News and Features

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A new career could be just weeks away. This fall, Central Piedmont Community College is launching several continuing education programs that prepare students for opportunities in biotechnology, veterinary assisting, barbering, esthetics and nail technology.

As industries evolve and workforce demands shift, short-term training programs offer a valuable pathway for individuals seeking to enter a new field, gain specialized skills or advance in their current careers. From biotechnology and animal health to personal care and wellness services, these programs help connect students with employment opportunities while supplying local employers with the skilled talent they need to grow and serve the community.

"Students today are looking for affordable, flexible ways to launch their careers, and these new programs help meet that need," said Dr. Heather Hill, provost and chief academic officer at Central Piedmont. "By combining hands-on learning with workforce-relevant skills, these programs can help students prepare for careers in high-growth industries and enter the workforce with confidence."

Preparing students for careers in biotech

The new BioWork Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level careers in biotechnology, biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing, industries that continue to experience significant growth across North Carolina.

The eight-week hybrid program combines flexible online instruction with hands-on laboratory training. Students learn foundational skills in bioprocessing, manufacturing operations, quality practices and laboratory procedures while gaining practical experience in laboratory, manufacturing and cleanroom environments.

The program is open to individuals age 18 and older who hold a high school diploma or GED. Classes begin Aug. 30.

According to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the state has more than 100,000 jobs in life sciences, and the industry has seen a 23% growth in employment since 2019.

Veterinary Assisting Technician Program combines classroom learning, clinical experience

Students interested in animal care can now enroll in Central Piedmont's Veterinary Assisting Technician Program, a 15-week hybrid program that blends online learning, in-person training and real-world clinical experience.

The program includes 12 online modules, weekly hands-on practical lessons and an externship at an affiliated companion animal veterinary clinic. Students develop skills in animal care, laboratory procedures, diagnostics, surgical and anesthesia support, radiography, pharmacy procedures and client communication.

Graduates will be prepared for entry-level opportunities in veterinary practices and animal care settings. The program begins Aug. 17.

New beauty and wellness programs coming to Harris Campus

Central Piedmont is also expanding workforce training at its Harris Campus with the addition of three new continuing education programs: Barbering Licensing, Esthetics and Manicuring & Pedicuring.

The programs support the college's broader investment in the Harris Campus, which is undergoing a significant expansion to increase educational opportunities and serve more students in southeast Mecklenburg County.

The Barbering Licensing Program prepares students for careers as licensed barbers through instruction in haircutting, shaving, grooming, customer service, safety, sanitation and advanced barbering techniques.

The Esthetics Certificate Program provides comprehensive training in skincare, facials, hair removal, makeup application, client consultation and professional salon practices, preparing students for licensure and careers in the skincare and beauty industry.

The Manicuring & Pedicuring Certificate Program equips students with skills in nail care, artificial nail enhancements, client consultation, sanitation standards and customer service, preparing graduates for North Carolina nail technician licensure and employment in salons and spas.

All three programs begin in September.

Individuals interested in learning more about the new continuing education offerings or enrolling in a program can visit the Central Piedmont Continuing Education website for additional information and registration details.

Most people would struggle to balance a full-time job, college coursework and raising a young child. Jocelyn "Joy" Riley managed all three while earning a bachelor's degree from Western Carolina University and an associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College at the same time. 

Now, the working mother is back in the classroom pursuing a second associate degree, proving that determination and flexibility can turn even the busiest season of life into an opportunity for growth.

Originally from Atlanta, Joy began college in the traditional way at an institution in Georgia after she graduated from high school.

“I was a kid and I just wanted to kind of do my own thing,” she said. “I did not take anything serious, but as you grow up and time goes by, I said I want to finish my education. I made that a priority.”

She moved to the Charlotte area in 2014 when she got a job as a flight attendant and worked in the sky for six years. However, when the COVID pandemic deeply affected the airline industry, she decided it was time to do something different. She started as a bank teller and ultimately discovered an unexpected passion for fraud-related work.

"The research aspects of looking into people's transaction history, account habits and detecting fraud were really exciting for me,” Joy said.

With an interest in both finance and the legal system, it was around this time that she also decided to return to school.

“I went back to school in January 2022 and started taking classes at Central Piedmont later that year,” Joy said. “Western Carolina is a great university, but its distance-learning program didn’t offer everything I needed at the time. I began to take courses at Central Piedmont and loved it.”

