#United States #Raleigh #North Carolina #NCCCS #Arnold Ventures

North Carolina Community College System Unveils the Boost Program

In an impressive stride towards enhancing workforce development in the state, the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) has launched the NC Community Colleges Boost program. This initiative is specially designed to facilitate quick transitions for students into lucrative and high-demand careers that are vital to driving North Carolina’s economic future.

A Significant Investment

The Boost program is backed by an extraordinary grant exceeding $35.6 million from Arnold Ventures, marking it as the largest private funding ever received by NCCCS. This philanthropic investment underscores the commitment to addressing the pressing workforce challenges facing North Carolina, supporting the state's aim for economic prosperity. With methods proven to improve graduation rates significantly in various states, expectations are high for the outcomes of this initiative.

The Program Model

The structure of the NC Community Colleges Boost program is inspired by the City University of New York's (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP). Dr. Jeff Cox, president of NCCCS, emphasized that the Boost program aligns closely with North Carolina’s workforce development goals outlined in the PropelNC initiative. This strategic alignment ensures that students benefit maximally while concurrently meeting the needs of the state’s economy.

Dr. Cox stated, "In the NC Community Colleges Boost implementation, we have taken that model and aligned it with North Carolina's workforce development goals. This strategic approach will enable participants to rapidly progress from college to employment in fields identified as critical for our state's economic success."

Collaborative Efforts

Kirby Smith, from Arnold Ventures, expressed confidence in North Carolina’s ability to execute this evidence-based initiative tailored to the unique needs of the state. By aligning the objectives of the Boost program with those articulated in the PropelNC initiative, state leaders are not only improving economic security for students but also fostering a robust economic landscape for North Carolina.

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez celebrated this model, noting that independent studies underscore the effectivity and cost efficiency of the ASAP program, which has been crucial in doubling graduation rates. He also praised Arnold Ventures for their substantial investment, which he hopes will act as a catalyst for transformational changes within the North Carolina Community College System.

Implementation and Future Prospects

The NC Community Colleges Boost program will commence its rollout over the next two years, beginning with eight colleges across the state in 2025 and expanding to seven additional colleges in 2026. Participating institutions include Alamance Community College, Cape Fear Community College, Central Piedmont Community College, and others. The program will incorporate essential support services, dedicated advising, and incentives to help students accelerate their educational journey.

As a partnership between state entities, NCCCS, local colleges, and students, this initiative aims to foster community well-being, ensuring that graduates emerge ready to contribute effectively to their local economies. With a commitment to transparency, the NCCCS has pledged to track and report results to validate the program's effectiveness—a move that will enhance accountability while demonstrating the tangible return on investment.

Conclusion

The introduction of the NC Community Colleges Boost program marks an exciting chapter for North Carolina's workforce future. It not only stands to elevate the economic prospects for students but also positions the state as a leader in providing innovative, results-oriented educational solutions. This program is anticipated to have a profound, positive impact on North Carolina’s economic trajectory, benefiting both the students and the wider community.