News and Features

CHARLOTTE, NC – Central Piedmont Community College has received a $1 million gift from Coca-Cola Consolidated to support U.S. military veterans and first responder scholarships, provide program support, and assist with other critical needs at the college.

Central Piedmont provides its military veteran students a range of services in a purposeful and caring way aimed at helping them transition from military service to civilian success in the classroom and the community while accessing all available veterans benefits. The college’s first responder or public safety programs include Basic Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medicine, Fire Protection, and Public Safety Administration.

Headquartered in Charlotte, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States, serving consumers, customers and communities for more than 122 years. The company makes, sells and distributes beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia to approximately 60 million consumers. Coca-Cola Consolidated was named the “World’s Most Admired Company” by Fortune and “America’s Most Successful Midsize Company” by Forbes in 2024.

“We are honored to partner with Central Piedmont to support U.S. military veterans and first responders in this way,” said Morgan Everett, Vice Chair, Coca-Cola Consolidated. “Our purpose to serve others includes extending a pathway to opportunity, and we hope this gift will provide critical job-readiness skills to our community members as they enter the workforce.”

Recognizing the growing need for public safety professionals in Mecklenburg County, Central Piedmont launched a new associate degree program in Public Safety Administration in August 2023. The two-year program offers students multiple tracks to tailor their experience toward their desired career or current field of expertise. The program tracks include security and loss prevention, emergency and fire management, law enforcement, and corrections.

“Central Piedmont thanks Coca-Cola Consolidated for its generous gift in support of our military veteran and first responder students,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “This gift will ease the financial burdens of deserving students who have chosen to serve their country and protect our community. Coca-Cola Consolidated’s support will have a significant and positive impact for generations to come.”

The Coca-Cola Consolidated gift is the latest initiative in a multi-year partnership between the company and the college. Coca-Cola Consolidated and Central Piedmont also have collaborated to develop a unique workplace learning program. The Coca-Cola Consolidated Apprenticeship Program is a hands-on learning opportunity that provides paid apprenticeships to stimulate interest in high-demand positions in the manufacturing, equipment repair, and logistics sectors at Coke Consolidated's facilities in the Charlotte area. Through the program, apprentices work approximately 20 hours weekly while completing three to four college courses each semester. Apprentices transition to full-time positions upon successful completion of the program.

About Central Piedmont

Central Piedmont Community College is highly accessible and convenient to people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural environment of Mecklenburg County. Central Piedmont is a smart investment. At a fraction of the cost, students learn by doing, receiving a combination of technical and soft skills training from quality faculty who prepare them to enter the workforce and make a difference in their family, business, community, and world. Founded in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College has eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma, and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. For more information, visit cpcc.edu, or connect with the college on social media.

About Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Our Purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence and to grow profitably. For over 122 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities we serve and are passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “COKE.” More information about the Company is available online. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

With menus inspired by their heritage, Central Piedmont’s Baking and Pastry Arts students have enjoyed a successful launch to Tasty Traditions Bakehouse & Takeout, a capstone project that doubles as a business venture for the students. 

Entering its second week, the students on Harris Campus sold out all their meals during their opening week of business and expect similar results moving forward. 

Offerings have ranged from Moroccan Chicken Salad to Pollo Guisdao to Pork Musubi and have represented a departure from typical selections one might expect from students in the program. 

“We wanted to do something ambitious for this class,” student Natalie Fischer said. “We knew we could just do a standard bakery pre-order, but we wanted to offer meals. It would challenge us more as students, but also be a benefit to staff and students here who usually have to Doordash their lunch.” 

There are nine students in the capstone class, and they rotate responsibilities during the course to further help prepare them for all the ins-and-outs of the food industry. 

“I’m in the front of the house now, making sure orders are packed and fulfilled,” student Ashlen Ramos explained. “We have a marketing team that oversees social media, distributing flyers, and using word of mouth to promote the business. Then you have the back of the house, which is really the backbone of this, to make sure orders are prepared and ready every day.” 

Instructor Jennifer Cubillos said the knowledge gained during previous classes, including a course on cost control and one in marketing, helps prepare the students to take the reins and run the business.  

“A lot of our students want to be entrepreneurs and own their own business, and this is a testing ground for that,” Cubillos said. “We want our students to understand the practice of creativity and the practice of leadership. The students are managing themselves with real money and real product. They must collaborate with each other – kitchens are team sports.” 