As she neared her bachelor’s, supplemented by transferable Central Piedmont credits, she also learned from her Central Piedmont advisor that she was close to an associate degree. As a result, Joy earned both degrees concurrently in the spring of 2026, benefitting from the Reverse Transfer program. The program allows eligible students to combine credits from their university with those earned at Central Piedmont to complete an associate degree. 

To continue her education, Joy recently enrolled in the Paralegal Technology program at Central Piedmont. She hopes to eventually work in criminal law and focus on the research aspects of the profession. She comes by that interest naturally, with an attorney and judge in her family. 

The convenience and flexibility of Central Piedmont’s online system have helped Joy as she balances her job and the responsibilities of rearing a toddler. A Merancas Scholar, she has also worked closely with the Office of Financial Aid.

“The financial aid department will really work with you to try to find the best option to help you because they want you to succeed,” Joy said. “They want you to take your classes and get your degree and do whatever it is that you need to do.”

While Joy is undeniably driven, she also notes the importance of self-care. In fact, as a karaoke fan, she made time to go to karaoke nights once or twice a month to offset some of the pressure from school as she earned her first set of degrees.

In the future, she wants to stay connected to the Central Piedmont community through the Alumni Leadership Council and hopes her story can inspire others.

“I would like to take advantage of an opportunity to pay it forward, pass it on, because there are so many people in the same situation I am,” Joy said. “They have families; they're taking care of little ones while trying to log in to classes. I want to be part of something that encourages and inspires.”

The first college commencement Akai Martin ever attended happened when his aunt graduated from Columbia University. She had started as a community college student and ultimately made her way to the Ivy League. Akai, inspired by her journey, knew he wanted to follow the same path.

Now, he has made that dream a reality. He graduated from Central Piedmont Community College in the spring of 2026 with an Associate in Arts degree before transferring to Yale. Along the way, he became Central Piedmont’s Student Government Association (SGA) president while serving as an Air Force reservist. 

“I wanted to go to a community college that's investing in its students and a campus that is beautiful as well,” Akai said.

Born in North Carolina, Akai spent much of his youth in Lauderhill, Florida, between West Palm Beach and Miami. Four years ago, he returned to the Tar Heel State when his family relocated to the Charlotte area. 

“I had my eyes on Central Piedmont for a while, even before I'd actually come to North Carolina, because I knew my family was moving,” he said. “I thought, ‘This is the perfect campus.’” 

Akai served as the SGA president from August 2025 through May 2026 with the goal to “bring community to community college.” With his outgoing and gregarious personality, he met and connected with many people throughout the college, helping to start around 15 clubs in a semester. He also represented the student body as an ex officio board member on the Board of Trustees.

“I really value learning how to be a leader,” Akai said. “Leadership is something I want to pursue, and I want to lead in the political space specifically. I felt it was important to build those skills at community college.”

Although Akai is the consummate example of a leader, for several years after graduating from high school he struggled to find direction. As a result, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. 

“I joined the Air Force for a multitude of reasons,” Akai said. “One of them was financial security and being able to pay for college. I also joined to gain discipline in myself. I feel like I wasn't a very disciplined person before the military. I didn't really have a foundation. I joined to get a foundation and to be able to tell my mom, ‘I'm doing something with my life.’”

Akai has served as a reservist for about four years. During his time at Central Piedmont, he spent one weekend a month traveling to Virginia for the military. He holds the rank of Senior Airman (E-4) and also credits his service for developing his leadership qualities. 

He was involved with Military Families and Veterans Services at Central Piedmont, connecting with fellow members of the armed forces. He helped several students join the Air Force and aided other service members with understanding the financial and personal resources available as they navigated the college.

Akai, who is fond of superheroes and trying cuisines from around the world, has made an indelible mark on Central Piedmont. He encourages students to join clubs and make connections, noting there are opportunities for traditional students and adult learners alike. Across the board, he calls Central Piedmont “just financially smart,” whether it is a starting point or a destination.

At Yale, Akai will study political science and hopes to play a key role in student government. He was drawn to the university’s reputation for turning out some of the world’s most impressive figures, ranging from U.S. presidents and Supreme Court justices to film directors.

“If you have a dream and you stick to it, it’s accomplishable,” he said. “I've been saying I've wanted to do this for a very long time. I've told my family, I've told my friends, I've told people at Central Piedmont. It’s one thing to imagine it and dream it. It's another thing for it to actually happen.”

