Give Apply Now
Give Apply Now

NCWorks NextGen

NCWorks NextGen at Central Piedmont Community College serves as a comprehensive gateway to education, training and employment.

Email Call
Central piedmont student working on laptop
High School diploma or college credit, Short-Term Training or Professional Certificates
Outcome
Flexible, based on individual career goals and educational needs
Duration
In Person
Learning Format
Central Campus, Off site
Location

Statistics

Paid internships

Earn while you learn and gain work experience through an internship.

Career readiness

Access paid internships, scholarships for certifications and a dedicated personal career advisor to help you navigate every step of the journey.

Rewards

Beyond a paycheck, you can earn financial incentives such as gift cards and technology for hitting key success benchmarks.

Support

From tutoring and study skills to career planning and job placement assistance, the program ensures you will have support at every turn.

Let's map out your next move together.

Talk to a Navigator
NC Works NextGen students at Central Piedmont, smiling with their certificates

About the NCWorks NextGen program

Specifically designed for young adults aged 16–24 who face barriers to employment, this program provides the resources and guidance necessary to launch a successful career in a high-demand field. Funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in partnership with Charlotte Works, NCWorks NextGen program bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be by combining academic support with professional training.

Through this program, you will:

  • hone your soft skills through a Working Smart course
  • earn a high school credential if you don’t currently have one
  • complete courses leading to an industry-recognized certificate in a high-demand career field
  • gain a competitive edge through paid work experience
  • benefit from career guidance, exploration and advising

This program is funded by Charlotte Works.

You must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for the NCWorks NextGen program:

  • 16–24 years old
  • a resident of Mecklenburg County
  • out of school (students enrolled in classes to finish high school can be eligible)
  • a citizen, permanent resident, or have a right to work in the United States
  • Selective Service Compliant (for males 18 years old and older)

In addition, you must meet one of the following requirements:

  • school dropout
  • previously have been incarcerated (an individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system)
  • unhoused, a runaway, in foster care or aged out of the foster care system
  • an individual who is pregnant or parenting
  • an individual with a disability
  • low-income individual who is basic skills deficient (below 9.0 on TABE) or an English language learner
Central Piedmont instructor assisting two students with work

How to apply

Attend an information session.

Complete the NC Works Next Gen suitability application.

Schedule an enrollment appointment.

  • You will need to bring the following required documents to your appointment:
  • original Social Security card: with your signature, un-laminated
  • original birth certificate
  • driver’s license or picture ID card (proof of residence): learner’s permit, government ID, DMV/state ID card, school ID, etc. (If the address on your ID does not match your current address, bring a document with your name and current address, such as a bill, government document or paystub.)
  • proof of citizenship/right to work: birth certificate, passport, Permanent Residence card (Green Card), or work permit
  • public assistance verification (if applicable): TANF (Work First), SNAP (Food Stamps), SSI, etc. — letter from agency including amount received per month. We can help you obtain this document if needed.
  • income verification (if applicable): If you have worked recently, please provide proof of the last six months or proof of public assistance
  • school records: your most recent diploma or transcript (if you graduated from high school)
  • pregnant/parenting (if applicable): birth certificates for child(ren); if currently pregnant with first child no specific document is required
  • if male, age 18 or older: Selective Service registration confirmation (letter printout from sss.gov)
  • other documents about challenges (if applicable): homeless, foster care, offender, disability
Schedule an appointment

Additional steps for minors

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) requires that you wait three months before you can enroll in a Central Piedmont College and Career Readiness program. To start your petition to enroll in one of our programs, you and your parent or legal guardian must contact a student success navigator and provide the appropriate documents:

Central Campus: NextGen info session

FREE access to education, job training, and employment for young adults!NextGen Offers:Career guidance, exploration, and advisingScholarships for in-demand certifications and skills trainingPaid inte…

Date: September 15, 2026  |  Time: 10:00 AM

Central Campus: NextGen info session

Learn More

Opt in for SMS
You must opt-in to receive SMS messages. Messaging frequency varies. You may opt-out at any time. Standard messaging rates may apply.

Frequently asked questions

Young adults aged 16–24 who are currently out of school and facing challenges such as housing instability, legal history, or a need for a high school diploma are eligible.

No. All services, including training and certifications, are provided at no cost to eligible participants.

Attend a mandatory information session. These are held every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Central Campus, North Classroom Building, Room 2103.

Take the next step your way. Apply today or plan your path with help.

Apply Now Talk to a Navigator