Central Piedmont celebrates impact of Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant on skilled trades

January 30, 2026

Renovated facilities increase number of classes offered
Mobile trailers allow for educational opportunities across Mecklenburg County
Over 500 credentials awarded in relation to grant since 2024

CHARLOTTE, NC - Central Piedmont Community College showcased the transformative impact of the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new skilled trades facility on Jan. 15.

Thanks to the $1 million award that the college received in 2024, Central Piedmont renovated a previously vacant building to create the Levine Campus Learning Cottage, a facility housing construction, electrical, HVAC, and refrigeration labs. Beginning this semester, students will gain hands-on experience in these high-demand fields, preparing them for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

The grant also funded the upfit of a trailer as a mobile electrical lab, with another portable trailer soon to become a mobile construction lab. These mobile units will enable the college to deliver skilled trades education to every corner of Mecklenburg County, removing barriers to access and ensuring opportunity for all.

Additional improvements include the build-out of a construction yard, renovation of the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration lab at the Harper Campus, and investments in technology such as laptops and smartboards to enhance classroom instruction.

“This investment is more than a financial contribution — it’s a commitment to building futures, strengthening communities, and ensuring that skilled trades education is accessible to all,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Thanks to the Lowe’s Foundation and its partners, we are creating pathways to opportunity and shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”

Beyond facilities, the Gable Grant has strengthened community partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction (ROC), and other organizations committed to workforce development and student success.

Since 2024, Central Piedmont has awarded 525 certifications related to the grant, with more to come. Each certification represents a student ready to enter the workforce, support their family, and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.