News and Features

Central Piedmont Community College is pleased to announce a new alliance with Arizona State University to provide students a seamless transfer experience with the MyPath2ASU® program. MyPath2ASU allows students to take the steps needed at the start of their college experience to successfully plan their transfer to ASU. This new agreement will help ensure a smooth transition process and student success.

MyPath2ASU is a set of customized tools available to transfer students from accredited, U.S. regional institutions. These tools ensure a seamless transfer experience to ASU after earning credits or an associate degree from a U.S. community college or university, and shortening the time to degree completion.

“At Central Piedmont, we are committed to building pathways that empower our students to pursue their educational goals with confidence and clarity,” said Dr. Heather Hill, provost of Central Piedmont Community College. “This partnership with Arizona State University reinforces our focus on removing barriers, minimizing credit loss, and providing our students with a clearer, faster route to a bachelor’s degree. Collaborations like this are essential to advancing student success and supporting our region’s economic and social mobility.”

Through this new partnership, students using MyPath2ASU will find their transfer experience simplified. Key benefits of the program include:

• Personalized guidance through over 400 course-by-course guided pathways to ASU online and in-person degree programs, ensuring that Central Piedmont Community College coursework aligns with their desired ASU major and minimizes credit loss.
• Guaranteed general admission to ASU and admission into MyPath2ASU major choice if all requirements are satisfied.
• Self-service, degree progress tracking to help students stay informed about their academic progress.
• A connected experience with ASU through personalized communications that support academic growth and community engagement.

ASU and Central Piedmont Community College will continuously collaborate to refine the over 400 course-by-course pathways offered in the MyPath2ASU tool. This ongoing partnership ensures that these pathways provide students with clear guidance on course selection and align with the latest academic standards and requirements.

Some of the in-demand pathways offered through the new partnership include:

• Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) for Nursing
• Interdisciplinary Studies, BA
• Liberal Studies, BA
• Organizational Leadership, BA

ASU and Central Piedmont Community College will work to promote educational degree pathways containing on-campus and online course offerings. The courses listed on these pathways are applicable toward a student’s intended bachelor’s degree at ASU and therefore help minimize potential credit loss.

As part of the new partnership, nursing students pursuing an associate degree can advance toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through Arizona State University’s Concurrent Enrollment Program. This program enables eligible students to earn their associate degree in nursing (ADN) at Central Piedmont Community College while simultaneously completing their BSN online through ASU.

To see how the MyPath2ASU program works and to get started, visit ASU's website.

• College receives $474,038 from the National Science Foundation to expand its Artificial Intelligence associate degree program and grow local tech talent. 
• College’s AI degree prepares students for in-demand roles in data analytics and machine learning, offering annual starting salaries ranging from $60,000 to $75,000. 
• 88% of local employers are actively hiring for AI-skilled positions. 

Central Piedmont Community College has been awarded a $474,038 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) degree program and accelerate the development of local technology talent. The three-year initiative, known as Generating Artificial Intelligence Talent (GAIT), will enhance curriculum, train faculty, deepen industry partnerships, and provide tailored student support to prepare graduates for Charlotte's fastest-growing job market.

Launched in fall 2024, Central Piedmont's associate in applied science degree in AI is one of the first of its kind in North Carolina with more than 100 students currently enrolled. It is designed to equip students with the practical, high-demand skills needed to launch careers in AI-related fields without requiring a four-year degree. The new grant, awarded through the NSF's Advanced Technological Education program, builds on the early momentum and strong employer interest already surrounding the program.

“This grant allows us to take our highly sought after AI program to the next level,” said Dr. Heather Hill, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Central Piedmont. “We are focused on aligning instruction with industry needs here in the county, supporting our faculty with the tools they need to lead and accelerate in this space, and ensuring our students are prepared to step into these emerging careers with confidence and competence.”

Responding to industry demand

Charlotte experienced a 21.3% increase in high-tech jobs between 2021 and 2022, more than double the national average. A spring 2024 survey of regional employers found that 88% are currently hiring AI-skilled workers, and 100 percent anticipate expanding those roles in the near future.

