CPCC Student Launches Start-up Business, Recognized Locally for Accomplishments

Upon receiving his certificate from Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) New Ventures Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, Rory McNicholas successfully founded International Teacher Exchange Services (ITES), a teacher recruitment and exchange program that provides opportunities for highly qualified international educators to teach in U.S. classrooms for up to three years. ITES was recently recognized for its accomplishments in the “Charlotte Mayor’s International Cabinet” newsletter, a publication that serves as an advocate to local government on behalf of the international communities, organizations and businesses in the Queen City.

 

“ITES provides a way for international educators to engage in the American education system,” said McNicholas, president of ITES. “Not only will the experience help U.S. students become global citizens, but educators will also have the opportunity to share best practices and explore cultural differences with their peers.”

 

Thanks to ITES, international educators from eight different countries arrived in the Queen City in August 2008. Participants are currently teaching a variety of grades and subjects throughout the Carolinas, including such hard-to-fill position as math, science, foreign language and special education. These teachers are bringing the world directly into the classroom, engaging with students each day to prepare them to compete in the global economy.

 

McNicholas credits much of his ability to launch ITES to the education he received in CPCC’s New Ventures Entrepreneurship Certificate Program. Says McNicholas, “CPCC’s certificate program provided me with the skills needed to launch my business. ITES is a company that provides services on the local and international level, positively impacting tomorrow’s leaders while providing teaching professionals with an exciting way to advance their career in a new environment.”

 

The College’s New Ventures Entrepreneurship Certificate course is a comprehensive 16-week program designed for individuals who are serious about launching a new venture. Based on content from the internationally known Kaufmann Foundation, this course offers participants an interactive blended-learning experience that combines the success of peer networking, the benefits of face-to-face instruction and the ease and flexibility of online learning materials.

 

Held at the College’s Central Campus in the evenings, classes help burgeoning entrepreneurs achieve the dream of becoming a business owner. The program allows students to evaluate the feasibility of their business idea, develop a business plan and marketing strategy and gain confidence and credibility as a knowledgeable business owner.

 

For more information on CPCC’s New Ventures Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, please visit http://bizhub.cpcc.edu/outlines_newventures.asp.

This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://lists.cpcc.cc.nc.us/pipermail/cpccnews/