The success of Tasty Traditions and the overall program has gained some attention off-campus as well. People not affiliated with the college have purchased meals, and Queens University recently placed an order for sugar cookies. 

There are two weeks left to order meals through Tasty Traditions, and they also offer graduation cake sales as well. You can also follow Tasty Traditions on Facebook and Instagram. 

Central Piedmont Community College is rolling out a new initiative to bring more adults who may have not completed a degree or job training program back to the classroom through a new Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign. 

Over the next few months, Central Piedmont will proactively share job training programs and college information with adults across Mecklenburg County to prepare them for the growing number of job openings. Interested adults are encouraged to visit Central Piedmont’s Better Skills Better Jobs website to learn more and to sign up to connect directly with the college. 

From public safety to nursing and health care, to business administration and welding, to information technology and advanced manufacturing, and many more, completing courses at Central Piedmont offers a direct pipeline to many of the region’s top employers.

“We are working hard every day to ensure Central Piedmont meets the needs of our community,” said Dr. Kandi W. Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College. “This new 'Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future.' campaign will help us advance our mission by reaching out to adult learners. We want more adults to acquire the skills, credentials, and degrees they need for a better job, a bigger paycheck, and a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

Despite North Carolina’s booming economy, less than half of North Carolinians between the ages of 25-44 have the education and training needed to fill current and future job openings. Meanwhile, employers across Mecklenburg County are desperately seeking skilled talent to fill vacancies. 

The Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign includes direct outreach to adults who previously earned some college credits, but left without a degree or certification; special community events and earned media promotions; paid digital marketing and advertising, and customized materials designed to quickly help more adult learners reconnect and re-enroll.  

The vast majority of higher-wage jobs today require more than a high school diploma, which is why Central Piedmont, the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and several other state and local partners are working together to support this special outreach campaign to attract more adult learners back to college.

“Many in our state are looking for new challenges or a fresh start, and our community colleges are a great place to begin their journey,” said M.C. Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment. “Our goal is for all North Carolinians to have access to an education that will lead to skills, credentials, and degrees, and ultimately the opportunities to achieve their dreams and to help meet the workforce needs across our state.”

Visit the Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. website for more information.

Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College, was honored at a March 7 luncheon event as Queens University’s 2023 “BusinessWoman of the Year.” 

The event was held on the Queens University of Charlotte campus and attended by more than 100 business and community leaders; higher education leaders; and colleagues, family and friends of Deitemeyer. In its 38th year, the award and event celebrate female leaders who have made significant contributions to the Charlotte region through outstanding leadership and achievement.

“Kandi is a dynamic leader, educator, businesswoman, and now the senior chief executive of Charlotte’s thriving higher education landscape,” said Queens University President Dan Lugo. “Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to student success have transformed Central Piedmont into a driving force of economic growth for Charlotte while empowering countless students and their families to achieve greater economic mobility. It is a great privilege and honor to recognize her with this year's Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award.”

The distinction of being named Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year has been given to prominent figures in the Charlotte community including Diane Morais, president of Consumer and Commercial Banking at Ally Financial Inc; Tanya S. Blackmon, former executive vice president and chief diversity, inclusion and equity officer for Novant Health; Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County Manager; Peggy Brookhouse, former president of Luquire George Andrews (LGA); and Carol Lovin, executive vice president and system chief of staff for Atrium Health.

“The award and today’s gracious event are gifts I will treasure,” Deitemeyer said in her acceptance remarks. “I will keep telling the amazing stories of our students, of our college, and of the significant work we are all doing together in this community.”

Deitemeyer came to Central Piedmont in 2017 to serve as its fourth president and second female leader. Dr. Ruth Shaw, the 1995 BusinessWoman of the Year, served as Central Piedmont’s president from 1986 to 1992.

Alma Adams, U.S. House representative for North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District, came to Central Piedmont’s Central Campus on Feb. 20, where she saw high-tech, cutting-edge facilities in which students are gaining high-demand healthcare skills.

Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer welcomed Rep. Adams and her staff to the college. The group toured Central Piedmont’s Leon Levine Health Sciences Center and its many simulation labs and clinics, where healthcare program students gain valuable clinical experience. College leaders shared Central Piedmont’s plans to expand its nursing and other healthcare programs to help meet a growing need for care providers in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.

The Congresswoman also met with four Central Piedmont’s Ruth G. Shaw Scholars. The group talked about good leadership qualities and Adams’ journey of service as a local, state, and U.S. elected official. 