“Technology is transforming every industry,” said Hill. “Our goal is to ensure those jobs are filled by people who are trained here, live here, and are ready to lead here.”

Turning training into opportunity

The GAIT project will expand the program's capacity in four key areas: curriculum development, faculty readiness, employer engagement, and student advising. The college will also introduce industry-driven credentials that enable students to acquire skills and enter the workforce more quickly.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as artificial intelligence programmers, data analysts, machine learning technicians, and prompt engineers. These roles require a growing knowledge and use of artificial intelligence. Many of these positions offer annual starting salaries between $60,000 and $75,000, with the potential to grow above $130,000 within just a few years.

A community-wide return on investment

Serving more than 44,000 students annually and offering nearly 300 -degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Central Piedmont plays a critical role in Mecklenburg County’s economic landscape. The AI program strengthens that role by helping students secure high-wage, future-ready jobs and giving employers access to a skilled, homegrown workforce.

“This is not just a degree,” Hill said. “It is a workforce solution and an investment in our region's long-term competitiveness.” 

• Free, public event exploring the impact of AI across industries, hosted June 20 at Central Piedmont Community College 
• Keynote speakers from Amazon Web Services, Compass Group, Gartner and SEI 
• Hands-on workshops, expert panels and insights into AI careers and innovation in the Carolinas 

Central Piedmont Community College, in partnership with Mint Hill Marketing and the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, will host the first Charlotte AI Summit on Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Parr Center on Central Campus. This free public event will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future across various industries, including cybersecurity, healthcare, finance, and workforce development.

The summit invites students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community members to attend a full-day event featuring expert panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions. Attendees will gain insights from top voices in technology and business on the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

"AI isn't here to replace us. It's here to evolve with us. It's a mirror of human imagination, a bridge across barriers, and a catalyst for possibility," said Ann Gonzales, president and CEO of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce. "This summit invites us to reimagine what's possible when we grow alongside technology, not against it."

"AI isn't just about the future. It's about what's possible today," said Joseph Little, associate dean of technology at Central Piedmont. "We're proud to host this event as part of our commitment to providing real-world education and workforce innovation."

AI Learning at Central Piedmont Community College 

Central Piedmont offers an associate degree in applied science in artificial intelligence technology and certificates in AI and machine learning. These programs blend hands-on learning with technical training to prepare students for careers in data science, automation, and intelligent systems. 

Event Highlights 

• Tiffany Benitez, head of data governance at Compass Group USA, will share insights on AI-driven risk management and analytics. 
• Celestine Pressley, executive partner at Gartner, will speak on the future of enterprise technology and innovation. 
• Antonio Mañueco, managing principal consultant at SEI, will break down the real-world implementation of AI tools. 
• Sreenath Gotur, senior generative AI specialist at Amazon Web Services, will provide a look at cutting-edge developments in generative AI. 
• Linda Yang, executive director of information strategy at Family Health Initiatives, will explore the intersection of AI and public health. 

Other sessions include industry roundtables, exhibitor showcases, and a closing social hour for networking. An AI-powered event app will help attendees connect and navigate throughout the day. 

Registration is free and open to the public. An optional networking lunch is available for $21. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. 

• New paid apprenticeship: CEENTA and Central Piedmont launch program to address critical eye care staffing shortage. 
• Earn while you learn: Six-month program offers classroom learning plus paid, hands-on clinical training. 
• No student debt: Tuition, fees, and books are covered for participants. 

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) and Central Piedmont Community College are deepening their longstanding partnership with the launch of a new apprenticeship program. This innovative six-month, earn-while-you-learn program is designed to prepare students for careers as certified Ophthalmic Assistants — a critical but often understaffed role in the eye care industry. 

In collaboration with Central Piedmont’s Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) program, the new apprenticeship offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs, and immersive clinical experience at CEENTA locations across the region. Participants will receive paid clinical training while gaining practical experience in specialties such as general ophthalmology, retina, cornea, glaucoma, pediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, and oculoplastics. 

