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.
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EdNC celebrates ten years and releases a case study and our annual report… Postsecondary opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities… It’s FAFSA February… McDowell Tech opens new workforce center following Helene… Belk Center launches Adult Learner Spotlight Series… Piedmont Community College president announces resignation… Presidential search for Mayland Community College underway… The State Board of Community Colleges’ Personnel Committee to meet… The Hunt Institute recently convened legislators to discuss education… Resources for educators following Trump’s new policies on immigration… Plus, Gov. Josh Stein will be the keynote speaker for this year’s ApprenticeshipNC Conference…
Hi all — Emily Thomas here with this week’s Awake58.
We have quite a few EdNC reads for you this week.
First up, a look at how programs in North Carolina are serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). EdNC reporter Chantal Brown provides an overview of statewide efforts and a look at how two institutions — Wake Technical and South Piedmont community colleges — are serving individuals with IDD.
It’s also FAFSA February. Here’s a list of resources available to help students and families pay for college. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) and CFNC created a digital toolkit in hopes of giving schools and community organizations more flexibility to hold FAFSA/financial aid-focused events throughout February.
Last week, McDowell Technical Community College opened their new Workforce Education Center in the town of Old Fort. The ribbon cutting ceremony had been delayed due to the devastation caused by Helene across western North Carolina.
The Hunt Institute also recently convened North Carolina legislators at its annual Holshouser Legislative Retreat. The goal of the retreat is to inspire leadership and legislation and other “strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.” Several topics discussed directly impact higher education, including education and workforce alignment, the state’s investment in postsecondary affordability, and the state’s attainment goal.
In other news, during President Donald Trump’s first day in office, he signed 48 presidential actions, several of which would impact immigrant students, families, and schools. In this EdNC read, you can find resources for schools and teachers looking to support their students, as well as an early look at how N.C. school districts are responding.
Finally, ICYMI, EdNC celebrated ten years last week. As Molly and Mebane expressed in this piece, “the work we do, the communities we serve — has been and continues to be a great privilege.” Printed on some of our EdNC shirts is the phrase, “Here to Listen.” As storytellers and reporters, we are honored to hear about the work you do and to share your stories in a way that provides understanding while still maintaining your voices. We truly are grateful for the opportunity to show up in your communities week after week.
Here’s a look at our annual report and a case study from Blue Engine Collaborative with an external review of our work as a nonprofit media outlet.
Be sure to send us your community college story ideas.
Until next week,
Emily Thomas
Director of Postsecondary Attainment — EdNC.org
EdNC reads
Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the road to postsecondary opportunities
“We are helping to build inclusive pathways for students with IDD that didn’t exist two years ago, and it is so exciting to be a part of that journey,” State Board of Community Colleges Finance Committee Chair Lisa Estep said during a 2023 discussion of the IDD program.
FAFSA February is here with resources to help students and families pay for college
College for North Carolina, formerly the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), now is promoting the month by hosting FAFSA February with the goal of bringing more students and families tools and resources about paying for college.
McDowell Tech opens workforce center in Old Fort months after Helene
“This Workforce Education Center is more than just a building,” said Kim Effler, president and CEO of McDowell County Chamber of Commerce. “It represents opportunity, progress, and resilience. It stands as a testament to the strength and vision of Old Fort.”
Belk Center highlights North Carolina’s adult learners
“My child was my biggest motivation,” said Santressia Williams, a 30-year-old adult learner at James Sprunt Community College. “It’s time to start building for her and I want my child to know mommy did the best she can.”
Early ed, higher ed, funding, AI, WNC, and more: Hunt Institute convenes legislators to talk about education
“Gov. Holshouser and Gov. Hunt believed that if North Carolina was to succeed and lead in education we needed bipartisan commitments to work together to do what’s best for children,” said Allison Goff Clark, the director of state engagement at The Hunt Institute. “This is an opportunity for legislators to build relationships, learn together with one another, and to think intentionally about how they can come together to serve students and their families across North Carolina.”
Resources for educators following Trump’s new policies on ICE, immigration
Read this article for an overview of the actions the Trump administration has taken that could impact immigrant students, resources for schools and teachers looking to support their students, and an early look at how North Carolina school districts are responding.
Around NC
NCCCS personnel committee | The State Board of Community Colleges’ Personnel Committee will meet virtually Feb. 11 at 9 a.m. The meeting is open to the public but some portions of the meeting may be held in closed session. You can livestream the meeting on the N.C. Community College System Office’s YouTube.
President updates | Piedmont Community College President Dr. Pamela Senegal recently announced her resignation from the college. Senegal will join YWCA Central Carolinas as their executive director in March. Mayland Community College’s Board of Trustees also recently announced their search efforts for the college’s next president, following Dr. John Boyd’s retirement announcement.
Robeson Community College President Melissa Singler was featured in BusinessNC magazine. Singler discussed growth and impact as it relates to economic challenges and prospects.
CFNC training event | Robeson Community College’s Financial Aid Office hosted training from College For North Carolina last month. Over 50 counselors and advisors attended, “representing high schools and colleges from Polkton to Fayetteville to Wilmington,” according to this news article.
Programs | A partnership with a local small automotive business, White Motors, will bring the Ford ACE program to Halifax Community College. The program is designed for future automotive professionals and will give students hands-on experience.
Building opening | Craven Community College celebrated the opening of its Heavy Equipment building last week. According to the article, “the building houses the Volt Center’s latest program, Heavy Equipment Operations, made possible in part through grant funding provided by the Golden LEAF Foundation.”
On campus | Blue Ridge Community College is celebrating Career & Technical Education this February.
A delegation from the country of Moldova met with Sandhills Community College leaders and students on Jan. 28. “The North Carolina-Moldova Partnership is a bilateral agreement between the state of North Carolina and the Republic of Moldova. The partnership was formalized in 1999 and has since expanded to include many organizations and individuals,” according to the college’s press release.
Sandhills also recently co-hosted the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents (NCACCP) Winter Conference with community college partners from Bladen, Central Carolina, Montgomery, Richmond, Robeson, and Southeastern community colleges. Fifty-five of the 58 community colleges participated either in-person or virtually.
Scholarships | Bladen Community College launched their “A Brighter Day Scholarship,” offering former inmates, single parents, and students with little or no financial aid funding to cover their education.
Events | Entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders in Harnett County are invited to attend the Harnett Business Resource Summit on Monday, Feb. 10. The event will offer attendees tools, resources, and networking opportunities to grow their businesses. Keynote speakers include N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Sen. Jim Burgin. More event details can be found here.
Cape Fear Community College invites local employers to its Second Chance Employer Engagement Coffee Hour on Friday, Feb. 14 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in room 101A of the G Building on CFCC’s downtown campus. “This event offers the opportunity for interested employers to learn about second chance hiring, connect with like-minded professionals, and explore resources that support justice-involved individuals seeking meaningful employment,” according to a college press release.
Wayne Community College will host the Mexican “Consulate on Wheels” Feb. 10-14 to allow Mexican citizens to get identification documents. Appointments are required and free to schedule.
On Feb. 20, myFutureNC will also be hosting its annual event, the State of Educational Attainment in North Carolina. Mark your calendars and learn how we can all work together to close the educational attainment gap in our state. Invite your team to join virtually as myFutureNC shares the steps we need to take to ensure that by 2030, 2 million North Carolinians hold a high-quality credential or postsecondary degree. You can register online.
The ApprenticeshipNC Conference is set for March 10-11 at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, NC. The special room rate ends Feb. 7. Find more conference details and a link to register here. It was recently announced that Gov. Josh Stein will be the keynote speaker for this year’s conference.