News and Features

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:  

Central Piedmont Community College is proud to announce a new partnership with North Carolina State University and its Wolfpack Connect program which provides a guaranteed admissions pathway to NC State. 

Students in the program who earn an associate’s degree from a participating community college, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, and meet NC State’s transfer admission deadlines can enroll in more than 100 eligible NC State majors and concentrations. 

Central Piedmont is one of three inaugural partners, along with Wake Technical Community College and Forsyth Technical Community College. All 58 North Carolina community colleges have the opportunity to join the program through Oct. 17, 2025, after which they can join annually. 

“Central Piedmont is committed to opening doors that allow students to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Wolfpack Connect with NC State ensures a seamless transition for our graduates, reduces credit loss, and provides a clear path to a four-year degree. These collaborations are critical to student achievement and the long-term strength of our community.” 

“Wolfpack Connect represents a bold step forward in our commitment to expanding access to NC State for students across North Carolina,” said Don Hunt, NC State senior vice provost for enrollment management and services. “By providing guaranteed admission for those who meet the criteria, we are not only simplifying the transfer process – we’re making it possible for more students to see themselves thriving at NC State.” 

To qualify for Wolfpack Connect, students must have less than 30 transferable credits completed or in progress, be enrolled at or planning to enroll at Central Piedmont or one of the participating North Carolina community colleges, and plan to pursue one of NC State’s eligible majors. 

The program will begin accepting eligibility forms in late January 2026 for a fall 2026 start. Forms are due by June 1. 

In 2024-25, over 3,000 Central Piedmont students transferred to four-year institutions. This fall, NC State welcomed nearly 1,700 transfer students, with 54% coming from the state’s community college system. NC State officials see Wolfpack Connect as an opportunity to build on transfer student successes and increase access for students across the state.  

“This program has the potential to transform lives and uplift communities across our state,” said NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell. “It reflects the very heart of our land-grant mission to serve the people of North Carolina through education and opportunity. I’m thrilled to launch another pathway for students to pursue their goals and dreams.” 

Central Piedmont Community College has released its 2024–25 Annual Report, highlighting a year of record-setting enrollment, expanded student opportunities, and a deeper regional workforce impact. With over 33,000 students enrolled during the spring term, the largest in its history, the college continues to serve as the educational and economic engine.

“This wasn’t just a record-breaking year – it was a transformational one,” said Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi W. Deitemeyer. “We are meeting urgent workforce needs while giving thousands of students a pathway to a better future. This impact is only possible because of the trust, investment, and partnership of our community, and we look forward to how we will continue to create more opportunities for students in the year ahead.”

With research indicating more than 150 people are moving to the region per day, Central Piedmont continues to expand access and accelerate training in sectors vital to the region’s future. The college provided more than $4.2 million in scholarships to nearly 2,500 students, the most in a single year, removing barriers to higher education for thousands of individuals and families.

Why it matters

The region’s unprecedented population growth demands more from its educational and workforce institutions. Central Piedmont is meeting this challenge head-on, scaling programs, facilities, and student support to ensure upward mobility and talent readiness keep pace with the region’s economic expansion.

Students like Rachael, a former aerial artist now preparing for a career in fire protection; Tiffany, a mother working toward a degree in social work; and Eugene, an alum who returned to the college as an academic advisor to help new students find purpose and opportunity, reflect the diverse aspirations and real-world outcomes behind the numbers.

Expanding capacity to serve

To meet the region’s evolving workforce needs, the college launched a new associate's degree in artificial intelligence (AI) and expanded healthcare training through a $500,000 grant that enabled the development of new radiography and X-ray programs. The college also announced the Community Lifeline, a public safety training complex that will strengthen emergency response across the region.

“Central Piedmont belongs to this community -- it reflects its hopes, its determination, and its future,” Deitemeyer said. “Our students will go on to serve as the region’s nurses, coders, electricians, and entrepreneurs. Through education, we are changing lives and strengthening the economic vitality of the region.”

Additional highlights include:

• the opening of a student Campus Wellness Center
• record participation in the employee giving campaign up 23%
• $315,000 raised for U.S. military veterans and first responders through the college’s annual Sporting Clays Classic.

Access the full report.

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.

• Nearly 2,500 students received scholarships in 2024-2025 fiscal year 

• Scholarship portal now open for students to apply for aid in spring and summer 2026 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College shared today the college provided $4.2 million in scholarships to 2,451 students in fiscal year 2025, marking the first time in the college’s history that annual scholarship disbursements have crossed the $4 million milestone. 

The increase of over $1.2 million from the previous fiscal year underscores the college’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to education and empowering students across the region. On average, scholarship recipients received nearly $1,750 each, compared to just over $1,000 last year. 

