By: The Robesonian

Robeson Community College is rolling out new efforts 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, Robeson Community College will be proactively sharing job training programs and college information with adults across the region to prepare them for the growing number of job openings. Interested adults are encouraged to visit Robeson Community College’s Better Skills, Better Jobs website to learn more and to sign up to connect directly with the college.

From health sciences programs such as nursing and surgical technology to high tech programs such as mechatronics, welding, electrical systems, and cybersecurity to programs like education and law enforcement, completing courses at Robeson Community College offers a direct pipeline to many of the region’s top employers.

“Our hope is that through this campaign, adult learners will realize their potential and know that education and training results in higher wage jobs and a brighter future that will allow the student to earn a living and provide for their families,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. “We’re focusing on the programs and pathways where graduates are in high demand. We hope this Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. campaign will help us attract the adult learners needed to fill those in-demand positions, and create greater opportunities all across our region.”

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 the region 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.

Particular attention will be paid to attracting more adult learners by working with key leaders at the Lumbee Tribe, the largest tribe of Native Americans east of the Mississippi.

“The Lumbee Tribe’s relationship with Robeson Community College is incredibly valuable,” said Lumbee Tribe Chairman John Lowery. “The college serves not only as a place for Lumbee students to further their education, but it helps prepare young leaders for the corporate side of our Tribe’s work as well. Just last year, Lumbee Holdings, Inc. gained three apprentices through a special partnership with Robeson.”

The vast majority of higher-wage jobs today require more than a high school diploma, which is why Robeson Community College, the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and several other state and local partners are working together to support this special outreach campaign to attract even 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.”

One way that RCC will be reaching out to adult learners is through offering extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, that will begin next week on April 16. The hours of operation on Tuesdays and Thursdays will be 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“We understand that adult learners need flexibility and that they cannot always come to our campus during regular business hours,” stated Dr. Johnny Smith, the chief academic officer. “This will be an opportunity for those juggling work, raising a family, and college, to visit Robeson Community College, meet with advisors, receive assistance on the application, complete financial aid, register for classes and more.”

Some of the services that will be available during extended hours include the creation of resumes and tips on how to improve one you may already have, assistance with the SAP appeal process, career assessments, FAFSA completion and assistance, an overview of services and resources available, ordering of transcripts, advising and course selection, and opportunities for parents to ask questions regarding the programs, funding and resources available at Robeson Community College.

“We want all students to know that we are here for them,” stated President Singler. “By increasing access through extended hours, we hope that more prospective students will be encouraged to stop by, visit, and see what Robeson Community College is all about.”

Read the article on Robesonian.com.