North Carolina Community Colleges Career and College Promise Program Sees Remarkable 24% Increase in Credential Attainment

At the February 21 board meeting, the State Board of Community Colleges approved the annual legislative report for the Career and College Promise (CCP) program for the 2023-2024 academic year, which reported a robust 10% increase in enrollment and a 24% increase in the number of credentials earned, demonstrating significant progress in connecting high school students with advanced educational and career opportunities.  

The Career and College Promise (CCP) program within the North Carolina Community College System offers high school students a unique opportunity to accelerate their post-secondary education by enrolling in college courses for credit while still attending high school. This dual enrollment program provides pathways to obtain a certificate, diploma, or degree across various disciplines, potentially leading directly to college transfer or immediate employment opportunities upon graduation. 

Additionally, Cooperative Innovative High Schools, which operate in close collaboration with community colleges, saw an enrollment increase of 580 students, significantly outperforming state averages in retention and completion rates. 

Key Achievements of the 2023-2024 Academic Year: 

• The CCP program served 85,982 students, of which 26% participated in Cooperative Innovative High Schools and 74% participated in College Transfer or Career and Technical Education.
• CIHS programs boasted high retention and completion rates, with students earning a total of 3,189 individual credentials, reflecting a commendable increase from the previous year. 
• A total of 4,124 credentials were awarded to CCP students, a 24% increase from last year. 

 “The continued growth of CCP is a clear indicator of its value in preparing students for both college and careers. As more high school students engage in college pathways, they earn credentials to meet North Carolina’s workforce demands and accelerate their progress toward degree completion,” said Dr. Brian Merritt, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at the System. “CCP helps students gain industry-relevant skills and credentials earlier and strengthens North Carolina’s talent pipeline in an evolving economy.” 

The CIHS students notably excelled academically, with 88% achieving a grade of C or better, substantially higher than the general student population. The combined efforts of CCP and CIHS programs have effectively prepared students for successful transitions to post-graduation employment and higher education, as evidenced by their achievements and the credentials earned during their studies.  

“We are seeing more credentials being awarded because colleges are serving and supporting more students. I also think districts and colleges are engaging in more conversation around pathways, as evidenced by the unique partnerships like Surry-Yadkin Works, Apprenticeship Randolph, and the Southeastern ACCESS apprenticeship program,” said Aaron Mabe, State Director of Dual Enrollment at the System. “These contextual learning opportunities, paired with coursework and credentials, support student success.” 

This year’s legislative reports underscore the continued dedication to enhancing the educational landscape in North Carolina, paving the way for future generations to achieve and exceed their academic and professional goals. 

Other Business 

The Board also approved several leadership transitions for local colleges, ensuring smooth transitions as presidents retire or step down.  

• At Rockingham Community College, the Board appointed Steve Woodruff as interim president, effective March 1. Woodruff, currently the college’s vice president for administrative services, will step in following the retirement of Dr. Mark Kinlaw, who has led the institution for 10 years and will retire on Feb. 28. Dr. Sylvia Cox, currently executive vice president and chief academic officer at Southeastern Community College, will become Rockingham’s sixth president on May 1.
• At Piedmont Community College, the Board approved Dr. Kenneth Boham as interim president, following the departure of Dr. Pamela Senegal. He will begin his tenure on March 3. Dr. Boham served as president of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute from 1995 to 2016 before retiring.

Alex Fagg, Vice President of Government and External Relations at the System, announced that Community College Day will be held March 19 at the Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Legislators and public officials are expected to attend. 

The Board will meet again on April 2 and 4.