• New Bulldog Promise Program guarantees admission for eligible students transferring to UNC Asheville
• Milestone agreement marks Central Piedmont's 20th guaranteed admissions partnership, expanding opportunities for students to continue their education

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Earning a bachelor's degree just became more accessible for Central Piedmont Community College students. Central Piedmont and UNC Asheville have announced a new guaranteed admission partnership that streamlines the transfer process and creates a clear, confident pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree.

The new Bulldog Promise Program guarantees admission for eligible Central Piedmont students who complete an associate degree and fulfill program requirements.

Through the partnership, students can begin building connections with UNC Asheville long before they transfer, gaining access to:

• Transfer information and planning resources
• Admissions communications
• Orientation opportunities
• Academic advising
• Financial aid guidance and support before transferring 

The partnership is designed to reduce uncertainty, make the transfer process more predictable and achievable, and simplify the transition for a wide range of students, including first-generation college students, adult learners and others pursuing a bachelor's degree.

"At Central Piedmont, we are committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals while minimizing barriers along the way," said Dr. Heather Hill, provost and chief academic officer at Central Piedmont. "Students are more likely to achieve their educational goals when they can clearly see the path ahead. The Bulldog Promise Program removes uncertainty from the transfer process and provides the guidance, support and assurance students need to move confidently from Central Piedmont to UNC Asheville on their journey to a bachelor's degree."

"UNC Asheville is proud to partner with Central Piedmont Community College to make the path to a bachelor's degree as clear and attainable as possible," said Kimberly van Noort, chancellor of UNC Asheville. "The Bulldog Promise Program reflects our shared commitment to student success — giving transfer students the personalized support they need well before they ever set foot on our campus. By building on the strong foundation students gain at Central Piedmont, this partnership helps them save both time and money on their way to a bachelor's degree, positioning them to land the job of their dreams upon graduation. We want every Central Piedmont student to know we are fully committed to their success from day one."

The agreement marks Central Piedmont's 20th guaranteed admission partnership and expands the college's growing network of transfer opportunities with four-year institutions. Central Piedmont currently maintains partnerships with more than 40 colleges and universities through statewide transfer agreements, guaranteed admission programs, honors agreements and other transfer opportunities.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – With deep appreciation for its history and significance to the community, Central Piedmont Community College has announced plans to remove the historic “Granddaddy Oak” on Central Campus during the week of Aug. 3 following extensive evaluations confirming the tree's deteriorating condition and increasing safety risks.

For more than a century, this willow oak tree has stood as a landmark in Charlotte, witnessing the city's growth and the development of Central Piedmont into one of North Carolina's largest community colleges. 

• Estimated to be approximately 100 years old, the willow oak has long been recognized as one of the oldest and largest trees in uptown Charlotte. 
• According to TreesCharlotte's Treasure Trees program, it is one of the largest known willow oaks in Mecklenburg County.
• When the tree was named to the Treasure Trees program in 2022, it measured about 237 inches in circumference and over 90 feet tall. 
• Updated measurements in 2025 recorded a circumference of 256.8 inches and a crown spread approaching 95 feet.

The decision follows several recent incidents in which large limbs fell after storms and periods of high wind. After years of monitoring the tree's health and consulting with certified arborists, the college determined that the tree's structural condition has deteriorated to a point where it presents a significant safety concern.

"This decision does not come lightly," said Rick Fogarty, interim chief operations officer. "The ‘Granddaddy Oak’ has been a cherished part of our campus and Charlotte's landscape for generations. We are deeply saddened that this remarkable tree has reached the end of its lifespan."

Over the years, Central Piedmont's facilities team invested significant effort to preserve the tree, including annual health assessments, structural pruning, specialized treatments and lightning-protection systems. Despite these proactive measures, experts concluded that continued decline has made removal necessary.

The timing of the project is intended to ensure the campus remains safe as students, faculty and staff return for the fall semester.

While the tree’s physical presence will soon be gone, its legacy will continue. Central Piedmont plans to plant a substantial replacement tree in the same location and is exploring opportunities to commemorate the historic oak through partnerships with local artists.

Back in 2013, David Svoboda built his first 3D printer during a STEM summer camp at Central Piedmont. His photo was even featured in the camp’s marketing materials the following year. 

Fast forward more than a decade, and David is an engineering student at the college. And he is still passionate about 3D printing work. In fact, it has now even taken him abroad. 

“My passion for 3D printing basically started here,” said the Charlotte native.

He’s come full circle, but his interest in engineering began in his youth as he played with Legos and experimented with circuits and electronic boards. He was also involved with robotics in elementary and middle school, participated in vocational activities like SkillsUSA and became well-rounded through Future Business Leaders of America.

