First-gen alum Jeffreia Pitt is on a criminal justice journey

As a first-generation graduate of Central Piedmont Community College, Jeffreia Pitt feels like she broke “a generational curse” when she earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in criminal justice technology in December 2025.

“Neither one of my parents graduated from college, but they did land careers that helped support me and my brothers,” said Jeffreia, the mother of four boys. “None of my brothers went to college, but I did have a brother who attempted to go. So, this is a big deal because I broke a generational curse being 39 years old, not stopping and keeping my eye on the prize, and just staying focused.

“I hope to be able to do something that will encourage my sons to go off and do great things.”

The next generation is already on its way, as Jeffreia’s oldest son also recently graduated from Central Piedmont.

Jeffreia — who grew up with four brothers — is originally from Rocky Mount, N.C., but was raised in Charlotte. She has always enjoyed working with children and got her credentials in Early Childhood Education shortly after high school. She worked in daycares and even ran one out of her home for a while, providing meals and transportation. She also drove a school bus for six and a half years.

In 2023, she felt called to make a change and her path led her to Central Piedmont. 

“I've always been very passionate about children and just standing up and doing what's right,” she said. “When I came to Central Piedmont, I shared with one of the academic advisors some of my passions. The advisor was the one who felt like Criminal Justice Technology would be a good major for me to get into.”

Her history of working with children and studying criminal justice led an advisor to suggest she serve as a guardian ad litem, a person appointed by the court to investigate and represent the best interests of children. 

“I was able to write documents where I represented dependent, abused, and neglected children,” she said. “I actually wrote a document for a judge where she found no objections. It was the first document that was completed for this particular family involving three children, and I was the one who got the process rolling to make sure the kids were in a safe environment.”

Jeffreia speaks highly of the Criminal Justice Technology program at the college, believing the structure and lessons helped shape her.

“It helped condition and discipline me because before I came to Central Piedmont, I was not the woman that I am today,” she said.

In addition to her advisors and program instructors, Jeffreia also received support from the college in several ways to help ease her financial burden. She was awarded three separate scholarships and was part of TRIO Student Support Services for first-generation students. She believes her journey would have been a lot harder without TRIO support.

“The TRIO program really helped me a lot with tutoring, counseling and making sure that I graduated on time,” Jeffreia said. 

She also utilized services offered by Single Stop, a program providing financial assistance and emergency grants, legal and wellness support, resource referrals, tax assistance and more.

Jeffreia’s career path is still developing, as she is considering paralegal work or working as a probation officer. She was also recently accepted at UNC Charlotte. Regardless of where she ends up, Central Piedmont has provided her with a solid foundation for years to come.

“One day, maybe you'll see your next attorney,” she said.