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Students from A-B Tech’s adult high school programs graduate… A look at the status of Propel NC… Goldman Sachs application for rural business owners due June 15… Nicole Ditillo is the new director of Boost for the N.C. Community College System… First recipient of Grow Moore Teachers Pathway Scholarship announced… A recap from Road to Hire’s Commitment Day… Plus, NOAA’s hurricane forecast and how to prepare for hurricane season…
Hi all — Emily Thomas with this week’s Awake58.
I had the privilege of attending A-B Tech’s adult high school graduation last week. I think all graduation ceremonies are remarkable, but if you’ve never attended an adult high school graduation, here’s my nudge.
It’s been eight months since Hurricane Helene devastated the region, making this year’s graduating class all the more inspiring.
“It disrupted lives, displaced families, and added an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding path. And yet you didn’t give up,” said Kenna Sommer, director of A-B Tech’s transitional studies.
Many students in the adult high school program have already faced numerous obstacles and challenges toward completing their high school credential.
Juanita Turner is one of those students.
Turner started her journey in the 1980s, but like many in the program, personal and academic tests derailed her. At some point toward the end of her journey, Turner received a dyslexia diagnosis. She had gone years struggling to read. With a diagnosis, and accommodations that leveled the playing field, at 74, Turner is proud to call herself a high school graduate.
Turner’s is just one of many stories featured in the article. One student pointed out that by earning her high school credential, she’s on her way to a bigger, better future.
We have a lot of EdNC Reads for you this week, including a look at the status of Propel NC, the system’s proposed new funding model. Both the House and Senate budget proposals authorize the system to implement Propel NC in the 2025-26 school year, but with varying amounts of funding to do so. Gov. Josh Stein’s proposal included about $40.3 million in each year of the biennium to implement Propel NC — the most funding allocated out of any of the budget proposals.
In February, the N.C. Community College System (NCCCS) announced the launch of Boost, a new program designed to increase completion rates and move students into high-wage, high-demand careers. In May, Nicole Ditillo joined the system to lead the efforts of Boost as their program director. Here’s a write-up on Ditillo, highlighting her experience and what she’ll bring to the table in this new role.
Lastly, if you’re an owner or co-owner of a small business in rural North Carolina with business revenue over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year, and you have been in operation for 2+ years and have 2+ employees, then Goldman Sachs has an opportunity you should know about. The free program teaches practical skills like marketing, negotiation, and employee management, while guiding participants through the creation of a customized growth plan. You can read more about the opportunity here. The application, which will take about 15 minutes, is due June 15.
Be sure to scroll down for more EdNC Reads.
Until next time,
Emily Thomas
Regional Director of Western North Carolina – EdNC.org
EdNC reads
Eight months after Helene, A-B Tech’s adult high school students graduate
Dozens of students in Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s (A-B Tech) adult high school programs crossed the stage on June 5, earning their high school credential and marking an achievement that many thought was out of reach.
“I now stand before you today, somewhere I never thought I would be,” said Logan Griffin, graduate and student speaker.
Griffin was one of more than 100 students recognized during A-B Tech’s ceremony.
What is the status of Propel NC, the community college system’s proposed new funding model?
Last short session, budget proposals from both chambers included $18.5 million in funding for the first phase of Propel NC, but no compromise budget was passed before lawmakers adjourned the session. In the proposals, that funding was for “funding model workforce parity.” The mini budget passed in the short session did not include funding for Propel NC.
Two bills concerning Propel NC were filed this session, but neither bill — House Bill 490, “Propel NC Funding and Tuition Surcharge,” or House Bill 365, “Workforce Education Act” — passed one of the chambers ahead of the crossover deadline. However, because the bills allocate funding to implement the new model, the bills can still be considered or end up in the budget.
Nicole Ditillo, director of Boost, on the power of four words: ‘I believe in you’
“My experience with the Pennsylvania College Advising Corps transformed my entire career trajectory,” said Nicole Ditillo in 2022, long before she knew she would be selected to lead the implementation of Boost for the NCCCS.