A three-phase pathway to certification and employment 

The program includes three phases: 

• Starting Aug. 18, students will begin their journey at the college’s Central Campus, learning medical terminology, ophthalmic science, and clinical techniques in a 15,000 sq. ft. simulation center under the instruction of nationally accredited faculty.  
• As the program progresses, participants will split their time between OMP coursework and real-world experience in CEENTA clinics.  
• The final phase features full clinical immersion and side-by-side training with CEENTA’s physicians and technicians. 

Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam and will receive a guaranteed job offer at CEENTA upon successful completion. In return, participants commit to a two-year employment agreement as full-time ophthalmic assistants. 

“This partnership represents a powerful step forward in addressing the growing demand for skilled eye care professionals,” said Kathleen Rodgers, Central Piedmont’s department chair of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel. “By combining CEENTA’s clinical excellence with Central Piedmont’s educational leadership, we’re creating a sustainable pipeline of eye care workers who are ready to make an immediate impact in patient care. It’s a win for students, a win for our community, and a win for the future of healthcare.” 

A community-centered solution to a workforce shortage

Since 2013, CEENTA has been a proud clinical partner of the college’s Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program, hiring graduates from the program’s earliest cohorts. The new apprenticeship directly addresses the region’s growing need for qualified eye care professionals. For the first time, CEENTA will sponsor tuition, fees, and books for selected apprentices, eliminating financial barriers for those eager to enter the field. 

CEENTA has also partnered with Central Piedmont since 2017 on the Angie Madigan Ophthalmic Medical Assisting (OMA) Scholarship, which is available to students enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in the ophthalmic medical personnel program. 

“We’re pleased to work with Central Piedmont as we transition our long-standing Ophthalmic Assistant training program into a new collaborative model,” said Judy Moore, CEENTA’s Chief Operating Officer. “This partnership allows CEENTA to provide hands-on clinical experience while Central Piedmont leads classroom instruction, combining education and real-world training to invest in the future of healthcare and the communities they serve. Together, we’re opening a path for individuals to develop practical skills and launch meaningful careers in eye care — supporting CEENTA’s doctors in delivering the highest quality care to patients across the region.” 

How to apply

Ideal candidates include recent high school or college graduates, career changers, or anyone interested in a fast, affordable entry into healthcare. Applications are open now, with a deadline of June 23. 

• Rising CMS seniors can take 14 credit hours of automotive classes 
• Funding provided by Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Faison Enterprises, and The Merancas Foundation, in partnership with the Charlotte ToolBank 
• Program offers weekly financial supplement, free toolkit, and more 

This summer, Central Piedmont Community College will launch “Accelerate to Success,” a new program that gives 25 rising seniors from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools the chance to take advanced automotive classes and earn a 14-credit College & Career Promise Certification, fast-tracking them toward a career in the automotive industry. 

The program is made possible with funding from Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Faison Enterprises, and The Merancas Foundation. The classes will take place at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology, located at Central Piedmont’s Levine Campus in Matthews.  

In addition to covering the cost of the courses, the funding will provide students with a daily lunch, a weekly financial supplement, and transportation coverage. Central Piedmont is partnering with the Charlotte ToolBank to equip each graduate of this program with a professional automotive toolkit, empowering them to confidently transition from classroom to career with the tools they need to succeed. 

“We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for making this program possible,” said Christopher Facente, Central Piedmont’s dean of skilled trades and transportation. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that gives high school students a real head start in the automotive industry through college-level coursework and hands-on experience. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation in education and our belief in the potential of every student." 

The program runs Mondays-Thursdays from June 16-July 31, and classes offered include Intro to Transportation, PC Skills for Transportation, Basic Electrical Systems, and Climate Control Systems. 

About Central Piedmont 

Central Piedmont Community College is highly accessible and convenient to people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural environment of Mecklenburg County. Central Piedmont is also a smart investment. At a fraction of the cost, students learn by doing, receiving a combination of technical and soft skills training from quality faculty who prepare them to enter the workforce and make a difference in their family, business, community, and world. Founded in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College has eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering nearly 300-degree, diploma, and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. For more information, visit cpcc.edu, or connect with the college on social media at cpcc.edu/social. 

About Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation 

Established in 2023 by Margaret and Smoky Bissell, the Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation's mission is to invest in innovative ideas and bold leadership to drive positive outcomes in Health, Human Services, and Education across the greater Charlotte region.  

BBLF is self-directed and has elected to deeply invest in organizations that will contribute to Charlotte's success. 

About Faison Enterprises 

Faison Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1988 by Henry J. Faison.  His vision was to create a firm that focused primarily on real estate investing, but above all to be a good corporate citizen. The firm’s mission is to honor the legacy of Mr. Faison by partnering with nonprofits on transformative initiatives. This program at Central Piedmont fulfills one of the firm’s objectives in promoting career and workforce readiness. For more information, please see www.faison.com 

About The Merancas Foundation 

The Merancas Foundation supports local nonprofits that provide opportunities to improve the lives of individuals and families experiencing economic hardship. 

About Charlotte ToolBank 

We are a nonprofit tool lending program that provides charitable organizations with year-round access to our inventory of tools for use in their volunteer projects, facility and grounds maintenance as well as special events. We provide tools to enhance the charitable sector’s capacity to serve, facilitating hands-on volunteerism in the greater Charlotte area. 

The Charlotte ToolBank maintains an 8,000 sq ft warehouse in South End and an inventory comprised of more than 358 different types of tools and special event equipment in volumes large enough to equip thousands of volunteers at a time. Access to ToolBank tools eliminates the need for agencies to incur the expense of purchasing, repairing and storing tools, reducing the costs associated with service projects and allowing these agencies to focus more of their resources on their mission. 

About Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) strives to create an innovative, inclusive, student-centered environment that supports the development of independent learners. CMS leads the community in educational excellence, inspiring intellectual curiosity, creativity and achievement so that all students reach their full potential (C-M Board of Education, 2018). 

CMS is the 16th-largest school district in the nation, providing academic instruction, rigor and support each school day for more than 141,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates 186 schools throughout Mecklenburg County from its central offices in Charlotte, N.C. CMS believes setting high standards for all students creates greater opportunity for their future success – in our communities, the region and across the globe. As a result, CMS students are prepared to be leaders in a technologically savvy and competitive world. 

• Duke Energy employees support Central Piedmont students in need of clothes for interviews and jobs
• Donations provide clothes for up to 200 students per month
• Central Piedmont is looking to expand this service to multiple campuses

Duke Energy employees made a major contribution to Central Piedmont Community College’s Professional Clothing Closet, donating thousands of items to support students as they prepare for the workforce.

The donation includes a wide array of professional attire, such as suits, dress shirts, shoes, dresses, blouses, belts, jewelry, and other accessories. This significant influx of clothing greatly expands the closet’s offerings and further empowers students as they enter job interviews and new careers.

“Supporting students with professional attire is about more than just clothes – it’s about confidence and opportunity,” said Amy Strecker, president of Duke Energy Foundation. “Every outfit donated is an investment in a student’s future, and we’re proud to partner with Central Piedmont to help empower the next generation of leaders to pursue their career goals.”

The Professional Clothing Closet, located on Central Campus in the Worrell Building, Room 1152, operates from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Tuesday. The initiative allows current students to select up to four complete outfits free of charge, helping them build a professional wardrobe and boost their confidence as they transition into the working world.

“The impact of helping students with clothes, especially those starting out in their careers, cannot be overstated,” said a student who recently benefited from the closet. “Professional, appropriate clothing is essential to making a good impression. Interview appropriate, quality clothing is expensive, so a student getting a suit, jacket, top, skirt, dress, and shoes for free may be the difference between getting an opportunity or losing one, which is a major barrier to cross after obtaining the degree.”

The clothing closet, which began in 2021, now serves up to 200 students per month. The college looks to expand its offerings to other campuses in the future.

In addition to the new associate degree program in Artificial Intelligence Technology, Central Piedmont offers two new continuing education courses this spring to support those pursuing certificates in AI. 

AI Foundations: From Curiosity to Career introduces the fundamentals of AI and explores how to use AI to improve productivity, communication, content creation, and more. Participants will learn to apply AI techniques to develop and execute real-world projects, showcasing creative and efficient problem-solving abilities. They will also learn about ethical considerations while exploring emerging trends. 