“Behind every scholarship is a student striving for a better future and a donor who made it possible,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Crossing the $4 million mark in scholarships reflects the generosity and vision of our donors, and it means more students are gaining the education they need to transform their lives and contribute meaningfully to our community.” 

Generous donors to the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation have provided critical funding to support students through a broad array of scholarship programs. Last year, donor gifts allowed the college to establish new scholarships in areas directly aligned to workforce development needs, such as business, construction, early childhood education, and skilled trades. Donors also added funds to focused scholarships – Duke Energy expanded its scholarship for the line worker program and several donors enhanced scholarship support for U.S. military veteran students. 

Together, these programs, and many others funded by corporate, foundation, and individual donors, have enabled Central Piedmont students to pursue certificates, diplomas, or degrees with far less financial burden. 

A milestone for student opportunity 

Among the students who have benefited include Jae Taylor, who received the Merancas Technical Career Scholarship, which supports students in hands-on fields that lead directly to the workforce. Jae is an emergency medical sciences student who has the opportunity to train alongside Mecklenburg County first responders while pursuing a degree. 

Itala Flores, who graduated in the spring with an associate degree in fine arts, received the Levine Scholarship, the Kappy McClenaghan Scholarship, and the Board of Trustees Endowed Scholarship, while also being a member of the Truist Honors Program. 

“The budget has been a challenge, but Central Piedmont never let me go down,” Flores said. “Even at the last minute, Central Piedmont always helped me with a scholarship, and that was a blessing." 

Honoring Duke Energy’s expanded commitment  

Duke Energy has been a longstanding supporter of the college. In 2022, the Duke Energy Foundation provided a startup grant of $500,000 to the college’s utility line worker program and made an additional $48,000 grant in 2023 to continue its support of the program. Earlier in 2025, the company’s foundation provided a grant of $21,000 as part of the Duke Energy Vibrant Student Engineers program to support the purchase of five process control simulators at the college. 

That support carries forward as the Duke Energy Foundation increased its scholarship contributions for students in the line worker program by $25,000 in honor of former executive Julie Janson’s retirement in mid-2025. 

Janson selected to direct the funds to Central Piedmont as the charitable organization of her choice upon her retirement and noted the importance of investing in the future generation of line workers and energy professionals in the local community. 

Scholarship access and application process 

Central Piedmont’s scholarship portal opened Sept. 1 for students to apply for aid in the spring and summer 2026 terms. Scholarships are provided on a rolling basis and the college encourages students to apply as early as possible.  

Additional information about financial aid and scholarships is available on the Central Piedmont website. 

• Caldwell Rose and Khalif Rhodes reappointed, Pat Rodgers and Brad Muller newly appointed  
• Trustees elect new leaders to oversee Board

Central Piedmont Community College shared multiple updates regarding its Board of Trustees during today’s Trustee meeting.

Reappointment and new appointments

The North Carolina Senate appointed Patricia (Pat) Rodgers and Bradford (Brad) Muller to the Board. Rodgers' term will run for three years through June 2028; Muller’s term will run for four years through June 2029.

Rodgers is a trailblazer in the construction industry and the previous chief executive officer of Rodgers Builders, a nationally known contractor based in Charlotte. As a proud attendee of Central Piedmont, Rodgers has poured herself into the college community, serving as a previous chair of the Central Piedmont Foundation Board and vocal advocate for the college’s mission to serve as a steward in the community, maximize student success, and create workforce development pathways in the county. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to expanding public-private partnerships, serving on non-profit and community boards, investing in workforce development and economic mobility initiatives, and setting the standard for the construction industry’s civic leadership.

Muller is a marketing and communications strategist with more than 35 years of experience in public and corporate affairs, international and government relations, manufacturing and business marketing, crisis management, and media training. He spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., including stints with the U.S. State Department and Edelman Worldwide, the largest public relations and public affairs agency in the world. Currently, Muller leads corporate communications and government affairs for Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, a fifth-generation, family-owned manufacturer based in Charlotte. Founded in 1901, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is the leading U.S. producer of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings for plumbing systems. Muller earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Kenyon College in Ohio.

Additionally, Caldwell Rose has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees by the North Carolina House of Representatives. His reappointment extends his service for four years, through June 2029. Khalif Rhodes has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees by the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners. His reappointment extends his service for four years, through June 2029.

“I am delighted Brad and Pat have been appointed to the Central Piedmont Board of Trustees and Caldwell and Khalif will continue their service with their reappointments,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “As Trustees, these leaders will leverage their extensive experience across a wide range of industries to shape the future of the college and champion our ambitious strategic plan as we continue expanding the exceptional opportunities we offer to students across the region.”

