At NC Community College System Conference, Career Pipelines and Partnerships Take Center Stage

The North Carolina Community College System Conference brought together educators, administrators, and workforce leaders to discuss innovative strategies for advancing education and economic development across the state. This biennial event serves as a platform for collaboration, highlighting the power of community colleges in transforming lives and communities through accessible education and workforce development initiatives.

More than 1,600 participants had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the education landscape. Among those conversations was a panel discussion “Building Lifelong Learning Pathways and Regional Workforce Ecosystems,” which explored the critical role community colleges play in linking education to employment.  

The panel featured national and local experts, including Dr. Kassandra McGhee from Jobs for the Future, Dr. David Shockley, President of Surry Community College, Dr. Travis Reeves, Superintendent of Surry County Schools, Kevin Austin, Yadkin County Commissioner, and Crystal Folger-Hawks, Executive Director of Surry-Yadkin Works. Dr. Andrea Crowley, Executive Director of the NC Student Success Center, facilitated the discussion.

“The role of community colleges in bridging education and workforce development has never been more critical,” Crowley said. “Hosting this panel discussion was essential because it brings together diverse voices from education, industry, and the community to share strategies for building sustainable learning pathways. These conversations help us ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in an ever-changing future of work.” 

The discussion centered around Surry-Yadkin Works, an innovative collaborative internship program designed to connect students from Surry and Yadkin counties with local businesses, government, and educational institutions. This program, the first of its kind in North Carolina, plays a dual role by fostering workforce development and providing high school students with practical career experience. 

“Our students now know there are real opportunities available to them,” said Folger-Hawks. “At first, there was some hesitation from businesses about trusting high school students with meaningful work, but we asked them to give these young people a chance. Now, their perspectives have completely changed. What we’re seeing is more than just filling positions—it’s a shift in the way our community views the capabilities of the next generation, and that’s having a lasting, generational impact.”

Superintendent Reeves recognized Commissioner Austin and expressed his gratitude that Yadkin County is funding Surry-Yadkin Works. 

“It’s a big deal to have the support of the business community behind us because now they believe in the program. If somebody’s believes in us, that’s affirmation, and if students feel that through the culture, connections, and mentorships, they are going to want to be loyal to those businesses and stay in their local area,” Reeves said. 

Panelists emphasized the need to align educational offerings with industry demands, creating thriving workforce ecosystems that empower learners and drive economic growth. They also stressed the importance of ensuring that all students have equitable access to participate in the future economy. 

“Our mission goes beyond providing degrees—we focus on creating sustainable pathways that connect students directly to careers in their local communities,” Shockley said. “Discussions like these allow us to share what’s working, collaborate with industry leaders, and ensure we’re preparing students with the skills they need to thrive. It’s about shaping workforce ecosystems that benefit both individuals and the economy for years to come.”  

As the North Carolina Community College System Conference came to a close, the message was clear: community colleges are not only vital to the educational landscape but also to the economic prosperity of the state.

The insights shared by panelists, educators, and workforce leaders highlighted the collaborative spirit necessary to drive sustainable change. With initiatives like Surry-Yadkin Works leading the way, the future of workforce development in North Carolina looks bright—grounded in opportunity, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success.

The next conference will be held in Fall 2026.