News and Features

Central Piedmont Community College is excited to announce that its Continuing Education Information Technology (IT) program is now more affordable than ever. This makes it easier for individuals to gain the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly growing field of computer and information technology. This initiative underscores Central Piedmont's commitment to providing accessible education that directly contributes to the economic vitality of the Charlotte area. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2022 and 2032, with approximately 377,500 job openings each year due to growth and the need to replace workers who leave these occupations permanently. The median annual wage for these roles was $104,420 in May 2023, significantly higher than for all occupations, which stood at $48,060. Central Piedmont's affordable IT courses are designed to help local residents access these high-paying opportunities, thereby boosting the local economy. 

Key Highlights of Central Piedmont's IT Training Program: 

• Affordable Pricing: Central Piedmont's commitment to education for all is reflected in its reduced pricing, ensuring that individuals from all economic backgrounds can gain valuable IT skills. 

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a wide range of IT courses, covering everything from basic computer skills to advanced networking and cybersecurity, accommodating beginners and experienced professionals. 

• Expert Instructors: Classes are led by industry professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom, preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed by today's employers. 

• Flexible Learning Options: The program offers a hybrid model of in-person classes, live online instruction, and self-paced training, making it convenient for students to fit learning into their busy lives. 

Central Piedmont makes IT education more affordable, empowering individuals with the skills needed to enter or advance in a lucrative and rapidly growing industry. It also provides local businesses with a pool of skilled professionals ready to drive innovation and productivity. This effort is crucial to fostering sustainable economic growth and ensuring that Charlotte remains competitive in the digital age. 

For more information on the Continuing Education Information Technology program, visit the Central Piedmont website or contact the Information Technology Continuing Education department at 704-330-4223.

Central Piedmont Community College received a $1 million Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation to grow its skilled trades certifications, expand the college’s reach in Mecklenburg County, and undertake renovations on the Harper Campus.

Central Piedmont is one of just 11 community colleges in the nation to receive a grant this year, which will increase the number of educational opportunities for students seeking construction-related certifications.

Infrastructure support also includes renovating lab space and bringing mobile learning cottages to other campuses and into the community. The mobile learning cottages will remove transportation barriers and bring new training opportunities in construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing training throughout Charlotte.

The Lowe’s Foundation has made a $50 million commitment over the next five years to prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges and community-based nonprofits. The new strategic focus addresses one of the most critical worker shortages currently facing the U.S. economy.

“Construction and the skilled trades have been part of Central Piedmont’s program offerings since the college opened its doors almost 61 years ago. Our students learn quickly that these are versatile, high-demand careers with endless opportunities for growth and advancement,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “We are so appreciative of this generous grant from the Lowe’s Foundation. Central Piedmont places a high priority on producing skilled trades professionals who can hit the ground running.  We thank the Lowe’s Foundation for partnering with us to help meet a critical need in the Charlotte region.”

Central Piedmont offers students the opportunity to learn and train for a number of construction and skilled trade careers, including:

• Air conditioning, heating and refrigeration 
• Construction and construction management
• Electrical systems
• Non-destructive examination
• Sustainability technologies
• Utilities and clean energy, and 
• Welding

Students in construction and the skilled trades at Central Piedmont can pursue a degree, diploma or certificate – and some of the shorter-term, accelerated-career-training programs are offered at no cost to the student.

Visit our website for more information about Central Piedmont’s skilled trades programs.

Central Piedmont Community College will participate in the Metallica Scholars Initiative for the sixth consecutive year and receive $5,000 in funding to support its career and technical education programs.

Since its inception in 2018, the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), funded by Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH) in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), has significantly improved the earning potential of students who become Metallica Scholars.

Central Piedmont is committed to using the generous grant funds to provide direct support for students enrolled in healthcare career programs. These funds will assist students who need financial assistance to complete their studies and become licensed healthcare professionals, ensuring they have the necessary funding to pay for their licensure/certification exams and quickly enter the workforce fully licensed/certified.