New Board of Trustee leadership 

The Board of Trustees of Central Piedmont Community College has elected a new chair and vice chair during the July 9 Board meeting.

Caldwell Rose, president of NAI Southern Real Estate, will now serve as the chair, succeeding Jim Dunn. Lucia Zapata Griffith, chief executive officer and founding principal of METRO Landmarks Construction and METRO Landmarks Architecture, will serve as vice chair.

Rose has served as Central Piedmont trustee since 2015. He most recently served as vice chair and, prior to that, he was the chair of the Board’s finance, facilities, and audit committee for several years. Rose joined NAI Southern Real Estate in 1988 and has spent more than 29 years in the commercial real estate industry, specializing in all areas, including land assemblages, office and medical office sales and leasing, as well as investment sales and representation. Recognized by the Charlotte Commercial Board of Realtors as a top producer, Rose is also actively involved with the Charlotte community and with multiple charitable organizations. He is a graduate of St. Andrews College with a degree in business administration. He holds real estate brokerage licenses in both North and South Carolina.

“A lifelong learner myself, I believe deeply in the power of education in our communities,” said Rose. “Central Piedmont is creating opportunities for thousands of people living right here in Mecklenburg County – serving as a workforce engine, supporting economic mobility, and bolstering our community with highly trained graduates ready to enter the workforce or expand their skills. I feel privileged to serve as chair and look forward to supporting and promoting the institution’s strategic initiatives and mission.”

Zapata Griffith has served on the Board since 2022 and most recently served as the chair of the Board’s finance, facilities, and audit committee. She founded and has led Metro Landmarks Construction and Metro Landmarks Architecture since 1996. Prior to then, she was a partner and principal architect with AR&D. Zapata Griffith is an active community leader, with significant involvement in the arts, Latina-based mentoring organizations, as well as economic mobility and workforce development efforts. She is a registered architect in North Carolina and Peru, as well as a licensed real estate broker and licensed general contractor in North Carolina.

The chair and vice chair have one-year terms, with the potential for re-election for a second year.  

• 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.” 

Tickets are now available for The SpongeBob Musical, presented by the Parr Arts and Humanities Series.

Get ready to dive into the underwater world of Bikini Bottom, where SpongeBob SquarePants and his quirky crew face a looming disaster: the eruption of nearby volcano Mount Humungous. With only 48 hours to save the town, SpongeBob sets out to prove he's more than just a “simple sponge".

Performances will take place at the Dale F. Halton Theater on Central Campus:

• Thursday, July 24 at 11 a.m.
• Friday, July 25 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, July 27 at 3 p.m.

Central Piedmont students and employees may attend for free by presenting a valid college ID at the door.

Please note: The Halton Theater box office is now cashless. All ticket purchases must be made with a credit or debit card.

• Empowering Charlotte’s youth: Summer Theatre Academy offers teens hands-on training and personal growth through performance and backstage arts. 
• Building community through creativity: Program fosters confidence, collaboration, and connection among diverse students ages 15 and older. 
• Affordable access to the arts: For just $400, high school students gain four weeks of professional instruction, culminating in a full-stage musical production. 

Central Piedmont Community College is calling aspiring actors, dancers, singers, and behind-the-scenes creatives to the stage for its 2025 Summer Theatre Academy, a four-week immersive program designed to unlock talent and build confidence in students ages 15 and older.

Running June 30 through July 27, the academy culminates in a full-scale production of “SpongeBob the Musical” at the Halton Theater. Participation costs just $400 and is a high-quality performing arts opportunity for students across the region.

“This program offers more than just theater training,” said James Duke, drama instructor at Central Piedmont. “It builds confidence, fosters collaboration, and creates community. It’s about young people finding their voice and discovering what they’re capable of, whether on stage or off.”

Open to all levels of experience, the academy includes hands-on instruction in acting, choreography, puppetry, vocal technique, stage combat, lighting and sound design, and more. It serves as both a creative outlet and a bridge to personal development, particularly for students seeking community, mentorship, and new ways to express themselves.

Why it matters:

The Summer Theatre Academy reflects Central Piedmont’s broader mission to provide accessible, life-changing education. At a time when young people need connection, purpose, and safe spaces to grow, this program offers exactly that through the unifying power of the arts. 

Program benefits include: 

• Expert training in a supportive, inclusive environment 
• Development of transferable life skills: communication, collaboration, and creativity 
• Real-world production experience on a professional stage 
• Affordable access to enriching summer programming 

Enrollment is limited, and spots are filling fast. Register or learn more.

This summer, Charlotte’s next generation of storytellers will take center stage. Join us for a season of growth, creativity, and celebration. 

• 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.