Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) announced today that Cox Schepp Construction, Inc., an industry leader in sustainable project construction, has committed a lead gift to fund the College’s new construction academy. In recognition of Cox Schepp’s generosity, the program will be named the Cox Schepp Construction Academy for High School Students at CPCC, and will be housed at CPCC’s Harper Campus.

The Cox Schepp Construction Academy puts CMS high school students on the path to academic and professional success faster. Students can earn an Entry Level Construction Supervision Certificate and free college credit that can be transferred to a two- or four-year institution upon successful completion of the program. The construction academy is one of three CPCC academies providing academic services to local high school students. The College also houses a Criminal Justice Academy on its North Campus, and an Automotive Systems and Motorsports Academy at its Levine Campus.

CPCC President Dr. Tony Zeiss, together with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Chief Operating Officer Hugh Hattabaugh, CMS students enrolled in the construction academy pilot and representatives from Cox Schepp, gathered at a Cox Schepp construction site near uptown Charlotte to announce the new Cox Schepp Construction Academy for High School Students program.

 “CPCC is committed to becoming the leader in workforce development, preparing individuals for in-demand careers such as sustainable construction technology,” said R. Andrew Cox, chairman and CEO of Cox Schepp Construction, Inc. “Businesses are increasingly turning to ‘green’ construction in the future, meaning individuals equipped with job skills in this area will be needed in the workforce. We’re proud to work with CPCC as it strives to produce graduates ready to move Charlotte and its residents toward a ‘greener’ footprint.” 

Since Cox Schepp is one of the nation’s fastest growing “green” builders, sustainability practices will be incorporated across all areas of the academy’s curriculum. Students will learn such valuable skills as blueprint reading, project management and sustainable and basic construction techniques.

“In today’s evolving marketplace, it’s important for individuals to connect to the resources they need to be successful,” said Dr. Zeiss. “Our career academies give high school students an edge on the competition. Students leave the academy with up to 17 transferable college credits. And, since all tuition fees are waived, participants and their families experience a significant cost savings, which is critical, especially during today’s economy.”

Several CMS high schools recognize this emerging dual high school program. Participating CMS schools include Ardrey Kell, Myers Park, Olympic, Phillip O. Berry, Providence, South Mecklenburg, Waddell and West Mecklenburg.

Added Hattabaugh, “Eight CMS high schools are already on-board with this program and I expect that number to increase once more people learn about this unique community partnership and how it’s helping our county’s students find success and connect to tomorrow’s in-demand careers.”

Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering close to 300 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.

Incorporated in 2001, Cox Schepp Construction, Inc. has become one of the leading providers of construction services in the region.  Cox Schepp Construction is nationally ranked among the top 400 building contractors and consistently places among the top Green Builders in the nation, with 85 percent of our project managers designated as LEED Accredited Professionals.  Cox Schepp Construction provides construction services to a diverse clientele and the firm’s areas of expertise include multi-family, retail, commercial, industrial, interiors, as well as historic renovation and restoration.

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This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://www.cpcc.edu/college-news