The MSI workforce initiative marks its sixth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula. MSI now directly supports 60 colleges across all 50 United States and the territory of Guam.  By the end of year six, MSI will have helped more than 8,000 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.

"I am happy to congratulate the newest Metallica Scholarship Initiative colleges. The All Within My Hands Foundation's sustained investment in workforce education has benefitted thousands of community college students," said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. "This work helps to advance skills education and the nation's workforce pipeline. We are honored to continue this partnership to provide critical resources that eliminate barriers for students to participate in skills education programs that lead to family-sustaining wage careers."

Central Piedmont recently hosted its first “Chat, Sip, and Chew” event to bring Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) to campus that specialize in culinary and food services to meet with faculty and staff. 

Twenty-four vendors shared their backgrounds and showcased how Central Piedmont could partner with their businesses. 

One of those vendors, Jorieka Downey, graduated from the college in 2014 and overcame many hurdles to grow her business, G.R.I.T.S. CLT, into one of the top food trucks and caterers in Charlotte. 

Growing up in a family full of chefs, the culinary program at Central Piedmont drew Downey in, and the single mom of three embraced the challenge.  

“I was working two jobs and going to school full-time,” she said. “I would go to work third shift at a group home, staying up most of the night, and trying to do homework when the residents were asleep. I would then catch a little nap, drive to Central Piedmont, and go to classes for eight hours. Then I’d go home to try to spend some time with my kids before starting it all over again. It was a battle during those couple of years to be a mom.” 

After she graduated, Downey set out on a five-year plan to own and operate her own food truck. She started her career working for Compass Group in a variety of roles, including lead entrée chef, and during her time there became connected with a woman who would eventually become a business partner. 

That partnership helped pave the way for Downey to start her own business, which began as a caterer. She built her popularity at events such as the 2019 NBA All Star Game in Charlotte and the CIAA Basketball Tournament. 

“Word just traveled,” Downey said. “Our social media presence started to grow. We went viral with a stuffed turkey leg, and I know for certain I was the first to bring that to Charlotte. We had over 30,000 views. We’d put mac and cheese, collard greens, or yams in it. We would deep fry it southern style. That really made us grow.” 

Soon, Downey was even catering for concerts with acts such as Busta Rhymes, 112, Marsha Ambrosius, and more as her popularity spread. 

However, like many others in the food industry, COVID played an impact on the growth of her business. But Downey used the rest of her savings, along with loans and grants during that period, to achieve her dream of purchasing her own food truck, and success soon followed. 

In 2022, Downey won the “Charlotte's Best Black-owned Food Truck” competition, sponsored by Duke’s Mayo and judged by the likes of Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Congresswoman Alma Adams, and others. 

Though the food truck was recently damaged in a fire, Downey has continued to persevere, and encourages Central Piedmont’s students to maintain that same attitude. 

“Stay in it,” she said. “If it’s your goal or passion, you have to give it your all. Put your best foot in and never give up.” 

Bachelor's degree graduates who want to teach part-time in North Carolina high schools now have an avenue through Central Piedmont.

Central Piedmont’s High School Adjunct Instructor certificate program provides a course of study leading to the development of the general pedagogy and competencies needed to become an adjunct instructor in a public high school in North Carolina. 

Coursework includes classroom management and pedagogy, effective instructional methods, foundations of education, educational technology, and other related topics. Potential candidates should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and apply through the College for North Carolina website.

For more information about Central Piedmont’s K-12 teacher preparation programs, contact Jennifer Perkins, program chair, K-12 education.  

"As a provider of K-12 teacher preparation programs, Central Piedmont can impact the current teaching shortage in the Charlotte region and across North Carolina," Perkins said. "The high school adjunct instructor certificate program is a direct path to prepare those interested in teaching part-time by providing the coursework and support to be successful in a high school classroom."

Thanks to a grant from Faison Enterprises, Inc., 70 Central Piedmont Community College students in the Construction Management, Electrical Systems Technology, and Welding programs received a tool set valued at nearly $500 to help jump-start their careers.

