Ten education issues to watch this year

In Haywood County, another model for exposing middle school students to college will launch in 2026-27. The innovative new middle school, developed in partnership with Haywood Community College, will be academically rigorous and led by Lori Fox, the principal of Haywood Early College. Under her leadership, the early college is among the best in the nation and an Apple Distinguished School. California has been leading the way with exposing middle school students to college, and the state is now pushing to create access for more students — not just high achievers. In that state, middle school students may enroll in one community college course each semester free of charge.

You can read more from EdNC’s top ten list here.

To be eligible for Boost, students must meet a variety of criteria, including being a North Carolina resident and being enrolled in an associate degree program that is aligned with Propel NC, the NCCCS proposed funding model that “prioritizes connecting students to high-wage, high-demand jobs.” Eligible degree programs vary by college but may include fields such as health care, engineering and advanced manufacturing, trades and transportation, information technology, and public safety and first responders.

Once accepted, students will receive a variety of supports, including frequent interactions with a dedicated Boost advisor, cohort activities with other Boost students, up to $600 per academic year for textbook costs, and a $100 monthly stipend for successfully meeting with their advisor.

From Forsyth Tech’s Dr. Janet Spriggs: “This is a more focused and connected way for us to do all of this work together because Boost is tied directly to the state’s workforce needs. We know that there are so many jobs and gaps in our workforce in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, technology, skilled trades, aviation, transportation, and logistics — all jobs waiting to be filled that carry great salaries and great opportunities for our students. Our students can do these jobs, and Boost is going to provide the structure that is going to help us get our students quickly and better prepared for those careers.”

Eligible students began receiving admission letters through the College for North Carolina (CFNC) portal last week, informing them of their admission for the 2026-27 academic year. Students should also receive notification by mail starting the week of Aug. 18. After accessing NCCollegeConnect.org, students can see the list of institutions to which they have been admitted. At that point, students can complete a brief form to accept their admission. Then, they will be on track to enroll at the college or university of their choice.

College of The Albemarle (COA) serves seven counties on four separate campuses in northeastern North Carolina. Like most community colleges in the state, COA serves students 18 years old and younger during the year through dual enrollment. In the summer, COA further widens the net of its student population by hosting multi-day camps for elementary, middle, and high school students at each of its campuses.

EdNC visited COA’s Elizabeth City and Dare campuses to check out the college’s first full week of camp.

“Wake Tech is helping meet the critical need for skilled workers in fields like manufacturing and biotechnology,” McMahon said in a press release from the college. “I applaud North Carolina for its serious investment in workforce development programs like apprenticeships, CTE (Career & Technical Education), and skills-based hiring.”

Last week, McMahon announced the “Returning Education to the States” Tour. As part of the tour, she will visit all 50 states to hear from students, teachers, and school leaders “about education models that are accelerating learning outcomes and are meeting the needs of families and local communities,” according to a press release.

NC pension plan | The state’s pension plan generated $8 billion in investment returns in the first half of 2025, state Treasurer Brad Briner announced at a Council of State meeting in early July. Those gains are approximately $3.5 billion above the state Treasury’s original estimate. “That’s more than the stock market by itself would deliver and double what we need to make to keep our pension system solvent,” Briner said about the $8 billion returns in a video announcement.

Lessons for leaders in crisis | Forsyth Technical Community College leaders recently shared lessons and practical guidance to help higher education face crises with clarity and purpose. “It’s not just surviving the storm but also learning from it,” Spriggs and Dr. Paula Dibley write.

Rural | China-based EcoKing, a biodegradable paperware company, is set to invest $80 million in Graham County, converting a shuttered North Carolina furniture plant to paperware. The investment is said to bring 515 jobs in one of the state’s most economically distressed counties.

New programs & courses | The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) in partnership with the NCCCS recently launched an advanced training certificate program for current direct support professionals or people interested in pursuing a career in the field. According to the press release, the pilot program is being offered for free through the continuing education programs at Asheville-Buncombe, Forsyth, and Stanly community colleges beginning in August or September. It may expand to more community colleges in 2026-27.

Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS), in partnership with Blue Ridge Community College, AdventHealth Hendersonville, and UNC Health Pardee, celebrated the first-ever class of Healthcare Fellows on July 31 during a Signing Day ceremony at the college. The nine recent graduates officially committed to pursuing careers in health care and will receive full financial support and direct career pathways into the local health care workforce, according to a college press release.

Cape Fear Community College will offer a new course, culinary fundamentals in Spanish, this fall. “Taught entirely in Spanish, culinary fundamentals is an opportunity for participants to gain practical skills and knowledge for working in commercial kitchens. Upon completion, students will earn their ServSafe Food Handler certification, a credential widely recognized in the food service industry,” according to a recent college press release.

ESL classes | This recent article discusses the uncertain future of English as a second language classes. These courses, offered at community colleges, “are designed to help people whose native language is not English better integrate into the workforce and community.”

Military families | Gov. Josh Stein announced on Aug. 6 that North Carolina is becoming a Do Your Part State, a joint initiative between Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association. “Recognizing that community support for military families is crucial to military recruiting and readiness, this initiative helps states identify, prioritize and implement the most effective policies and programs to support military families,” a news article says. 

Student stories | Haywood Community College (HCC) student Peter Baldasoro is enrolled in the college’s collision and automotive repair program and said that his passion for the trade, along with Covid-era economic stressors, drove him back to HCC after a 20-year interlude owning a construction business. Now, he is excelling in the program and has represented the college at regional and national competitions.

Anna Whitaker is Surry Community College’s first youth apprentice to complete a K-12 teacher apprenticeship through Surry-Yadkin Works.

Leadership opportunity | The North Carolina Community College Leadership Program (NCCCLP) is currently recruiting emerging leaders for its next cohort. The application window closes on Sept. 22.