As the N.C. Community College System (NCCCS) awaits funding from lawmakers to enact the system’s new funding model, Propel NC, system leadership is working to make sure that policies, codes, and guidance to support local colleges is available if funding is approved.

A portion of last week’s State Board of Community College’s Board and strategic planning retreat focused on the main components of Propel NC.

During the planning session, system staff presented a new labor market tool, which will be used to help finalize workforce sectors. That tool is expected to be made public later this fall. The system is also working to develop a tool that would collect information and promote short-term workforce programs across the state.

Board members also discussed the importance of a “one-college model,” where all college programs and student services are housed under one roof. This approach, Board members said, makes it much easier for students and families to access information and enroll in programs, which is key to the success of Propel NC.

You can read Hannah’s full recap of the Board meeting here. 

Dr. Shelley White, president of Haywood Community College, shares how the college uses engagement to provide hope, resources, and educational opportunities.

When tragic floods devastated areas of Haywood County in August 2021, engagement was a uniting force — to provide a helping hand and be a location and connector of resources.

And when Pactiv Evergreen announced it would close the Canton paper mill in early 2023, the need for engagement shifted yet again.

During this season, HCC worked as a lead partner to provide hope, convene partners, deploy critical training, and build a foundation for our future workforce. Employees across all departments of HCC have continued to find new and deeper opportunities to engage with our community, including employer and agency partners.

In response, our instructional areas have enhanced and expanded new educational opportunities to align with changing economic and workforce needs.

Reflecting upon this season of challenge and change, the thread of engagement kept us focused on our mission and allowed us to embrace new levels of commitment to our community.

Read White’s perspective and view EdNC’s video here.

EdNC’s Alli Lindenberg sat down with Pitt Community College’s new president, Dr. Maria Pharr, to discuss the new role, her plans for the future, and how the college plans to stay relevant and adaptable.

“One of the things that we will do as we start to work better together is to make sure that we remain relevant. The student of today is very different than the student of even two years ago. And one of the things that a community college does, a community college is very nimble, and we say that we’re nimble in workforce development, we also have to be nimble in the way that we look at our educational processes,” said Pharr.

Pharr has observed that some students want to “get in and get out” of school and are eager to join the workforce. For many of them, their life circumstances require that they are able to start working and earning a livable wage as soon as possible. Flexibility is also critical as community college students juggle many responsibilities, especially if they are adult learners, of which community colleges have many.

Read the full article on our website.

On Sept. 16, the Biden-Harris Administration announced another $1.3 billion in federal investments for HBCUs. Coupled with what was previously announced, that is a record $16 billion in federal investments in HBCUs since the 2021 fiscal year, according to the press release.

Most of the funding announced Monday will go to research and development capacity building. The administration said it aims to help the institutions make strides in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The rest of the money will go to need-based grants and other federal programs such as Pell Grants.

Chantal Brown’s article includes information about the additional federal funding and the impact of HBCUs across North Carolina.

Students with disabilities | Sandhills Community College recently expanded programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). “This is part of the school’s initiative—called Access to Achievement—which aims to increase employment outcomes for people with IDD,” according to a news article. North Carolina State University also recently launched Elevate, a new inclusive postsecondary education program. The program is a university-wide initiative that is designed to award non-degree credentials to students with learning differences.

Aspiring Presidents Institute convening | The Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research and the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents (NCACCP) are partnering to host the inaugural Aspiring Presidents Institute this week. The convening includes 17 leaders from 15 colleges across the state all preparing for a presidency in North Carolina. More updates to follow.

FTCC releases book | Fayetteville Technical Community College featured more than two dozens stories in a newly released book filled with personal anecdotes from faculty and staff members. The book, “The Road to Success: A Love Letter to Our Students,” can be purchased in the college’s bookstore.

Lineman Rodeo | Robeson Community College is set to host its first electrical lineman rodeo this week. The rodeo will showcase student skills and what they have learned in class. Lineman families and employers will be onsite Sept. 26 for the event. Stay tuned for more from EdNC.

New agribusiness program | Wilson Community College’s board of trustees recently approved an agribusiness technology program. The application will now go to the system and state Board for approval. The college hopes to start the program — currently offered at 19 colleges across the state — in fall 2025.

Peanut sculpture | Bladen Community College’s welding program recently constructed a peanut sculpture that is 5.5 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide to be on display at the Dublin Town Hall. Bladen County is known for its peanut processing and peanuts are a popular crop among Bladen County farmers.

In this piece published by Community College Daily, the authors describe how Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the role Hispanic culture “plays in shaping our nation’s educational landscape.”

In 2023, 27% of students enrolled in credit courses at community colleges were Hispanic, making them the second-largest demographic in U.S. colleges, according to AACC’s 2024 Fast Facts. With the rapid growth of the Hispanic student population, it is increasingly vital for community colleges across the country to have Hispanic leaders who can support and represent the unique needs of Hispanic students by providing valuable perspectives to foster cultural understanding and promoting equitable opportunities for all students. Hispanic leaders can assist in creating inclusive environments where Hispanic students from all backgrounds feel supported, ultimately strengthening community colleges and making them more reflective of the diverse communities served, while contributing to student retention and completion rates.

Additionally, with the rise in the number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) and emerging HSIs, the role of Hispanic senior leadership in higher education is more crucial than ever. During the 2022-2023 academic year, there were 600 HSIs and 412 emerging HSIs, according to Excelencia in Education. As these institutions continue to grow, having Hispanic leaders ensures that colleges remain responsive to their communities, promoting greater equity, access and success.

You can find the full article here.