60,000 students strong: Central Piedmont Annual Report highlights regional impact

Central Piedmont Community College’s 2025-26 Annual Report, showcases a fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth, expanded workforce training opportunities, innovative academic programs and success stories that underscore the college's impact across Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte region.

During the 2025-26 academic year, nearly 60,000 students chose Central Piedmont to pursue degrees, credentials, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities -- nearly 8,000 more students than 2024-25 academic year.

"At Central Piedmont, student success is at the heart of everything we do," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. "This report reflects the determination of our students, the dedication of our employees and the strength of the partnerships that help transform lives across our community. Together, we are expanding access to education, preparing future workforce leaders and creating opportunities that strengthen our region today and for years to come."

The report details how the college continues to connect students to in-demand careers, strengthen transfer pathways, support local employers and create opportunities for economic vitality.

Elevating student success

• Nine of 14 academic program and career pathways experienced double-digit percentage growth from 2024-25 academic year, including a 30 percent increase in construction and trades, healthcare, and public safety programs
• More than 6,500 high school students participated in Dual Enrollment programs – earning college credit while in high school
• Expanded support services and innovative programs helped students persist, complete credentials and advance toward their educational and career goals
• Students earned recognition through academic, research, leadership and study abroad experiences, and also found success transferring to four-year institutions

Academic excellence, innovation and community partnerships

• Central Piedmont welcomed national leaders to Charlotte for the Business Roundtable Skilled Trades for America Forum
• Partnerships with PSA Airlines and Charlotte Douglas International Airport helped strengthen the aviation workforce pipeline
• New transfer agreements created additional pathways for students seeking bachelor's degrees
• AI program enrollment increased significantly as employer demand for AI-related skills continued to grow

Advancing organizational culture

• Employee engagement remained strong, with more than 86% of employees reporting they are highly or moderately engaged
• Faculty and staff participated in over 300 professional development opportunities focused on leadership, innovation, service excellence and emerging technologies
• Employees received regional and national recognition for teaching excellence, leadership and community impact

Read more about the people whose lives have been transformed through education in the full report.