The course targets beginners curious about AI and its practical applications, professionals looking to integrate AI into their workflows, and students who want to explore AI as a career or personal interest.  

Develop in Swift: Fundamentals enables learners to join the dynamic world of Apple’s powerful programming language to create applications for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. This course is based on Apple's curriculum and is tailored for beginners and those with basic programming knowledge. 

This course is intended for aspiring app developers with no prior experience, individuals with basic programming knowledge seeking to expand into iOS app development, and professionals aiming to enhance their technical skills for career advancement in the tech industry.  

Please email continuing education’s customer service or call 704-330-4223 for questions. 

Central Piedmont’s Health Sciences received a grant to launch a new Radiography associate in applied science degree and a Limited X-Ray Machine Operator diploma program.

The funding is part of a North Carolina Community College System initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce pipeline. The funds, appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly, are helping to launch new programs and expand existing ones in high-demand nursing and health-related fields.  

"This essential start-up funding will help Central Piedmont play an important role in addressing the need for imaging services across the state and our local area,” said Dr. Lisa Moran, Dean of Health Sciences.

Start-up funds will be used to develop courses, hire a program director and full-time instructor, and purchase necessary equipment. Central Piedmont will work with local partners including Novant Health-Presbyterian Medical Center to satisfy the clinical requirements of the program, with the program’s first cohort launching in fall 2025. 

Current radiologic technologists will be eligible to pursue stackable credentials in CT, MRI, and Mammography, beginning in fall 2025. The Limited X-Ray diploma, beginning in 2026, will also be an offering for Central Piedmont students that may be interested in a career in limited scope Radiologic Technology.

Central Piedmont’s Honors Program knows that technology is not just for tech majors, but is a transferable skill valued in a number of industries. Technology use is increasing and the need to understand its convenience, application, and efficiency must be a priority.

Research says that technology can support learning, collaboration, effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, digital citizenship, innovation, and proficiency.

Because of this, the honors program has expanded its current foundations to include technology literacy. Under this foundation, Truist Honors Scholars will expand their knowledge and use of technology for academic, professional, and practical purposes to create, curate, collaborate, and communicate in an effective, safe, and responsible manner.

Dr. Deninne Pritchett, the faculty director of the honors program, says that with the technology use increase, the honors program must respond to stay ahead of the ever-changing needs of scholars, the workforce, and higher education. A hallmark of Central Piedmont’s Honors Program is it is designed to evolve and adapt to Truist Honors Scholars’ interests and the goals of higher education, while also preparing scholars for the workforce.

Scholars will continue to have opportunities aligned with the existing foundations that emphasize hands-on learning, research, scholarship and innovation, local and global engagement, and leadership development. Adding technology literacy as a foundation is an obvious step forward preparing scholars for beyond what’s next.

Central Piedmont Community College is pleased to announce the launch of a new Registered Apprenticeship program in collaboration with Hendrick Automotive Group. Starting in Fall 2024, three apprentices begin an associate degree in Automotive Technology, combining academic coursework with hands-on experience at Hendrick Automotive dealerships. 

The apprentices will take classes at Central Piedmont's Levine Campus, fulfilling the educational requirements for their degree while gaining practical, industry-relevant experience at Hendrick dealerships across the region. Central Piedmont will serve as the official educational partner, providing the essential classroom instruction that complements the on-the-job training. 

This partnership exemplifies Hendrick Automotive's commitment to workforce development and nurturing the next generation of skilled automotive professionals. The Registered Apprenticeship program offers students the chance to "earn while they learn," equipping them with both the academic foundation and the real-world expertise needed for long-term success in the automotive industry. 

"We are excited to welcome our first group of apprentices and partner with Hendrick Automotive to help build the future workforce of the automotive industry," said Ed Injaychock, Director of Workplace Learning at Central Piedmont. "Our program provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue a career while obtaining their degree and developing the skills they need to succeed." 

For more information about the program, contact the Workplace Learning department.