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Central Piedmont, PSA Airlines launch partnership to strengthen aviation workforce pipeline
- Establishes scholarship fund and program fund to expand opportunities for students
- Boosts workforce readiness for one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College and PSA Airlines today announced a new partnership to prepare more students for high‑demand, high‑wage careers in the aviation sector in the Charlotte region and beyond.
Nationally and regionally, the aviation industry faces rising demand for pilots, aviation maintenance technicians, drone operators, air traffic control specialists, and other skilled roles. As an American Airlines hub serving 13 other carriers and home to one of the world’s busiest airports, Mecklenburg County is uniquely positioned to develop the skilled talent needed to fuel the region’s growing aviation sector.
With support from PSA Airlines, Central Piedmont is expanding its investment in modern equipment and curriculum that will strengthen the pipeline of trained aviation professionals to sustain regional employers. Through the collaboration, Central Piedmont students will gain access to internships and PSA facilities to support hands‑on learning. PSA will also provide technical expertise and professional development opportunities for college faculty.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening the aviation workforce in one of the fastest growing regions in the country,” said Christine Hollanshead, Vice President of People of PSA Airlines. “We’re excited to help develop the next generation of aviation professionals by expanding access to hands-on training, modern equipment and scholarship support.”
Through this new partnership, PSA Airlines will establish the PSA Airlines Scholarship Fund to support students pursuing aviation‑related fields, as well as the PSA Airlines Program Fund, which will provide resources to strengthen academic programs at the college. These funds will complement the airline’s broader efforts to enhance and expand Central Piedmont’s aviation programs.
“PSA’s investment in student success is clear, and we’re proud to partner with them to develop talent for one of our region’s most essential and fastest‑growing industries,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Together, we are creating new opportunities for our students while strengthening the aviation workforce that keeps our community moving.”
Central Piedmont currently offers a range of industry-recognized aviation training opportunities, including a Private Pilot Ground School and drone instruction, with additional coursework in development. Collaboration with PSA Airlines is an important part of the college’s strategy to further invest in the future of aviation education. The college is also pursuing resources to establish a comprehensive aviation maintenance program aligned with regional workforce and economic development needs.
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Janet LaBar appointed to Central Piedmont Board of Trustees
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College today announced the appointment of Janet LaBar to its Board of Trustees. The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners appointed LaBar to complete the term vacated by Jim Dunn. LaBar will serve two years, through June 2028.
LaBar is a longtime supporter of Central Piedmont and previously served on the Board of Trustees from 2021-24. During her tenure, she provided strategic guidance as the college navigated the post pandemic environment and strengthened its role as the region’s primary workforce development engine. She has consistently advocated for deeper connections between the college and the business community to ensure Charlotte-Mecklenburg employers have access to the skilled talent they need.
In addition to her board service, LaBar volunteered as a mentor in Central Piedmont’s Ruth G. Shaw Women’s Leadership Program from 2020-21, offering coaching and career guidance to students selected for the program.
LaBar serves as the executive director of the Women’s Impact Fund, a Charlotte-based nonprofit with more than 500 members. Under its collaborative giving model, the Fund has awarded more than $8.5 million in grants to more than 110 local nonprofit organizations.
“Janet LaBar brings decades of leadership experience, a deep understanding of our region’s workforce needs, and a clear passion for Central Piedmont’s mission,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “Her institutional knowledge and commitment to student success will strengthen our board as we continue advancing our strategic priorities.”
LaBar’s blend of regional business experience, philanthropic leadership, and community perspective will support Central Piedmont as it expands student resources, enhances workforce pathways, and deepens public-private partnerships across the Charlotte region.
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Central Piedmont doubles architectural technology program capacity
- New studio at Cato Campus allows program to serve 200 students
- Expansion delivers high-tech, flexible learning to more students across the region
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College expanded its growing architectural technology program to a second location at its Cato Campus, doubling capacity and increasing access for students across the Charlotte region. The expansion, made possible from the support of an anonymous donor, reflects growing student demand, the region’s construction and development boom, and the college’s deepening investment in hands-on, design-focused education.
“This expansion is about meeting students where they are and giving them the space and tools to imagine, collaborate, and build,” said Dr. Heather Hill, Central Piedmont’s provost. “We’re proud to provide a studio that mirrors real-world practice and makes architectural education more accessible in our community.”
With this second studio, the program can serve up to 200 students. The expansion complements ongoing partnerships in the area, including a 2+2 transfer agreement with UNC Charlotte’s David R. Ravin School of Architecture. This agreement launched in 2022 and gives qualified students a direct pathway to complete a four-year pre-professional architecture degree – students spend two years with Central Piedmont and then two years at the four-year institution.
