After World War II, North Carolina recognized the need for a pathway in education that goes beyond high school, but not necessarily requiring a four-year degree. This idea led to the establishment of community colleges to serve as an alternative track. In 1957, the state created the first Community College Act, paving the way for more industrial education centers.
Nearly 70 years later, and with 58 colleges spanning 100 counties, almost every North Carolina resident is within a 30-minute drive of a community college. Weeks ago, the General Assembly overrode Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto and passed a budget allocating $64 million for enrollment growth and $12.7 million in receipts for community colleges across the state, a measure considered “a crucial investment in the future of North Carolina,” by N.C. Community College System President Dr. Jeff Cox.
Fifty-two of the state’s 58 community colleges experienced enrollment growth in the last fiscal year, with some like Central Piedmont Community College reaching record enrollment.
On the next Charlotte Talks, we look at the driving forces for this boost in enrollment. Also, we’ll discuss what enrollment growth means for the future of community colleges, along with how opportunities for dual enrollment impact high schoolers, what lies ahead for workforce development, and how these colleges assist with the challenges adult learners face.
GUESTS:
Dr. Tracie Clark, Ph.D., senior vice president, strategy and organizational excellence at Central Piedmont Community College
Christy Lefevers, associate dean of high school programming at Catawba Valley Community College
Dr. Natasha Lipscomb, Ph.D., vice president, student success at Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Hannah Vinueza McClellan, senior reporter at EducationNC
