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 Analisa Archer, senior director of policy at EdNC.
Catch up on updates from the State Board of Community Colleges… N.C. Community College System announces $6 million to expand Boost… NCWorks Commission approves state Workforce Pell requirements… The “Community College Workforce Readiness Act” moves forward… Plus, scholarships are open for children of military veterans…
Good morning and welcome to Awake58 — Analisa here.
Last week was quite a busy one for North Carolina’s community colleges — graduation ceremonies were held across the state, community college legislation advanced in the General Assembly, and both the State Board of Community Colleges and Governor’s Council on Workforce & Apprenticeships held meetings.
Here are five key things to know:
- Interim NCCCS president named: The State Board of Community Colleges voted to approve Bill Carver, former president of Nash Community College, as interim president of the N.C. Community College System, effective July 1. Carver has been interim twice already and is expected to hold the role until at least Sept. 1 — the date that most candidates for the next system president and CEO have indicated they could begin.
- New data on projected impact of Propel NC: Also during the State Board’s meeting, new data estimated the impact of Propel NC, the system’s proposed overhaul of its funding model. According to the estimates, the trades and transportation workforce sector would see the greatest increase in completers in 2030 compared to last year’s levels — the increase would be around 1,100 additional completers, or a 13% increase.
- Boost is expanding, with a focus on health care: Boost, the state’s replication of CUNY ASAP, is expanding through $6 million in new investments. At Wake Tech, a $3 million investment from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust will expand the program to students in health care programs; separately, a $3 million investment from AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina will launch Bridge, an adaptation of Boost for students pursuing short-term health care credentials.
- State Workforce Pell policy approved: The NCWorks Commission voted to approve a policy establishing North Carolina’s Workforce Pell Grant eligibility requirements and application process. Separately, the final federal rule for the program was released on Monday.
- Governor’s Council hears roundup on workforce efforts: Members of the Governor’s Council on Workforce & Apprenticeships heard brief updates on a variety of efforts unfolding across the state that advance the council’s 11 workforce development goals, including NC Career Launch, the Workforce Act of 2026, and a transfer portal pilot. Read more at the bottom of this article.
As EdNC continues to track the system’s presidential transition and this legislative session, we want to hear from you — what’s on your mind? What questions do you have? Feel free to reply directly to this email.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time,
Analisa Archer
Senior Director of Policy, EdNC.org
EdNC reads
NC Community College System names Bill Carver as interim president
The announcement comes ahead of the June 30 retirement of current system President Jeff Cox, who announced his retirement on Aug. 1, 2025. While the State Board originally planned to name a new president by April 2026, that timeline shifted back throughout the search process.
State Board of Community Colleges discusses projected impact of Propel NC, announces Boost expansion
Catch up on State Board highlights, including a discussion of three-year degrees in the UNC System, updates on a potential systemwide CRM, a report on Access to Achievement, and more.
Bill to explore weighted student funding model passes Senate education committee — and other news from the legislature
This legislative roundup includes an update on Senate Bill 991, the “Community College Workforce Readiness Act,” which includes funds to expand Access to Achievement and would direct ApprenticeshipNC to collaborate with other groups on a study of expedited pathways for teacher apprenticeships.
North Carolina approves state Workforce Pell policy, paving the way for July launch
How will North Carolina identify eligible occupations for Workforce Pell Grants? The NCWorks Commission voted last week to approve the state’s eligibility requirements and application process.
Children of Wartime Veterans Scholarship application now open through June 8 for 2026-27
Children of military veterans have until June 8 to apply for the Children of Wartime Veterans Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year. The announcement comes after previous funding concerns due to a lack of a state budget.
Around NC
U.S. Department of Education issues final rule for Workforce Pell | On Monday, the final rule for Workforce Pell Grants was announced, paving the way for the program’s expected launch on July 1. Workforce Pell Watch has a helpful breakdown of what changed, and what didn’t, in this post. Eligible programs will first be approved at the state level before moving on to federal approval.
A trauma-informed look at Hurricane Helene and community colleges | In this EdNC perspective, Annie Duncan from McDowell Tech shares why community colleges are uniquely positioned to lead in long-term Helene recovery.
Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt visits Wayne Community College | On Monday, Hunt’s tour included visits to automotive, industrial technology, and nursing programs.
Q&A with John Loyack on workforce development | Loyack, vice president of economic development for the N.C. Community College System, discusses NCEdge, ApprenticeshipNC, and more in this interview.
Hunt Institute concludes first mayors fellowship on education and workforce readiness | The Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership Fellows program brings together 15 city leaders from across the country to advance solutions in education. Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams participated in the inaugural cohort.
Western Piedmont Community College launches states first floor covering program | WPCC’s course provides instruction in both hardwood and resilient flooring, giving students “practical, job-ready experience through 150 contact hours of training.”
Record-breaking graduations | Beaufort County Community College and Martin Community College celebrated the largest number of graduates in school history.
Other higher education reads
Sign up for Awake58, our newsletter on all things community college.