Adams was elected to her fifth full term representing the 12th district in 2022. She serves on the Committee on Education & the Workforce and the Committee on Agriculture. She holds several leadership roles: as Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus, Ranking Member of the Committee on Education & Labor’s Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, the Black Maternal Health Caucus, and the e-Learning Caucus. She has previously served on multiple committees, including the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Small Business.

Central Piedmont Community College and Mecklenburg County Public Health are partnering to participate in National Give Kids a Smile Day by offering free dental services to Mecklenburg children on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Between 200 and 300 children will receive free dental cleanings and screenings, vision screenings, immunizations, health education, and other family resources. Mecklenburg Public Health employees and Central Piedmont health sciences faculty, staff, and students donate their time providing services and care. 

“We are excited to serve our community, especially the children who need us the most,” said Raydiance Swanston, Mecklenburg County Public Health Pediatric Dental Clinic manager. “We will provide these vital oral health services to families who do not have health insurance. But while the event is focused on children, we also are ready to serve the entire family.”

Also participating in the event will be Atrium Health’s Women's Care Drive to Thrive mobile unit, a Vision to Learn mobile unit and a mammogram bus. All services and wellness information will be provided in English and Spanish.

• What: National Give Kids a Smile Day program
• When:  
  • Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where:  
  • Central Piedmont Community College
  • Central Campus
  • Worrell Building Gymnasium
  • 1228 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte

North Carolina data shows that 11.3 percent of kindergartners in state Region IV, including Mecklenburg County, have tooth decay. Dental disease in children can be reduced effectively through prevention initiatives for oral health. Such efforts reduce loss-of-learning time due to school absences. About 25 percent of children in Mecklenburg County are found to have untreated cavities in their permanent teeth, with the majority coming from low-income families.

“I am proud of our collective efforts to bring ‘Give Kids A Smile Day’ back to Mecklenburg County this year,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “We are excited and thankful for the partnership with Central Piedmont, allowing our teams to help more children and families than ever before.”

Duke Energy employees made a significant donation to the Central Piedmont Community College Professional Clothing Closet. The generous contribution, comprising thousands of items, including suits, dress shirts, shoes, dresses, blouses, belts, jewelry, and other accessories, substantially enhances student resources.

The Professional Clothing Closet, operating weekly on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is an initiative by Central Piedmont to assist students in preparing for interviews and their forthcoming professional careers. Located on the Central Campus, in the Worrell Building, Room 1152, the closet allows current students to select up to four outfits to build their professional wardrobe free of charge.

How to Participate

Students interested in using the Professional Clothing Closet can sign up for a shopping date. This initiative is part of Central Piedmont's commitment to supporting students academically and in their career readiness.

Donation Details

Central Piedmont welcomes ongoing donations to the Professional Clothing Closet. Community members can contribute by dropping off items every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Accepted items include business suits, skirts, ties, professional shoes, blouses, belts, jewelry, blazers, slacks, and dress shirts. Donors are kindly requested to ensure all items are clean and in good condition.

For More Information

For additional details about the Professional Clothing Closet or to inquire about donations, please contact Mia Mallory or Dena Shonts.

Central Piedmont Community College is grateful for the support of Duke Energy employees and the broader community in making this valuable resource a success for students.

Central Piedmont Community College is delighted to partner with the Atrium Health Women's Care Drive to Thrive, a groundbreaking mobile care unit dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of women's health services. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access and equity in our community.

About the Women's Care Drive to Thrive:

Atrium Health’s Women's Care Drive to Thrive is a mobile unit offering a variety of essential services in a friendly and supportive environment. The unit is open to all community members and offers both scheduled and walk-in appointments, with bilingual staff available for Spanish-speaking patients.

Services Provided:

The mobile clinic includes a range of vital services, such as:

• Screening for cervical cancer, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections
• Access to birth control
• First-time prenatal visits and postpartum care
• Ultrasound services
• Mammogram referrals
• On-site social worker to help connect patients with resources

Cost and Insurance Information:

Service costs vary based on individual insurance plans. For those without insurance, a sliding scale is applied, often resulting in no charge.

Central Piedmont Operating Hours and Location:

The clinic operates on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on the Central Campus. The mobile unit sets up in Parking lot 11, at 1425 Elizabeth Ave., adjacent to the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center, which fronts Elizabeth Avenue and Charlottetowne Avenue.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 704.468.0137, though walk-ins also are welcome.

