We hope to see you at the NCCCS conference
A note from us
Welcome to Awake58 — a weekly newsletter with the latest updates on community college news and events. 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.
We hope to see you at the N.C. Community College System Conference… Catch up on stories from community colleges across the state… RFP opens for Boost expansion focused on supporting students in short-term healthcare programs… Treasurer criticizes new Atrium affordability program ahead of State Health Plan open enrollment period… Plus, the State Board of Community Colleges meets this week…
Happy Wednesday and welcome to Awake58 — Analisa here.
This morning, I’m thrilled to be setting up EdNC’s booth on the exhibitor floor at the North Carolina Community College conference! If you’ll be in Raleigh this week, we hope to see you there — be sure to stop by EdNC’s booth to speak with me and my colleagues Ben Humphries and Sophia Luna, share story ideas, and of course, receive some fun EdNC merchandise. You can find us toward the center of the exhibitor floor at booth No. 44.
Just down the road from the convention center, the State Board of Community Colleges will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday and Friday. My colleague Molly Steur will be in the room; you can see all meeting materials here.
As we look forward to connecting with new folks and seeing familiar faces at the conference this week, I’m reflecting on the 10 community college visits our team has attended since the fall semester began.
Here are some of the stories from those visits:
- At Sampson Community College, teacher candidates will have their full tuition and fees covered in the college’s educator preparation program, helping address the critical teacher shortage in the region.
- At Western Piedmont Community College, multiple efforts are placing a “laser focus” on student success, including the college’s Student Support Services program and the recent launch of Boost.
- At Southeastern Community College, leaders braided state, federal, and private funds to clear the way for a new $22 million automotive facility, significantly expanding the college’s capacity for automotive programs.
- At McDowell Technical Community College, the “M3 Initiative” will launch this fall with investment from Good Jobs WNC. The effort will connect students with local entry-level manufacturing jobs through partnerships with three local employers.
- At Bladen Community College, a new LPN to RN hybrid program that meets in person only once a week has expanded the college’s capacity to meet local nursing workforce needs.
We never learn more than the days we are on the ground speaking with faculty, staff, and students. Thank you for welcoming us into your communities and allowing us to share these stories.
Until next time,
Analisa Archer
Senior Director of Policy, EdNC
EdNC reads
Around NC
Belk Center announces 2026 Dallas Herring Lecture respondents | Stanly Community College President Dr. John Enamait and Achieving the Dream President and CEO Dr. Lenore Rodicio will serve as respondents for the 2026 Dallas Herring Lecture. Immediately following this year’s lecture, which will be delivered by Dr. Vicki Karolewics, Enamait and Rodicio will be joined by AJ Jaeger, executive director of the Belk Center, for a moderated fireside chat. Reserve your virtual seat to the Nov. 17 lecture here.
NCICU, NC Community College System launch statewide transfer pathways platform | NCICU Transfer Pathways is a new digital platform designed to make it easier for N.C. community college students to transfer to participating private, nonprofit colleges and universities to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
Lt. Gov Rachel Hunt visits Pamlico Community College | During the visit, Hunt heard from the prison education leadership team, learned about the electrical systems technology program, and took part in a welding simulator.
Cape Fear Community College, UNC Wilmington to host free symposium on reentry | The event, titled “Pathways & Second Chances: A Community Reentry Symposium,” will take place Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enrollment growth in the news | This Community College Daily article features enrollment growth at Johnston and Rowan-Cabarrus community colleges, which both saw record enrollment growth this semester. Cape Fear Community College also announced its “largest workforce expansion in school history,” adding 73 new faculty and staff positions in response to record enrollment growth.
Sandhills president reflects on recent legislative investments | In this column, Dr. Alexander (Sandy) Stewart reflects on the significance of the state’s investments in Propel NC and apprenticeships. He writes: “These investments are worthy of celebration, but they also bring responsibility. Community colleges must demonstrate that public support is producing meaningful results through student progress, program completion, employment, wage growth and responsiveness to employers.”
Wake Tech holds inaugural AI Innovation Week | The five-day event brought students, faculty, and staff together to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping learning, teaching, and work.
Alamance Community College receives National Science Foundation grant to launch new biopharma quality degree | The roughly $475,000 grant will help the college develop BioQuest, including a new Associate in Applied Science degree in Biopharma Quality.
From manufacturing CTE to the workforce | In recognition of Manufacturing Month, the N.C. Department of Commerce takes a look at educational and employment outcomes of high school students graduating as manufacturing CTE concentrators. Explore the data here.
Catch up on recent EdNC perspectives | Read more about Gov. Josh Stein’s recent celebration of NC College Connect, and learn how Tri-County Community College is building homes and a workforce to power the economy.
Google, NC LIVE partner to expand digital skills and AI training across NC | The Grow with Google program enables North Carolinians to earn professional certificates in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more at no cost through their local library or academic institution. Learn more.
New Workforce Pell Resource Center | The National Student Clearinghouse has launched a hub for information, updates, and guidance on Workforce Pell. The Resource Center provides an overview of the program, tracks federal updates, and offers a state-by-state tracker to explore how Workforce Pell is being implemented in each state. Explore the resource here.
Other higher education reads
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