Community College Day Showcases Workforce Impact and Innovation
RALEIGH, N.C. – Halifax Mall buzzed with energy Wednesday as legislators, students, and community members gathered for Community College Day, a showcase of North Carolina’s community colleges and their pivotal role in workforce development and economic growth.
Hosted by the North Carolina Community College System, the event featured more than 20 colleges from the mountains to the coast, highlighting cutting-edge programs in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, aerospace training, healthcare, and other high-demand fields. By demonstrating how these programs align with North Carolina’s growing industries, the event strengthened partnerships with legislators and stakeholders to ensure continued investment in student success and the state’s economic future.
“Community College Day is a powerful reminder of the vital role our 58 community colleges play in shaping North Carolina’s workforce and economy,” said Alex Fagg, Vice President of Government and External Relations at the System. “Today, we showcased cutting-edge programs that are preparing students for in-demand careers and strengthening industries across the state. By connecting with elected officials, business leaders, and students, we reinforced the message that investing in community colleges is investing in North Carolina’s future. Our colleges are driving innovation, workforce solutions, and economic growth—and today’s event highlighted just how critical that mission is.”
Elected officials, business leaders, and education advocates engaged directly with students and faculty, gaining firsthand insight into the real-world skills being developed across North Carolina’s community colleges. The event underscored the vital role these institutions play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and rapidly responding to industry needs with a skilled workforce.
Propel NC, the System’s new business model designed to expand workforce training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, was highlighted as a key strategy for strengthening North Carolina’s economy. The event also emphasized the importance of partnerships between community colleges, K-12 schools, universities, and industries in building a seamless and effective workforce education pipeline.
“Community College Day at the NC General Assembly is our elected leaders’ opportunity to see firsthand how North Carolina’s Community College System is powering our state’s workforce.
With Propel NC, we are driving innovation and equipping North Carolinians with the skills needed for today’s and tomorrow’s economy,” said Board Chair Tom Looney. “A strong, accountable, innovative community college system is essential to sustaining our state’s economic growth and competitiveness. By moving at the speed of business, we ensure North Carolina remains a national leader in workforce readiness and economic opportunity.”
Throughout the day, legislators were encouraged to visit exhibits and speak directly with students who are benefiting from these workforce development programs. The event concluded with recognitions in both the House and Senate chambers, reinforcing the commitment to strengthening the state’s community college system.
