North Carolina Community Colleges

10/25/2026

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 💡 Shakeya Braswell is setting an example for her five children that it is never too late to accomplish a goal. 🫶 As a student in Wayne Community College’s Operations Management program, she is creating a brighter future for herself and her family by pursuing an education that will prepare her for a great career.

🌐 Read more about Shakeya:

GOLDSBORO, N.C. - Shakeya Braswell is setting an example for her five children that it is never too late to ac...

10/24/2026

The N.C. Community College System’s Access to Achievement is a state-funded workforce training program that serves students with IDD. The program was initially piloted in 2022 at two colleges, and later expanded to a total of 15 colleges. This new allocation — which was appropriated by the General Assembly in the new state budget — will expand its operation to 10 additional colleges, bringing the total to 25.

“Our funding is employment-focused and career-preparation-focused,” NCCCS Director of Career Pathways of IDD Nancye Gaj told the Board regarding the program. “We’re very much about career pathway development… We are very focused on employment and movement through the system.”

🌐 Read more from Education NC:

The State Board of Community Colleges approved an allocation to expand a program that serves students with IDD to 10 NC community colleges.

10/22/2026

[NEWS] The State Board of Community Colleges approved significant investments in student access and workforce training during its October 16 meeting. 🙌

Among the actions, the Board approved $1.94 million to expand the Access to Achievement program to 10 additional colleges, nearly $3.9 million to support new high-cost workforce training programs, and additional funding to strengthen faculty recruitment and retention.

➡️ Read more:

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges approved significant investments in student access and workforce training during its October 16 meeting and received an annual report on the growth of Registered Apprenticeship in North Carolina, advancing efforts to expand educa...

10/22/2026

🏡 While residential home construction has been a part of Pitt Community College's curriculum since 1988, a new partnership with the City of Greenville, NC - Government allows students to build affordable housing on campus as part of their coursework. 🏠

Once completed, the homes are relocated to city-owned lots, allowing qualifying families to purchase them as part of the city’s affordable housing strategy.

🚀 Read more at nccommunitycolleges.edu/news/building-careers-building-neighborhoods-pitt-community-college-sets-a-statewide-model-for-affordable-housing/

10/22/2026

📸 More moments from the NC Community College System’s inaugural Student Innovation Council meeting at Lenovo!

These student voices are helping lead the way toward a more connected, accessible and student-centered future! 🙌

10/21/2026

[NEWS!] Nearly $2 million is headed to 10 community colleges in North Carolina to expand the reach of the first-of-its-kind Access to Achievement program. 🫶

Now, 25 of 58 community colleges will have resources dedicated to advancing career pathways for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

🌐 Read more:

For the first time, funding toward an IDD workforce expansion is headed toward the state’s largest community colleges.

10/21/2026

[SYSTEM CONFERENCE] 🙌 The North Carolina Community College System brought together nearly 2,000 educators, administrators, college leaders and industry partners last week for a three-day gathering focused on strengthening student success and preparing North Carolinians for an evolving workforce.

If you attended, tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments! 👇

🌐 READ MORE:

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Community College System brought together nearly 2,000 educators, administrators, college leaders and industry partners Oct. 14-16 for its 2026 System Conference, a three-day gathering focused on strengthening student success and preparing North Carolinians for a...

10/21/2026

[GROWTH] 🚀 Last week, Robeson Community College celebrated a historic milestone with a special Legislative Luncheon and the official groundbreaking of its new Career Technical Education Building.

🫶 READ MORE:

Photo provided by RCCOn Oct. 16, Robeson Community College celebrated a historic milestone with a special Legislative Luncheon and the official groundbreaking of its new Career Technical Education Building.This long-awaited investment will expand opportunities in Welding, HVAC, and Mechatronics, pre...

10/20/2026

🤝 A personal story of transfer from Rockingham Community College + UNC Greensboro ....

Specialized advising helps students understand how their credits transfer so they can avoid retaking courses unnecessarily. For Naomi Fullerton, that support began before she enrolled. While attending Rockingham Community College, she connected with a UNCG recruitment officer who helped her map out the courses and credit hours she needed to transfer into UNCG’s Interpreting, Deaf Education, and Advocacy Services program.

🙌 Read more:

There's more than one way to become a Spartan. Meet eight transfer students who found a new academic path, personalized support, and community at UNCG.

10/20/2026

🙌 Today, the NC Community College System hosted the inaugural Student Innovation Council meeting at Lenovo's North American headquarters in Morrisville, bringing together students, System leaders and industry partners to explore how technology, artificial intelligence and innovative digital solutions can improve the student experience.

Throughout the day, students shared their perspectives, identified opportunities for improvement and helped inform the System's ongoing digital transformation efforts. Their feedback will play an important role in building a more seamless, accessible and student-centered experience across all 58 community colleges.

A special thank you to State Board Chair Tom Looney and his wife, Lucy, whose generous gift made this convening possible, and to Lenovo for hosting this important conversation!