North Carolina Community Colleges partner with Google to expand free tech training statewide; Access to Achievement program exceeds annual goal in just three months

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The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges expanded on the recent announcement of the System’s innovative partnership with Google at the November 15 board meeting. The partnership brings cutting-edge tech training programs to all 58 community colleges at no cost to the colleges, providing access to Google Career Certificates, AI Essentials and Prompting Essentials courses.

The initiative enables colleges to offer these as stand-alone certificates or integrate them into for-credit courses in select fields. Additionally, Google’s AI Essentials course will be embedded into an AI Survey course, providing students with foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence. This partnership underscores the System’s commitment to equipping students with in-demand skills for today’s rapidly evolving job market.

“This partnership with Google underscores the North Carolina Community College System’s commitment to providing students with cutting-edge skills that align with the evolving needs of today’s workforce,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “By offering these career certificates and AI training statewide, we’re ensuring that North Carolinians have access to high-demand tech credentials that can open doors to new career opportunities and help grow our state’s economy.” 

Access to Achievement Program Shows Strong Midyear Progress

Nancye Gaj, State Director of Access to Achievement, shared a midyear progress report for the program, which is North Carolina’s pathway to education and economic mobility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program is currently delivered at 15 community colleges throughout the state and Access to Achievement Coordinators have been hired at each campus to provide students with weekly guidance tailored to their needs.

To date, the program has impacted 327 students. Among these, 150 have Person-Centered Plans in place – an individual plan for growth, learning, and job skills, everything a student wants from their community college experience. They discuss employability goals, academic goals, and goals they may have around independent living. 

“I hoped we would serve 300 students by June 30, 2025, and we’re already there. This program is clearly in high demand, and for the 150 individuals who now have someone walking beside them in their educational journey, it’s a real game changer,” Gaj said. “When we talk about the talent pipeline and the future of work, this is it.” 

Gaj also shared professional development opportunities and the variety of ways the 15 colleges are collaborating internally and externally to provide more resources to students and maximize their access to credentials.

Other Business

• The Board approved $76 million in enrollment growth funds. 
• The Board approved $16.7 million for disaster recovery efforts at 14 colleges impacted by Hurricane Helene. 
• The Board approved a multi-campus center request from Alamance Community College. 
• The Board approved $93,000 of 100% funds and $106,158 of 50% federal matching funds for South Piedmont Community College and Carteret Community College for the 2024-25 Federal Fiscal Year to fund the More Than a Job NC Program. 
• The Board approved an allocation of $14,758 to pilot the Hispanic Education Summit in the western region. 
• The Board approved an amendment to the paid parental leave policy. 
• The Board approved the 2024-25 performance plan for the System President. 
• The Board approved the presidential re-election of Fayetteville Technical Community College President, Dr. Mark Sorrells, through 2028. 

The Board also respectfully acknowledged the sudden passing of Michelle Willis Krauss, Interim President of Pamlico Community College. Her dedication and leadership during her tenure were deeply valued, and she will be greatly missed by the entire community college family. She worked at Pamlico for 20 years.  Read more about Michelle and her impact.

The Board also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Grant Campbell and North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell, marking their final meeting with the State Board. Both were recognized for their service and commitment to the System. Their leadership and dedication will leave a lasting impact on North Carolina’s community colleges.

The next meeting of the State Board of Community Colleges is scheduled for January 17 in Raleigh.