Tools included safety glasses, helmets, multimeters, measuring tapes, backpacks, and more. Central Piedmont instructors selected the tools to best work for the students as they begin their careers. 

In addition to the tool sets, the students also received a $750 cash supplement to use however they need as they embark on the next step in their academic and career journey. 

“This is an amazing gift,” said Colton Droke, an electrical systems technology student. “I didn’t have the money to afford something like this, and this a great opportunity. I’ve been using my grandfather’s toolbox, which is more like a tackle box, and a variety of hand-me-down tools. I’ll use this every day.” 

“This will help me immediately,” added Farris Robertson, a dual enrollment student studying carpentry. “I’m very grateful because I would have had to purchase this out of my own pocket, and now I can use that money elsewhere.” 

“Faison is very excited to partner with Central Piedmont and launch this pilot program,” said Kris Fetter, President and CEO of Faison. “Central Piedmont is such an important institution serving the Charlotte community. We want these students to receive the best education in these fields of study so they can enter the workforce and have a productive, meaningful career.”

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. The pilot program at Central Piedmont fulfills one of the firm’s objectives in promoting career/workforce readiness. For more information, please see www.faison.com.

CHARLOTTE, NC – Central Piedmont Community College has received a $1 million gift from Coca-Cola Consolidated to support U.S. military veterans and first responder scholarships, provide program support, and assist with other critical needs at the college.

Central Piedmont provides its military veteran students a range of services in a purposeful and caring way aimed at helping them transition from military service to civilian success in the classroom and the community while accessing all available veterans benefits. The college’s first responder or public safety programs include Basic Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medicine, Fire Protection, and Public Safety Administration.

Headquartered in Charlotte, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States, serving consumers, customers and communities for more than 122 years. The company makes, sells and distributes beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia to approximately 60 million consumers. Coca-Cola Consolidated was named the “World’s Most Admired Company” by Fortune and “America’s Most Successful Midsize Company” by Forbes in 2024.

“We are honored to partner with Central Piedmont to support U.S. military veterans and first responders in this way,” said Morgan Everett, Vice Chair, Coca-Cola Consolidated. “Our purpose to serve others includes extending a pathway to opportunity, and we hope this gift will provide critical job-readiness skills to our community members as they enter the workforce.”

Recognizing the growing need for public safety professionals in Mecklenburg County, Central Piedmont launched a new associate degree program in Public Safety Administration in August 2023. The two-year program offers students multiple tracks to tailor their experience toward their desired career or current field of expertise. The program tracks include security and loss prevention, emergency and fire management, law enforcement, and corrections.

“Central Piedmont thanks Coca-Cola Consolidated for its generous gift in support of our military veteran and first responder students,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “This gift will ease the financial burdens of deserving students who have chosen to serve their country and protect our community. Coca-Cola Consolidated’s support will have a significant and positive impact for generations to come.”

The Coca-Cola Consolidated gift is the latest initiative in a multi-year partnership between the company and the college. Coca-Cola Consolidated and Central Piedmont also have collaborated to develop a unique workplace learning program. The Coca-Cola Consolidated Apprenticeship Program is a hands-on learning opportunity that provides paid apprenticeships to stimulate interest in high-demand positions in the manufacturing, equipment repair, and logistics sectors at Coke Consolidated's facilities in the Charlotte area. Through the program, apprentices work approximately 20 hours weekly while completing three to four college courses each semester. Apprentices transition to full-time positions upon successful completion of the program.

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 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.

About Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Our Purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence and to grow profitably. For over 122 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities we serve and are passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “COKE.” More information about the Company is available online. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Central Piedmont Community College will open a new associate-degree program in artificial intelligence (AI) in August, starting the fall semester of 2024. It is only the second North Carolina community college to offer such a program.

Central Piedmont’s artificial intelligence program will equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the rapidly growing field of AI. The curriculum will cover machine learning, chatbots and generative AI, chatbot programming, artificial intelligence programming, system analysis and design, and AI applications in various industries. Given the ever-changing technology landscape of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, the degree will provide a platform for students to embark on fulfilling careers in AI.