He comes by his interests honestly. His mom earned a Ph.D. in robotics engineering, and his dad works in business with a technical focus.

David graduated from high school in 2022, but after the COVID era, he found himself burned out.

“I had a passion for learning, personal development and tinkering with things,” he said. “But I was like, ‘I don’t think I’m ready for school. I kind of just want to figure some things out first.’” 

He worked at an automotive shop for a year, where he saw how engineers communicate with technicians to troubleshoot problems. He then decided to follow an engineering path.

“I like tinkering on the side, but I love to apply the thinking,” he said. “So, I gravitated more from a vocational, technical aspect to a passion for the theory and things behind it.”

He chose to start his college career at Central Piedmont to build a foundation before transferring to a four-year institution after he graduates in December 2026.

“I think the biggest benefit of being here is the class size and closeness to instructors,” he said of his Central Piedmont experience. “By the end, you’re in a class with eight or 12 people and the instructor.”

David feels learning is easier when he is comfortable. Those types of close relationships provided him the opportunity to undertake a six-month research internship at ENSAM-ParisTech in France, facilitated by Dr. Hisham A. Abdel-Aal, chair of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Central Piedmont. ENSAM is one of the world's top technical institutions with more than 70 partnerships around the globe. It was founded on a principal like Central Piedmont’s — linking theoretical knowledge to hands-on skill. David completed two interviews before being chosen for the program.

At the French institution, located in the town of Châlons-en-Champagne in the eastern part of the country, David stayed in the dorms on campus. He was also sponsored by ENSAM as he participated in several European scientific and industrial research symposiums and conferences, even spontaneously co-leading a segment on 3D printing at one event to assist a colleague presenting remotely.

During his time overseas, David earned praise from faculty and industry colleagues for his technical abilities and potential. Several encouraged him to continue building his research and scientific expertise as a foundation for a successful engineering career.

“I learned a whole lot about the research process, but I also got a lot of industry experience,” he said. 

David, who has dual American and Czech citizenship, is considering returning to Europe to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a college in the Netherlands. He is not sure yet what path he will pursue. He is passionate about mechanical engineering and has considered working in the automotive or motorsports industries, which could also lead to work in manufacturing or design. But with a mind for business, he is thinking about an industrial engineering track as well.

He notes the importance of learning a little bit about a variety of concepts and disciplines, something he has taken advantage of at Central Piedmont. He encourages other engineering students to do the same.

“It’s helped me not only make connections with folks, but the younger you get started with branching out and networking and connecting with people in different disciplines, the more opportunities you'll have in the future and the more impressive you look,” he said.

David, a welcoming and outgoing presence, is passionate about not just engineering but authentic connections. He works as a TA in the Fab Lab at Central Piedmont to further his own knowledge and help other students succeed as well. He has also built a community of like-minded people in the lab and across the college.

“It’s truly fun to have potentially lifelong connections,” he said. “I feel like these people will be in my life for as long as possible.”

Since building his first 3D printer at Central Piedmont, so too has the college remained a constant in his life.

• Jessica Boyce’s leadership during a period of growth, strategic investment and strong financial stewardship earned her a nomination

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College’s Jessica Boyce, executive vice president of finance and operations, was selected as a finalist for the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2026 CFO of the Year in the Education category. 

As Mecklenburg County continues to grow, Boyce has positioned Central Piedmont to expand training capacity and meet the region’s workforce needs while overseeing a financial strategy supporting more than $200 million in active capital projects across the college's six campuses.

In the most recent fiscal year, Boyce successfully helped the college manage state and federal funding uncertainty while supporting continued enrollment growth, securing resources that maintained operations and supported ongoing investments in students, employees and programs.

At Central Piedmont, Boyce manages finance, operations, facilities, risk management, construction, safety and security, information technology and Foundation financial oversight. She also serves as a direct report to the president and works with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to create and implement long-term financial and operational strategies that strengthen the institution.

That work has enhanced the college’s financial stability while enabling continued investment in programs, people and infrastructure that support workforce development and economic opportunity across the Charlotte region.

Boyce joined Central Piedmont in 2015 and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. Her professional background includes 17 years of experience, beginning in public accounting before moving into higher education.

There are few who love learning as much as Deninne Pritchett. Deninne is committed to helping students reach their full potential. She does so by drawing from a wealth of personal experience, having gone from a student who struggled to get started, to a leader at Central Piedmont Community College and beyond.