Central Piedmont Community College is proud to announce the successful launch of the first full year of the tuition prepayment program in collaboration with the City of Charlotte. This innovative program began in October 2022 and has welcomed back City of Charlotte employee scholars this fall, marking a significant step towards educational empowerment and career advancement for city employees.

As of fall 2023, 219 City of Charlotte employees have applied for the tuition prepayment program, with 121 participating in classes. Programs include a diverse range of course delivery methods, with 108 taking online courses, 11 in person, and 2 in hybrid formats.

The program offers flexibility for the spring 2024 term with 16-week, 12-week, 8-week, and 4-week sessions. Already, 76 City of Charlotte employees are poised to begin classes on January 8th, highlighting the ongoing success and accessibility of the program.

Central Piedmont remains committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience, offering associate degree programs in business administration, civil engineering, and certification and professional development courses like HR Offerings, Grant Writing, and Cyber Security.

Marcia Colson, Associate VP of Applied Programs & Workforce Pathways, celebrates this partnership, stating, "The City of Charlotte is our third largest employer sponsorship. We are swiftly approaching the 200-student mark, a testament to the program's efficacy and the city's dedication to its workforce."

"The personal and professional development of our employees is essential to creating upward mobility within our organization," said Sheila Simpson, City of Charlotte Director of Human Resources. "Our partnership with Central Piedmont removes a financial barrier and provides an opportunity for employees to learn new skills and explore new careers available with the city. I'm happy that our staff are taking advantage of this program as they continue to grow and provide quality service to our community."

City employees hail the program as a gateway to new career opportunities. One student said, "The Tuition Prepayment Program is a great opportunity for people looking to broaden their career horizons." Another adds, "This kind of opportunity is virtually unheard of...I highly recommend taking advantage of this rare opportunity for a free education."

The prepayment program is available for all City of Charlotte employees. Employees interested in the tuition prepayment program must complete an internal application with the City of Charlotte human resources department.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of the City of Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College to upskill and reskill employees, preparing them for the dynamic challenges of their current and future roles within the City of Charlotte.

Central Piedmont Community College is thrilled to announce that the application cycle for the Coca-Cola Consolidated Apprenticeship Program is now open. This hands-on learning opportunity is designed to "earn and learn," providing paid apprenticeships to stimulate interest in high-demand positions in the manufacturing, equipment repair, and logistics sectors at Coke Consolidated's facilities in the Charlotte area.

Application Cycle Now Open:

Central Piedmont is accepting interest inquiries for the program, which begins in Summer 2024 and spans 12 months. After expressing interest, Coke Consolidated will contact candidates to provide additional information and to complete the application process. During the program, apprentices will work approximately 20 hours weekly while completing three to four college courses each semester. Apprentices will transition to full-time positions upon successful completion of the program.

Coke Consolidated launched an apprenticeship program at Central Piedmont Community College in spring 2023 to provide formal learning through Central Piedmont and on the job experience in high-demand skilled labor positions in the following business areas at Coke Consolidated: manufacturing, equipment services and fleet maintenance at our Charlotte-area facilities. 

Program Details

Eligible applicants will gain paid experience through part-time roles at Coca-Cola Consolidated and its transportation subsidiary Red Classic Transportation, alongside financial support for career certificates, preparing them for positions such as:

• Manufacturing & Warehouse Mechanic: Including the completion of Industrial Automation Technician I & two certificates
• Diesel Mechanic (Red Classic Transportation): Including the completion of Over the Road Specialist I & two certificates
• Equipment Services Reconditioning Technician: Focusing on HVAC and electrical skills, including an HVAC-R Technology specialization in Industry Introduction

The fundamental requirement for these apprenticeships is a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.

Information Sessions:

Central Piedmont invites prospective candidates to attend an Information Session to engage with representatives from Coke Consolidated and the college. These sessions offer detailed insights into the apprenticeship program and the career certificates that can pave the way for a future at Coke Consolidated.

Register for Information Sessions:

In-person and virtual attendance options:

• January 22, 2024, at 6 p.m.
• February 20, 2024, at 4 p.m.
• March 5, 2024, at 1 p.m.

Virtual only:

• April 9, 2024, at 12 p.m. (noon)

Central Piedmont is proud to work with Coke Consolidated to offer these apprenticeships, reinforcing our dedication to creating career pathways that align with industry needs and student success.

For complete program information, visit cpcc.edu/coke.