Central Piedmont will welcome as many as 50 students to the program this fall. The two-year program will be able to accommodate additional classes of up to 50 students starting each term. Students who complete the program will be qualified for entry-level positions in AI, including AI engineer, AI project manager, AI researcher, AI architect, and machine learning specialist in numerous industries, such as banking and finance, engineering, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and many others.

For more information about Central Piedmont’s new AI degree program, email Joe Little, associate dean of technology, or call 704-330-6513. 

Agreement will help Central Piedmont students take direct transfer path to Lees-McRae

Leaders of Central Piedmont Community College and Lees-McRae College signed an agreement today to establish a Guaranteed Admission Program, providing Central Piedmont students a new transfer pathway to a bachelor’s degree.

The Lees-McRae Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) will automatically admit Central Piedmont students who have earned an Associate of Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science or Associate in Fine Arts degree and meet specific grade-point-average requirements. Students in the program also will be eligible to receive merit scholarships up to 50 percent of Lees-McRae’s annual tuition.

Dr. Lee King, Lees-McRae College president; Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont; and other leaders from both institutions signed the agreement during a morning ceremony at Central Piedmont’s Central Campus, in Charlotte. The Lees-McRae Guaranteed Admission Program with Central Piedmont will open to students in August with the start of the fall 2024 semester.

“This agreement provides an incredible opportunity for more students to receive a Lees-McRae education,” King said. “We’re grateful for this partnership with Central Piedmont and for the great work they do as educators.”

Leaders from both institutions agree that transfer pathway agreements like the Guaranteed Admission Program are important in North Carolina’s efforts to increase the number of residents with a high-quality credential or post-secondary degree. The myFutureNC initiative has set a goal of two-million more North Carolinians with a credential or degree by 2030 to support the state’s economy.

“The Lees-McRae Guaranteed Admission Program is a wonderful opportunity for Central Piedmont students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree and beyond,” Deitemeyer said. “The Lees-McRae campus in Banner Elk and the college’s superb faculty and staff offer a unique environment for Central Piedmont graduates to grow and flourish. I am eager to see and hear about the great experiences and success our students will have at Lees-McRae.”

Central Piedmont Community College is rolling out a new initiative to bring more adults who may have not completed a degree or job training program back to the classroom through a new Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign. 

Over the next few months, Central Piedmont will proactively share job training programs and college information with adults across Mecklenburg County to prepare them for the growing number of job openings. Interested adults are encouraged to visit Central Piedmont’s Better Skills Better Jobs website to learn more and to sign up to connect directly with the college. 

From public safety to nursing and health care, to business administration and welding, to information technology and advanced manufacturing, and many more, completing courses at Central Piedmont offers a direct pipeline to many of the region’s top employers.

“We are working hard every day to ensure Central Piedmont meets the needs of our community,” said Dr. Kandi W. Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont Community College. “This new 'Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future.' campaign will help us advance our mission by reaching out to adult learners. We want more adults to acquire the skills, credentials, and degrees they need for a better job, a bigger paycheck, and a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

Despite North Carolina’s booming economy, less than half of North Carolinians between the ages of 25-44 have the education and training needed to fill current and future job openings. Meanwhile, employers across Mecklenburg County are desperately seeking skilled talent to fill vacancies. 

The Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign includes direct outreach to adults who previously earned some college credits, but left without a degree or certification; special community events and earned media promotions; paid digital marketing and advertising, and customized materials designed to quickly help more adult learners reconnect and re-enroll.  

The vast majority of higher-wage jobs today require more than a high school diploma, which is why Central Piedmont, the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and several other state and local partners are working together to support this special outreach campaign to attract more adult learners back to college.

“Many in our state are looking for new challenges or a fresh start, and our community colleges are a great place to begin their journey,” said M.C. Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment. “Our goal is for all North Carolinians to have access to an education that will lead to skills, credentials, and degrees, and ultimately the opportunities to achieve their dreams and to help meet the workforce needs across our state.”

Visit the Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. website for more information.