She has been teaching at the college for nearly 10 years and is also an alumna. She holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, serves as the faculty director for Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Program and is a Fulbright Specialist.

“I continued through school for 15 years straight, and I decided when I was a student here that I wanted to come back and work at Central Piedmont,” she said.

Yet her path was not linear. She first enrolled at the college in 2000 and dropped out the same semester.

“Once I started to recognize that it was about the transformational process of learning and that you could gain more out of the process rather than focusing on the end result or the outcome, I started to understand what higher education offered,” she said.

Deninne noticed that “the vibe was different” at Central Piedmont. In fact, after she dropped out, instructors took a personal interest in her, calling and emailing and encouraging her to return. Although she wasn’t quite ready to come back, she decided that when she did, she knew where it would be.

When she resumed her academic career in 2007, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do but knew that she would earn her degree at Central Piedmont. She took some sociology and psychology courses, and after earning her Associate in Arts degree, she went on to obtain advanced degrees at Grand Canyon University. She also earned her Ph.D. in psychology with an emphasis on cognition and instruction from Grand Canyon.

Along the way, Deninne began work in professional development and as an instructional assistant at Central Piedmont. She spent time as an adjunct, full-time instructor, department chair and faculty fellow while serving on several committees aimed at advancing the college's strategic vision. 

Today, she is an associate professor of psychology, in addition to the founding faculty director of the Truist Honors Program.

The program is entering its fourth year and is designed for students who Deninne calls “finishers,” individuals who are motivated to fully complete a task once started. It was something Deninne felt was a perfect fit for her to helm. With her leadership and guidance, driven individuals have received prestigious awards, attended renowned conferences, and won numerous competitions. 

Deninne also does important work in education globally as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program, an international exchange sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. 

A Fulbright Specialist is one of approximately 400 experts across the country, selected for their specific expertise in an area. Deninne’s was in education. Although the program has an acceptance rate of 20%, Deninne was determined to be part of it.

“I made up my mind that I was going to apply, and I was going to succeed,” she said.

Deninne’s project was with Universidad Mayor de San Francisco Xavier in Bolivia, working to modernize its 20-year-old psychology curriculum. She helped the school focus on real-world application and career readiness, while also helping the institution understand how the curriculum connects to its local community and the world at large.

After collaborating with the university for a year online, Deninne spent two and a half weeks in Bolivia in February.

Outside of her academic roles, Deninne is a theme park enthusiast, and she spends significant free time working on self-development. She does so as she continuously works to help develop others.

Whether locally or overseas, she partners, collaborates and works tirelessly with colleagues to develop curricula, as well as students and faculty in their own pursuits. 

“If we can convince students to believe or we can get students to recognize their own greatness, they can be anything that they want to be,” Deninne said. “Whatever they set their mind to, whatever their goals are, they can achieve those. It's about helping them unleash that greatness even when they don't yet recognize it exists.”

It’s the same mindset that has carried Deninne from a student unsure of her path to leading the college’s most high-achieving students and providing curriculum expertise on a global scale.

For 14 recent high school graduates, this summer wasn’t about taking a break — it was about jumpstarting a career.

Through a new Careers Electric Summer Academy at Central Piedmont Community College, students traded summer vacation for hands-on training, college coursework and a direct pathway into one of North Carolina’s most in-demand professions. The initiative was funded by the Siemens Foundation and administered by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) to expand access to skilled trades education and strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.

The students, selected through a partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, began the program on June 16 after completing an application process. Throughout the summer, they enrolled in two college-level courses — Basic Construction Skills (WOL 110) and Residential Wiring (ELC 113) — gaining hands-on experience while earning college credit.

Central Piedmont was one of just 12 community colleges statewide across North Carolina selected to host a Summer Electrical Academy as part of the Careers Electric initiative. The academies connected students with college coursework, industry exposure and registered pre-apprenticeship opportunities designed to prepare them for careers in the electrical field. 

To help remove barriers to participation, the program covered tuition for both courses and provided financial support for transportation, books, fees and required equipment such as personal protective gear and work boots. Students also received a $2,000 stipend for successfully completing the program.

For student Teague Wilson, the experience did more than teach technical skills — it changed the trajectory of his future. Initially planning to attend a four-year university and pursue a career in medicine, Wilson discovered a new passion through the academy and is now working toward becoming a licensed electrician.

“The way the program teaches you to think as a tradesman, as an electrician, it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of other career fields,” Wilson said. “I was always a person who worked with cars and worked with my hands, but I never thought of that as a career. This program has really given me the opportunity to pursue that.”