The new Cato studio, converted from a former law library, features:
- an open layout with mobile furniture
- abundant natural light
- high-tech fabrication tools, including 3D printers, plotters, and laser cutters
These tools complement the program’s emphasis on industry-standard production workflows, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and computer‑aided drafting (CAD).
Students in the program also learn industry‑relevant software such as SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Revit, ensuring they graduate with real-world technical proficiency.
Beyond the classroom, both locations offer students opportunities to engage with professionals and other students from both UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont's architecture programs in work sessions and critiques. These experiences help develop soft skills like communication, collaboration, preparation, and critical thinking. Students can network and establish a strong relationship with the existing architectural community in Charlotte.
Students also benefit from opportunities to join the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), where they can build leadership skills, engage in service projects, and strengthen their design portfolios. The program is also affiliated with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) and the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP), giving students access to conferences, design competitions, and professional networking across the field.
“With the new studio opening at the Cato Campus, it’s made attending and commuting to classes much easier,” said Sofia Villaneuva, a first-year student who lives in Iredell County. “My education is much more accessible and convenient than it was before.”
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Central Piedmont to resume normal operations Feb. 4
Central Piedmont will resume normal operations on Wednesday, Feb. 4. All campuses will reopen for in-person classes and events.
Those on campus for in-person classes and events on Wednesday are encouraged to take care as some walkways may still be hazardous. Students, employees, and visitors should pay attention to signage and avoid closed-off areas.
Students and employees can check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Community members can also follow our social media channels for any future college updates:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Feb. 3
Central Piedmont will continue reduced operations on Tuesday, Feb. 3. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
During reduced operations, current and prospective students can join virtual lines for many services through the QLess kiosk, including assistance with applications, financial aid, advising, and more.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide guidance for Wednesday, Feb. 4 by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Feb. 2
Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations on Monday, Feb. 2. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide guidance for Tuesday, Feb. 3 by 4 p.m. on Monday.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont celebrates impact of Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant on skilled trades
- Renovated facilities increase number of classes offered
- Mobile trailers allow for educational opportunities across Mecklenburg County
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Over 500 credentials awarded in relation to grant since 2024
CHARLOTTE, NC - Central Piedmont Community College showcased the transformative impact of the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new skilled trades facility on Jan. 15.
Thanks to the $1 million award that the college received in 2024, Central Piedmont renovated a previously vacant building to create the Levine Campus Learning Cottage, a facility housing construction, electrical, HVAC, and refrigeration labs. Beginning this semester, students will gain hands-on experience in these high-demand fields, preparing them for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
The grant also funded the upfit of a trailer as a mobile electrical lab, with another portable trailer soon to become a mobile construction lab. These mobile units will enable the college to deliver skilled trades education to every corner of Mecklenburg County, removing barriers to access and ensuring opportunity for all.
Additional improvements include the build-out of a construction yard, renovation of the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration lab at the Harper Campus, and investments in technology such as laptops and smartboards to enhance classroom instruction.
“This investment is more than a financial contribution — it’s a commitment to building futures, strengthening communities, and ensuring that skilled trades education is accessible to all,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Thanks to the Lowe’s Foundation and its partners, we are creating pathways to opportunity and shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Beyond facilities, the Gable Grant has strengthened community partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction (ROC), and other organizations committed to workforce development and student success.
Since 2024, Central Piedmont has awarded 525 certifications related to the grant, with more to come. Each certification represents a student ready to enter the workforce, support their family, and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
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Central Piedmont operations update for Jan. 31 – Feb. 1
Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations on Saturday, Jan. 31. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
The college will move to a full closure on Sunday, Feb. 1. All campuses and buildings will be closed, and all events and classes on these days will be canceled.
The college will continue to monitor the weather throughout the weekend and provide guidance for Monday, Feb. 2 by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Jan. 27-28
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations (Level 2) on Tuesday, Jan. 27. All classes will move to remote learning.
All campuses and buildings will be closed, and all in-person events will be canceled.
The college plans to resume normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary. Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont Community College adjusts operations Jan. 24-26 due to weather
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Due to the potential threat of winter weather, Central Piedmont Community College is adjusting operations from Jan. 24-26.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, all classes will take place remotely, and all events on campus are cancelled.
On Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26, all classes and events are canceled. All campuses and buildings will be closed on these days.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary. Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels: