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For 21 years, Sarah Wilson has been impacting the lives of students as a career counselor at Central Piedmont Community College. Among her major projects each year is preparing them for Skilled Trades Connect. The February hiring event puts students in skilled trades programs face-to-face with potential employers at Central Piedmont’s Harper Campus.  

“My role with student preparation is helping students feel comfortable with talking to employers about their skill set, whether it is in a 30-second introduction, an elevator pitch, or an interview,” Sarah says. “I want every student to feel comfortable doing that. I want every student to feel really excited about their résumé because they have skills. It's just putting them into a format that's going to speak to our area employers. That's what I focus on with this event, and I do that through a variety of avenues.”

A Charlotte native, Sarah received her master's degree in counseling in Ohio. She then returned to the Queen City, excited to help teach students the skills needed to be desirable in the workforce. She remembers her first day at Central Piedmont and feeling like she “hit the lottery.”  

Helping improve lives in such a diverse student population drew her to the college.     

"Our instructors at Central Piedmont are providing students with high-quality instruction in the classroom, so they are coming out of their programs with marketable skills," she says. “The opportunity to work with them so that they understand how to translate that into employer language and take that into the job market is a really rewarding career.”

One of the many ways she does that is through Skilled Trades Connect, which Sarah is quick to point out is a collaborative effort among faculty, staff, and leadership.

The event has evolved from a tradeshow format in its earliest incarnation to the hiring event it is today. In 2026, the focus is on the five skilled trades housed at Harper Campus — HVAC, construction management, electrical, non-destructive examination, and welding.

The event consistently gets positive feedback from students, faculty, and employers, due in no small part to the human element.

“With all the online applications, sometimes it can be hard to meet up with an employer in person,” Sarah says. “This event allows students to do that. It allows employers to meet our students and our graduates and connect with great results.”

Sarah has developed many relationships through the program. She fondly recalls one event in which a student she had worked with sought her out, eager to explain they were now representing a company hiring there. 

Sarah has worked in a variety of capacities with the event over the years, but her favorite part is what happens beforehand — whether it’s visiting classrooms or meeting with students individually.

“The day of the event is amazing, but I also love the preparation that goes into it,” she says.

In her more than two decades at Central Piedmont, Sarah has been a positive influence on countless students.

“I feel very grateful to have a job that allows me to make a difference in the lives of other people, and it provides meaning in my own life,” she says. “Thank you to Central Piedmont for that.” 
 

Jaison Maxwell, a high school student in Charlotte, has already made a name for himself in the fashion scene. He showcases his work in numerous fashion shows and belongs to the Charlotte Fashion Collective. He studies fashion, design, and digital arts in high school while also attending Central Piedmont Community College through the Dual Enrollment program.

At Central Piedmont, his focus is on business administration and liberal arts. He’ll graduate with an associate degree this spring and attend SCAD Atlanta to double major in fashion design and fashion marketing.

An ambitious learner, Jaison originally hoped to take on a different program, allowing him to take classes for college credit while he still attends Northwest School for the Arts. However, he didn’t have the funds, and his career and technical education coordinator suggested the free opportunity at Central Piedmont instead.

“I was very nervous because [students here come from] all different ages, genders, and backgrounds,” Jaison says of his initial experience at Central Piedmont. “When I answered the introduction discussion post, [people said], ‘Hi, I’m a veteran, or I’m a single mom, or I’m a grocery store worker,’ and I’m a high school student. I didn’t have much to share about my life story.

“I thought that meant that they’re going to be better than me, know more, write more, or get a higher grade. But once I started taking the classes and realized that I could measure up, it definitely lessened my nerves.”

Jaison steadily increased the number of classes he took at Central Piedmont, and he acknowledges it led to some anxiety. Eventually, he created a spreadsheet and learned to plan ahead. Plus, taking many classes online helped.

“Taking classes online through Dual Enrollment has allowed me to pick up and go wherever I need to instead of having to be set to a specific time,” Jaison says.

Jaison also learned there is no perfect way to balance time but rather takes it all day by day. 

“If there are more assignments for my high school, then I have to take more time in high school,” he says. “If there are more assignments at Central Piedmont, then I have to focus on Central Piedmont. If I have to do a fashion collection at the last minute, then I just have to do that.”

He has a very busy schedule, which also includes serving as president of his high school’s DECA chapter. He is part of the Black Student Union, Fashion Club, and National Honor Society as well. 

He says there was no defining moment that made Dual Enrollment the right choice. Rather, he simply started and made the grades to keep going. It all ultimately paid off.

“I would most definitely recommend doing Dual Enrollment,” he says. “It’s helped me so much with not only my high school classes, my GPA, and my confidence with education, but it allows me to have a more flexible way of learning.” 

Daisy Corea always knew she wanted a secure, stable career in healthcare. The Charlotte native found it in the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program at Central Piedmont Community College.  

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to do something in medicine,” she says. “I’m very passionate about helping people, but I never knew where to start until I got a receptionist job in ophthalmology. I fell in love with everything I saw the assistants doing.”

Ophthalmology focuses on diagnosing and treating degenerative eye conditions and disorders, including glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and more. 

Daisy’s desire to get to work as soon as possible led her to the three-semester certification program at Central Piedmont. When she receives her diploma in July 2026, she’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam. It is administered by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO).

“I really love that everything I'm learning in this program is something that I'll be carrying into my career,” Daisy says.  

She was pleasantly surprised to find that even within her first semester, she was working in a clinic with live patients and putting classroom lessons to use.  

She also had a lot of questions about the administrative side of the program before she started. However, she found the whole experience was remarkably straightforward.

“I didn't have a single question that was left unanswered, and I felt really satisfied with the team that was helping me get started here,” she says.

While Daisy is undeniably driven and focused on her career, she’s also fond of taking advantage of the amenities offered at Central Piedmont’s Central Campus. That includes attending events at the Parr Center or just grabbing lunch and enjoying the scenery.

Daisy is a Merancas Scholar, providing significant support as she attends college and invests in herself.  

“I went through a lot of financial hardships, so deciding to go to school was a big life-changer for me,” she says. “It was something that I wanted to do, but I wasn't sure where to start. I was too afraid of the commitment of having to pay off student loans and student debt. But Central Piedmont really did make it easy for me, and with the security of being able to jump right into the career of my dreams, it's so comforting.”

Daisy is currently interning at Horizon Eye Care. She next plans to begin working full-time at one of the various partner clinics she has rotated through as an intern during her program.  Although she’s unsure where that will be, she’s excited to explore all the avenues ophthalmology has to offer and further expand the skills she first learned at Central Piedmont.

“I feel confident and comfortable with the fact that I’ve secured a career that will last me for life,” she says. “It’s something so interesting, and I'm so excited for the impact that I'm able to make in other people's lives.”

Joe Little is a ball of energy. The associate dean of technology at Central Piedmont Community College dances with students and fellow faculty at graduation. He has cowbells and pom-poms with which he cheers on accomplishments. He has a hearty laugh that fills up a room. He represents the spirit of the college, and his enthusiasm for it is infectious.

“My favorite part of being at Central Piedmont is graduation,” he says. “It’s seeing those people complete their journeys, even if they’re not IT majors. I will be shouting for you on graduation day. It’s my favorite day of the entire semester.” 

Central Piedmont has been a part of Joe’s journey for more than a quarter-century. He grew up in Charlotte and enlisted in the United States Army upon finishing high school. He specialized in communications and information technology from 1999 to 2003. When he was injured after four years of service, he returned home to transition into civilian life.  

He enrolled at Central Piedmont, intrigued by the school’s affordable, hands-on training opportunities and short sessions. After receiving his Associate in Applied Science degree in network administration and support in 2006, he ultimately earned a bachelor’s from East Carolina University. For a time, Joe worked in the private sector as a network engineer and taught cybersecurity classes at Central Piedmont as an adjunct instructor. He began at the college as a full-time faculty member in 2011 and has been an important part of the institution ever since.  

Although the physical makeup of Central Piedmont has changed significantly since Joe earned his associate degree, the college’s efforts in hands-on training and teaching practical skills have remained constant.

“I can tell you as a student and as a faculty member, this place excels at workforce development,” he says. “It's all about connecting you to the skills.”

He points out that Central Piedmont provides the opportunity to learn and apply a craft. Furthermore, an ever-increasing number of certification exams let students prove to employers that they can excel at a job, even if they don’t have extensive experience. Employers recognize that fact. Workforce representatives are often found around campus, recruiting and speaking with students.

Plus, Joe adds, people are a valuable resource across the entire Central Piedmont orbit.

“There is just the expertise of the faculty themselves, which is the college's greatest asset,” he says.  “You have all these wonderful individuals and their prior industry and academia expertise that they're bringing into the classroom and imparting upon the students.” 

Joe falls into that category himself. He found that even as a student, he enjoyed helping his peers and has carried that passion for education — along with cutting-edge technology—into his career.

“Whether you realize it or not, information technology is embedded into almost everything you do,” he says. “You've got smart homes now, smart refrigerators, you pick your brand of artificial intelligence. It's everywhere. So, we need to learn how to use that responsibly and promote a better quality of life, and I want to be a part of training people to do that. But moreover, it's about connecting the world at large and changing lives.” 

Joe has made significant connections with the community at Central Piedmont. He embraces his role as a cheerleader and champion of the college.

“To me, there’s never a bad day around here,” says. “Everything we do is about community service, changing lives, and getting people to where they want to be in their next chapter.”

CHARLOTTE, NC – On Dec. 16, Central Piedmont Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and credentials to 1,711 students, celebrating their accomplishments and the promise of their future. 

With over 200 more graduates than the Dec. 2024 class, the Dec. 2025 class represents a 15% increase in graduates and reinforces Central Piedmont’s historic growth. The group had a collective 3.34 GPA, showcasing the strength of their academic journeys.  

The college has invested in holistic support systems to help students complete their educational pathways – from financial assistance, individual academic advising, and access to a professional clothing closet. Additionally, the college’s Wellness Center offers wrap-around services, such as counseling and connections to local food banks.  

Community and donor support played a large role in the success of the graduates, with nearly 300 students benefiting from almost $1 million in scholarship support from the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation. 

Kristen Alvarado Sorto, who received her associate degree in cosmetology, served as the graduation speaker. She highlighted the resilience of her journey as she balanced a full-time job with the pursuit of her degree. 

“Central Piedmont has been a life-changing opportunity, not just through education, but through growth, community, and purpose,” Alvarado Sorto said. “This moment is only the beginning of what each of us can achieve. As we move forward, remember this one powerful truth: We are the generation rewriting our stories — one degree, one dream, and one victory at a time.” 

Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer praised the graduates for their perseverance and potential. 

“These graduates are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world,” Deitemeyer said. “They didn’t just earn credentials, but discovered their capacity to solve problems, lift up their families, and strengthen their future.” 

The class of 2025 includes nearly 275 graduates entering career fields such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, and transportation, roles that are essential to keeping the community healthy, connected, and thriving. 

“Through hands-on learning, they uncovered their potential and defined their purpose,” Deitemeyer said. “As they step forward — in hospitals, tech firms, construction sites, and more — they will shape stronger communities and create lasting impact across the region.” 

Central Piedmont also highlighted several graduates whose journeys reflect courage, adaptability, and purpose: 

• Mariame Boujlil – After years of caregiving and work, Boujlil graduates at age 61 with a Human Services degree, showing that dreams never expire — they wait for courage. 

From a young age, Kristen Alvarado Sorto has been passionate about hair, makeup, and nails. She sought out “Get Ready with Me” YouTube videos growing up and practiced the craft on herself and her sisters. At Central Piedmont Community College, she found a place where she could turn passion into a career with the cosmetology program.  

Kristen, who hails from Charlotte but whose family is from El Salvador, ultimately became a shining example of what is possible when you follow a dream. Her time at Central Piedmont culminated with her serving as the college’s fall 2025 commencement speaker.    

“Being the commencement speaker was truly an honor,” she says. “I come from an immigrant family. They came to the United States to give me a better education, a better life, something that they couldn't have. I had the opportunity to share my story and really inspire others that it is possible. That you can do it if you set your mind to it.” 
 
In her speech, Kristen encouraged her fellow graduates to keep pushing.  
 
“This moment is only the beginning of what each of us can achieve,” she said to her fellow students and the gathered crowd at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum. “As we move forward, remember this one powerful truth: We are the generation rewriting our stories — one degree, one dream, and one victory at a time.”  

Kristen toured many colleges before selecting Central Piedmont. None of them made her feel so welcome, and she knew she had found where she belonged.   
 
Still, Kristen faced challenges early on as a full-time student while also working a full-time job.  
 
“I remember the first week I started, I was really starting to question, ‘Is this really for me?’” she says. “I was just doubting myself. I was comparing myself to other people, and I was like, ‘Wow, their work is exceptional.’”  

She found herself getting further behind as she tried to balance work with school and eventually had a failing GPA. But she is fond of saying the comeback is greater than the setback.  
 

With her mind set on improvement, Kristen leaned on her instructors and advisors, who encouraged her, supported her, and boosted her confidence. She also relied on her deep faith in many challenging times. She emphasizes that fear — and fear of failure — are not important. Rather, it is important to come back and try again.   
 
She utilized many resources at the college and encourages students to get involved in activities and clubs, to truly become part of the community.  
 
Kristen’s next step will take place at UNC Charlotte, where she will study business administration to complement the services and techniques she learned at Central Piedmont. She plans to open her own salon one day, and she knows she needs to understand the business side of the operation to be successful.  

Throughout her life, her cultural identity has played a significant role in shaping her, and she takes an immense amount of pride in her heritage.  

“It's a very beautiful culture, and I always cherish that,” Kristen says. “While I was born in the United States, El Salvador means a lot to me, and I get to share my culture. I get to share my experience.”  
 
She also credits her family for supporting and guiding her to her singular position in her class.  
 
“As a first-generation college Latina graduate, it means everything to me,” she says. “Because while this diploma may have my name on it, it also carries their legacy, their sacrifice, their hard work. I know they're very proud of me, but also, I always have them in my heart.” 

CHARLOTTE, NC – Central Piedmont Community College ranked 91st in the America’s Top Online Colleges 2026 list, according to Newsweek and Statista, Inc. Central Piedmont’s ranking is fourth-best among 13 North Carolina institutions that made the list. 

Central Piedmont offers a wide range of programs that can be completed partially or fully online, providing flexibility for students balancing education with work and life commitments. Options include associate degrees in arts, science, and applied science, covering pathways such as business, computer science, criminal justice, biology, and teacher preparation. 

Students can also pursue programs in information technology, public safety administration, and simulation and game development, along with numerous certificates and diplomas in fields like business administration, construction management, and cybersecurity. 

During the 2024-25 academic year, nearly 15,000 curriculum students took at least one online class each semester. 

The America’s Top Online Colleges 2026 rankings were developed by Newsweek and Statista, Inc., based on a comprehensive survey of more than 10,000 online learners, along with additional research. Participants evaluated their colleges and universities across six key categories: organization, student support, affordability, reputation, success outcomes, and practical relevance. They also rated their overall satisfaction and likelihood of recommending their institution. These insights, combined with publicly available performance metrics, informed each school’s final score and national ranking. 

CHARLOTTE, NC – Central Piedmont Community College has reached a historic milestone this fall, enrolling more than 34,000 students across its curriculum, continuing education, and basic skills programs. This marks a 19% increase over fall 2024 and the highest single-semester enrollment in the college’s history, underscoring Central Piedmont’s growing impact as a driver of workforce development and economic mobility in the Charlotte region. 

The college has increased enrollment for the last four and a half academic years, dating back to the summer of 2021. 

Enrollment in the college’s curriculum programs rose by 13%, totaling 23,441 students, reflecting strong interest in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Continuing education programs experienced a remarkable 55% increase in enrollment, while basic skills programs grew by 31%, serving 4,652 students, empowering students to complete high school, learn English as a second language, and build confidence for independent living. 

“This record enrollment is a testament to the college’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community,” said Dr. Amy Bruining, vice president of student affairs at Central Piedmont. “Whether students are pursuing a degree, upgrading their skills, or preparing for a new career, Central Piedmont is here to support their journey and fuel Charlotte’s economic growth.” 

Central Piedmont’s enrollment increase is fueled by several strategic initiatives: 

• Introduction of multi-term registration, which allows students to plan their academic journey up to a year in advance. 

Central Piedmont has experienced remarkable growth across its academic programs. Highlights include:  

Before Yassmine Moujahid even graduated high school, she had already earned a college degree, thanks to the Harper Middle College program at Central Piedmont in partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools—a place she says helped her find her community, her passion, and her purpose.  

Yassmine chose to attend Central Piedmont's Middle College program for the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. She enrolled in the biological sciences pathway to complete general education requirements and build a strong foundation for the future career of her dreams: dentistry.  

Now, with a degree and essential knowledge in hand, Yassmine is one step closer to making that dream a reality.

“Central Piedmont has empowered me to take control of my future by helping me plan my academic and career path more effectively,” Yassmine shared. “It has also taught me valuable responsibility, which I appreciate as it prepares me for the next steps in my education and career.”

At Central Piedmont, Yassmine found more than just academic support. She formed lasting friendships, built community, and forged strong connections with teachers—all while balancing high school and college courses, two jobs, and ongoing community service. Thanks to the flexibility of her class scheduling, she was able to design her school days around designated study and work times.   

That flexibility and community also made space for her to give back. A member of the Salvation Army's Boys and Girls Club since kindergarten, Yassmine has long been involved in community service. During her senior year, she launched a Valentine’s Day card project within her community to uplift local youth. She set up stands at school and, with help from her classmates, delivered cards to children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.  

“I loved it because it showed how the community can come together out of the goodness of their hearts,” Yassmine reflected. “It’s just an amazing feeling.” 

Future Plans

Her desire to uplift others fuels her passion for dentistry, too. With a biological sciences degree from Central Piedmont already complete, Yassmine now plans to study business at Queens before heading to UNC Chapel Hill for dental school. Her ultimate goal? To open her own practice and make dental care more accessible. 

“Growing up, my family, we weren’t the most fortunate,” Yassmine shared. “Whenever they had some type of pain, especially dental, they wouldn’t go. That was very heartbreaking to see.” 

Her goal is to make a difference for others who may face similar barriers to receiving care. 

“Giving that opportunity to help someone smile or just boost up their confidence through their smile—I think that’s an amazing gift. I would love to have that,” she said.  

From supporting her community to working hard toward her own goals, Yassmine is forging a path to a bright future. And thanks to the foundation she built at Central Piedmont, she’s stepping into her next chapter with clarity, confidence, and determination. 

As a high school student dual-enrolled at Central Piedmont, Nhi Hau was already taking big steps toward a future in medicine. This spring, she graduated with two diplomas and two degrees, ready to head to UNC Chapel Hill in the fall on a full academic scholarship.

But Nhi’s journey to a career in medicine began long before college. 

Born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and raised in Charlotte, she grew up as the only English speaker in her family. She helped her parents during doctor’s visits, translated in emergency rooms, and became a voice for her parents in medical settings. She learned medical terms by listening and became curious about the signs and symptoms of different illnesses.

“It was because of my mom's miscarriage back when I was six, when I had to turn to her and tell her that she had lost the child that we had been waiting for a couple months,” Nhi reflected. “Then I realized that I really enjoyed being with someone during their most vulnerable times."

These early experiences, in addition to her family’s challenges, made her want to continue to help others through difficult moments. Her desire to help others grew stronger over time, and she took on more responsibilities to accomplish her goals. In addition to her busy schedule taking both high school and college classes, Nhi also took online courses at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Balancing three schools was no small task, but Nhi stayed focused.

Future Plans

Central Piedmont played a big role in her success, with faculty and staff encouraging her every step of the way. Even more so, the challenge of her coursework taught her many things about herself and helped her grow the confidence to blossom.  

“Central Piedmont has really allowed me to step into the world of higher education, both physically and mentally,” she said. “The coursework pushed me to think more critically and taught me life skills that I’m certain will help me succeed at Chapel Hill.” 

Additionally, Nhi was driven by her parents, and made the most of being a first-generation college student.  

“Being a first-generation college student to me means being able to do the things that my parents couldn't," Nhi said. “I know it's partially my dream, but it’s also my parents' dream, and it's very nice being able to let them live vicariously through me and live this dream out for myself as well.” 

In the face of many challenges, Nhi somehow managed to balance it all. In addition to attending three schools, she stayed active in clubs, spent time with her friends and family, and never lost sight of her goals. 

“The opportunities here are endless, and the faculty and professors are incredibly supportive in helping you find a path that’s right for you,” she said. “But it all has to start with your desire to make the most of your time at Central Piedmont.” 

Now, her hard work is paying off. From a young age Nhi discovered her passion, and Central Piedmont helped pave the way for her to follow those dreams.  

Learn More about Nhi's Experience