Wilson’s story reflects the broader impact of Careers Electric. As demand for electricians continues to rise and experienced professionals approach retirement, North Carolina faces an urgent need for skilled workers. Programs like this help bridge that gap by introducing students to career and apprenticeship opportunities that offer strong wages, long-term stability and room for growth.

By joining forces with the Siemens Foundation and NCBCE, Central Piedmont expanded opportunities for students while helping employers develop the next generation of skilled workers. 

For these 14 students, the program provided more than summer learning. It delivered college credit, hands-on experience, professional connections and a vision for what comes next. It also proved the power of education and industry partnerships – which can create clear pathways for students. 

And for North Carolina, it helped energize the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

To learn more about building talent pipelines through registered apprenticeships, or for students seeking work experience prior to graduation, please contact Workplace Learning.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College is a $1 billion economic engine for Mecklenburg County, according to a newly released study, with the college generating significant returns for students, taxpayers and the regional economy.

The report, based on fiscal year 2023-24 data, highlights Central Piedmont’s role as a major economic engine driving workforce development, supporting local businesses and creating pathways to upward opportunities for thousands of students.

“Central Piedmont is transforming lives while strengthening our region’s economy,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “This study quantifies what we see every day — our students, graduates and partnerships fuel Mecklenburg County’s growth and long-term prosperity.”

Key findings from the study

The $1 billion total annual economic impact is driven by three key sources: 

• $770.6 million in added income from alumni, reflecting higher earnings and increased productivity of graduates in the local workforce
• $164 million from college operations spending, including payroll and local purchasing
• $101.2 million from student spending, as students contribute to housing, transportation and everyday expenses

Together, these impacts show how Central Piedmont converts education into economic growth through its students, its workforce and its graduates.

A powerful return on investment

The study also demonstrates that Central Piedmont delivers strong returns for individuals and taxpayers:

• Students gain $5.20 in higher lifetime earnings for every $1 invested, meaning for every dollar invested in their education, students see a 500% return
• Associate degree graduates earn an average of $11,200 more annually than individuals with only a high school diploma, resulting in up to $448,000 in additional lifetime earnings 
• The additional earnings generated by a Central Piedmont education produce a 17.7% annual return on students' investment of time and money, which is higher than the stock market’s 30-year return of 10.9%
• Taxpayers receive $1.20 for every $1 invested, creating more tax revenue than the local and state government contribute to operate the college

In short, an investment in Central Piedmont pays off for both individuals and the broader community.

“The greatest impact of Central Piedmont can be found in the thousands of graduates who are building careers and helping local businesses grow,” Deitemeyer said. “By developing skilled talent for in-demand industries, we are creating opportunities for individuals while helping Mecklenburg County remain competitive for years to come.”

Strengthening the workforce and local economy

Central Piedmont’s greatest long-term impact comes from its alumni, who fill critical roles across the region’s workforce and help businesses grow through increased productivity and earnings.

From healthcare to skilled trades to professional services, these graduates are helping meet employer demand and keep the region competitive.

Central Piedmont’s workforce impact is strengthened through partnerships with leading employers that help align education with industry needs.

“Meeting the growing healthcare needs of our communities starts with building a strong, skilled workforce,” said Michelle Vidal, vice president of talent attraction, programs and pipelines for Charlotte-based Atrium Health. “Atrium Health’s relationship with Central Piedmont helps us attract and develop teammates with the technical skills, professionalism and adaptability needed to succeed in today’s healthcare environment. By creating pathways to rewarding healthcare careers, we're strengthening our workforce, supporting local economic growth and helping ensure our communities have access to the care they need for years to come.”

Similar impacts can be seen in industries that power the region's infrastructure, supply chains and manufacturing operations.

“Strong partnerships between education and industry help build the workforce our region needs to thrive,” said Todd Miller, vice president, human resources and organizational capability at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “Programs like those at Central Piedmont provide students with valuable hands-on experience while strengthening the talent pipeline for skilled and technical careers, including roles in equipment services, manufacturing and diesel mechanics at companies like ours. Together, we’re investing in future talent and helping students embrace the servant leadership culture that strengthens our company and communities.”

About the study

The economic impact study was developed using a nationally recognized methodology, incorporating Central Piedmont’s academic and financial data alongside labor market data and modeling from Lightcast.

The full report is now available and provides a comprehensive look at how Central Piedmont drives economic growth, supports students and delivers lasting value to the region.