Boost is a new program designed to increase completion rates and move students into high-wage, high-demand careers, and Ditillo started as the founding director in May 2025.
“Nicole has already shown exceptional leadership as director of the NC State College Advising Corps, where she built lasting partnerships with myFutureNC,” says Cecilia Holden, president and CEO of myFutureNC. “Her passion, experience, and deep commitment to student success will be key to advancing Boost’s impact across North Carolina.”
Heads up rural small business owners across North Carolina. This application is due June 15
For 15 years, 10,000 Small Businesses has provided free, practical business education, access to capital, and tailored support services to help entrepreneurs grow, according to this press release. In 2023, Goldman Sachs expanded the initiative into rural communities across 20 states, now including North Carolina. The NCCCS is partnering with Goldman Sachs to help launch 10,000 small businesses across North Carolina.
Grow Moore Teachers Pathway Scholarship announces first recipient
Alyssa Mabe, a Union Pines High School senior, is the first recipient of the Grow Moore Teachers Pathway Scholarship, Moore County Schools announced this month.
The scholarship is a collaboration between Moore County Schools (MCS), Sandhills Community College (SCC), and UNC-Pembroke aimed at addressing the teacher shortage and building a stronger pipeline of educators for Moore County, according to the press release. Students graduating from MCS are eligible for the scholarship, which allows them to graduate with an associate’s degree from SCC, transfer to UNCP for their bachelor’s degree, and return to Moore County Schools to teach.
A confirmation of purpose: Road to Hire’s Commitment Day 2025
Last month, Charlotte-based workforce development nonprofit Road to Hire (R2H) held their own special celebration for their program participants. At one point, confetti rained down on the crowd of energized youth following the recognition of each of their post-graduation ventures.
R2H’s “Commitment Day” allowed students to get a head start by connecting with students who have committed to attend the same college as them. As powerfully spoken by keynote speaker Ohavia Phillips, the occasion wasn’t just about their commitment; it was a “confirmation of purpose.”
Around NC
Perspective | This EdNC perspective highlights the importance of investing in local skills in rural communities, leading to stability that lasts. Trip Belote, senior research associate at the Belk Center and the director of workforce, policy, and research for NC East Alliance, writes about his experiences as an economic developer and discusses how rural communities can build talent pipelines, noting it takes training programs and strong collaboration with community stakeholders.
NOAA Report | The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is predicting an above-normal 2025 hurricane season for the Atlantic, forecasting 13 to 19 named storms, of which six to 10 are forecasted to become hurricanes and three to five are forecasted to become major hurricanes. NOAA said it has a 70% confidence in those ranges.
Western NC | First Lady Anna Stein recently joined the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, and local tourism operations to promote the Western North Carolina Chamber Business Coalition’s #WNCOpenforBusiness. One of Stein’s priorities as first lady is rural tourism.
Graduates | Thirty-seven educators graduated from the NCCCS’ master instruction program this spring. “These graduates represent 21 community colleges and a wide range of academic and technical disciplines, from the arts to the skilled trades,” the press release says.
New hires | The NCCCS recently announced new hires and promotions, “strengthening statewide leadership” the press release says.
Small businesses | The Small Business Center Network is the recipient of the 2025 Torchbearer of the Year Award from the Carolina Small Business Development Fund. According to a recent press release, the “award recognizes an individual or group that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in advancing the mission and impact of the community colleges across North Carolina.”
Teacher pathways | The University of North Carolina at Wilmington recently announced a partnership with six North Carolina community colleges. The partnership, STEP-IN, will provide a new pathway for students to pursue a high school teaching career.
Upcoming events | myFutureNC is hosting several webinars this month, highlighting “innovators across North Carolina who are making measurable gains in postsecondary access and success.” You can find more information about the June webinars here.
The Latine Education Summit is scheduled for Oct. 15-17 in Greensboro. Additional details and information about registering can be found here.
Save the date! The Belk Center’s 11th annual Dallas Herring Lecture will be held Nov. 18, 2025. Stay tuned for more details.
Other higher education reads
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