Latest news with #NorthCarolinaCommunityCollegeSystem
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NC community college enrollment climbs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. () – Student enrollment at community colleges is on the rise, and growth at North Carolina-based institutions outpaces the national average. New data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center suggests undergraduate enrollment is up across the board, but community colleges saw the largest increase from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025 (5.4%). Overall post-secondary enrollment rose 3.2%, translating to 562,000 students. The report estimates the U.S. now has a total of 18.4 million students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees. Charlotte teen finishes in top 4 at Scripps National Spelling Bee Community college enrollment in North Carolina jumped 8.3% since Spring 2024. Governor Josh Stein advocated for increased investment in community college and targeted training programs through his proposed budget in April. 'My budget proposes providing free community college to students pursuing credentials in high-demand industries,' Stein said. 'I'm also proposing we expand apprenticeships in state government to recruit and retain talent to serve the public and establish a rural apprenticeship program to connect small businesses and farmers to apprentices.' The General Assembly allocated $1.5 billion for the North Carolina Community College System in 2023. The proposed House budget allocates $1.7 billion for the next two fiscal years, while the proposed Senate budget allocates $1.8 billion for NCCCS. The state's total enrollment across education sectors remains lower than pre-pandemic enrollment. 2025 data shows 2.3% fewer students than in 2020. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DDCC students nominated for state honors
THOMASVILLE — Several students at Davidson-Davie Community College were recently nominated for awards given by the North Carolina Community College System. • Tabitha Long, a native of Thomasville studying accounting and finance, was nominated for the Academic Excellence Award. The honor is awarded to one student from each of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina who have completed at least 12 semester hours and have a cumulative GPA of no less that 3.25. Long will receive a plaque and medallion. Long has a story not unlike many others: She had many educational goals, but life got in the way. 'After I graduated high school, I continued my education at a community college. I was eager and confident and quickly discovered I loved college,' she says. 'Life happened and college had to be placed on the back burner.' She enrolled in courses over the years, but nothing stuck, and she never earned her degree. Then, 23 years after beginning her academic studies, Long made a life-changing decision — to go back and complete her degree. Pam Vest, an instructor in business and accounting, nominated Long for the award. 'Tabitha has incredible work ethic and has always been excited to grow through her education,' she says. 'Our faculty and staff are always available to answer questions, work through issues and any complications a student might face. Tabitha is inquisitive and genuinely loves to learn — and that makes her a deserving recipient of this honor.' Long is currently working part time in the Davidson-Davie business office. After she graduates, she hopes to work in accounting. • Katrina Pricket, a native of Thomasville who is working toward an associate of science, was nominated for the Dr. Dallas Herring Award. The award is given annually to a current or former student who best embodies Herring's philosophy of 'taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.' Herring, known as the 'father' of the state's community college system, was an advocate of establishing post-high school educational opportunities and created a system of industrial schools that eventually grew into the NC Community College System. Prickett's life is a prime example of Herring's belief of supporting students where they are — she faced a difficult childhood in a troubled foster home system, left high school prematurely, became a single mother and has faced numerous other life challenges. Despite these obstacles, Prickett enrolled at DDCC and joined the College and Career Readiness program. She successfully earned her adult high school diploma and even accepted the honor of speaking at the CCR graduation to share how she has overcome a lifetime of challenges. One of Prickett's greatest challenges has been homelessness. She lived in a local shelter for women with children for nearly a year. She now lives on her own with her son and is a work-study student in the Transition Center, where she serves as a role model for the students she serves. 'Katrina's campus involvement is an accurate reflection of her eagerness to actively pursue new adventures to grow by trying new things, meeting different people and pushing boundaries of her knowledge,' said Londa Pickett, director Transition Center, who nominated her for the honor. 'She has done everything possible to provide a better home for her and her son. Her story is indeed a powerful testimony of courage and determination highlighted by her remarkable positivity.' John Rosenberger, a Spanish instructor at the college, also nominated Prickett. Upon graduation, Prickett plans to transfer to a four-year university, where she will double major in sustainable agriculture with hopes of becoming a cosmetic chemist and farmer. • Magali Martinez-Cruz, a native of Winston-Salem working toward an associate of arts degree, was nominated for the Gov. Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award. The award is given annually to recognize student leadership, highlighting outstanding curriculum, student leadership and service. She serves as the first Mexican American, first-generation Student Government Association president. Lynne Watts, director of Student Life and Leadership at Davidson-Davie, nominated Martinez-Cruz for the award. 'Magali has gone above and beyond as the SGA president. If there's one word I could use to describe her, it would be dependable,' Watts said. 'Magali stands out as someone who I could always rely on to be where she is expected and to complete her tasks assigned. She never says 'no' and is always willing to roll up her sleeves and assist in any capacity necessary to benefit the student body.' Martinez-Cruz also volunteers at the college's food pantry. Following graduation from the college, she plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology with hopes of becoming a mental health professional for children and adolescents.
