employers and industries, including within early childhood education.
I traveled to Montgomery this month to ask state officials, apprentices, and mentors about what makes apprenticeship important and how the state has emerged as a national leader on the model. I also had my first experience at a “meat and three,” soaked up as much civil rights history as I could in three days, and drooled at my views on a countryside drive to the town of Banks.
Everyone I spoke with told me that apprenticeship is an approach that makes sense for many employers and many individuals. When paired with incentives and appropriate support for apprentices, it’s a win-win. Apprentices deepen their learning and earn money while they’re still in school, and employers have workers with the right skills who are more likely to stay.
Three main reasons leaders told me the model is working in Alabama: employers cover apprentices’ tuition, the state provides incentives for employers to get started, and the state Office of Apprenticeship is focused on quality programming that adapts to the nuances of different industries.
In early childhood education, nuances abound. In order for the apprenticeship model to work, the state has ensured apprentices are earning credits that transfer to 4-year universities and have options that lead to living wages. The state’s Department of Early Childhood Education also provides funding to reimburse employers for participants’ tuition and wage enhancements, recognizing the tight budgets of school districts and child care centers. This took time and partners willing to work together and rethink how they do things.
The two apprentices I met, who are pre-K teachers finishing their bachelor’s degrees, described their experiences as both challenging and “life-changing.” Meanwhile, their districts are pairing the model with dual enrollment opportunities for high schoolers to “grow their own” early childhood teachers.
It was a chance to see the full education continuum at work, striving to be better and strengthening communities. Look out for the rest of EdNC’s apprenticeship series this week, which you can read here. I’ll certainly be reading to see how the model is showing up here at home.
Until next time,
Liz
EdNC reads
Apprenticeships are on the rise in North Carolina. Will that growth continue?
Amid efforts to increase apprenticeships, a funding cliff looms — without support from the General Assembly this legislative session, ApprenticeshipNC stands to lose 18 staff positions and all of its marketing and communications capacity.
Federal grant opens for colleges to establish on-campus child care programs
The Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant competition, which opens every four years, is accepting applications through May 29. Community colleges can apply for funds to support or establish campus-based child care services for students with children.
Gov. Stein releases budget proposal with 11% average raise for teachers, highest starting pay in the Southeast
“In many ways, our state’s community colleges are our secret weapon,” Gov. Josh Stein said. Learn more about key community college investments in the governor’s proposal for a fiscal year 2026-27 state budget.
State House Dems call for budget with raises for educators — and other updates from the start of short session
A group of House Democrats gathered last week to highlight the need for a budget and the impact that no budget has had on public safety, health care, the cost of living, and public education.
Highlighting the role of education in getting to a good job, 2026 Holshouser Legislators Retreat convenes ahead of short session
Catch up on key takeaways from the annual Holshouser Legislators Retreat, which included a panel on strategies to align education with workforce development.
North Carolina education leaders toast President Cox for his 30-year career in public service ahead of his retirement
The North Carolina Association of Community College Trustees offered toasts of recognition and appreciation for North Carolina Community College System President Jeff Cox at their spring meeting last week.
How can community colleges market to adult learners? ‘Reach out to people’s fears, not just their goals’
This year’s adult learner convening primarily focused on how community colleges can design marketing and communications efforts to successfully reach and reenroll adult learners.
Department of Education opens public comments for proposed ‘do no harm’ earnings test for postsecondary programs
Under the proposed rule, if an undergraduate program does not produce graduates who earn at least as much as high school graduates, the program will lose its eligibility for federal student loans, and in some cases, Pell Grants.
Taking on the heavy lifting: How Davidson-Davie is scaling apprenticeships to meet local workforce needs
Davidson-Davie Community College has invested in growing both health care and traditional manufacturing apprenticeship programs by lowering the barrier to entry for employers.
Building an economic onramp through pre-apprenticeships in Beaufort County
Get to know BeauPros, a pre-apprenticeship program in Beaufort County created to connect high school juniors with local businesses that want to develop and invest in the next generation of professionals.
How Alabama is expanding apprenticeships across the state and into new fields
Learn more about how Alabama has taken a model traditionally associated with trades occupations and introduced it to new employers, new educational partners, and new students.
‘Apprenticeship is a team sport’: How Maryland is achieving record apprenticeship growth
Maryland is growing apprenticeships through investments in intermediaries, incentives for employers, and more.
Around NC
Apprenticeship misconceptions can stifle growth | In this EdNC perspective, Nicole Hill, a graduate student that recently worked with myFutureNC to study apprenticeships, discusses what she learned from speaking with employers.
New evidence on impact of apprenticeships | The N.C. Department of Commerce released new research on the impact of registered apprenticeships on recent high school graduates, tracking earnings and employment over a 10-year period.
ApprenticeshipNC announces award winners | The awards honor individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence, innovation, and leadership in North Carolina’s registered apprenticeship ecosystem.
UNC System’s push for three-year degrees | The Assembly covers concerns from the leaders of the N.C. Association of Community College Presidents about a proposal to create accelerated degree programs in the UNC System.
10 NC community colleges selected for Careers Electric™ Training Network | Following the February launch of the Careers Electric™ initiative, 10 community colleges have been selected to spearhead the statewide expansion of high-impact electrical workforce training. A total of 32 community colleges applied to join the network.
Financial Aid Champions announced | College for North Carolina (CFNC) selected 70 schools, districts, and organizations to receive the Financial Aid Champion designation, celebrating efforts to bring financial aid best practices to the students they serve.
FAFSA fraud detection | The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new, real-time fraud detection capability for the FAFSA. Fraud detection is built directly into the FAFSA, with every applicant evaluated in real-time using risk-based identity screening.
New framework for improving student career outcomes | Basta, an organization that recently expanded to North Carolina, released a new framework that offers a year-by-year approach to tracking student progress, identifying misalignment early, and enabling timely support that can improve career outcomes.
Other higher education reads
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