NC Community Colleges Boost
North Carolina’s accelerated college to career program.
Program Overview
Designed to help achieve our state's economic development goals, the NC Community Colleges Boost program works by accelerating student advancement through college into high-wage, in-demand careers.
A partnership between the State of North Carolina, NC Community College System (NCCCS), the colleges, and the students, this program advances economic mobility and security for all North Carolinians by:
- Training and educating North Carolina citizens to excel in careers specified by PropelNC goals as essential to our state's economic development success;
- Targeting high-growth fields, such as Biotechnology, Healthcare, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing, and Information Technology;
- Investing in breaking down barriers students might face in completing their education quickly.
To receive the benefits of the NCCCS Boost program, participating students must meet certain eligibility criteria, choose to pursue a career in a targeted field, and invest in meeting the program's high standards.
11%
increase in earnings after graduation20%
increase in second semester full-time enrollment17%
increase in 4-year Bachelor's Degree attainment
Built on a Proven Model
Based on a program developed by City University of New York and promoted nationwide by Arnold Ventures, the NC Community Colleges Boost model is recognized as the gold standard in accelerated workforce development in higher education. Arnold Ventures, a philanthropy that supports research into America’s most pressing problems–and evidence-based solutions to address them–is funding this launch with a grant of more than $35.6 million, the largest private grant ever received by NCCCS. By focusing on systemic change, Arnold Ventures is working to improve the lives of American families, strengthen their communities, and promote their economic opportunity.
Program implementations in six states have built a track record of success cutting time to graduation, increasing graduation rates, and lowering the cost per graduate. NCCCS will track the program’s performance in North Carolina and report its results on a regular basis.
Community College Partners in 2025-2026
NC Community Colleges Boost will be implemented at 8 colleges across the state this year, and 7 more will be added in 2026:
