By: Alberto Cardoso, WCTI-TV (ABC)

Carteret Community College has joined NC Reconnect, a statewide initiative to engage more adult learners and provide them with fast and flexible education and job training programs, many cases of which are tuition-free.

A collaborative effort by the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and the Belk Center for Community College Leadership, NC Reconnect works to address the state’s workforce needs, while also improving future economic opportunities and the quality of life for more adults, families, and communities across the state.

Participating in the NC Reconnect initiative allows Carteret Community College to live out its vision of being an excellent resource for workforce development and quality of life,” said Carteret Community College President Dr. Tracy Mancini. “Through this effort, we’re offering adults the chance to return, re-skill, and thrive in today’s workforce. By reconnecting with those who’ve stepped away from education, we’re fulfilling our commitment to lifelong enrichment and providing pathways to better careers and a stronger community.

A release from Carteret Community College says the following:

Based on the results from the first twenty community colleges involved in the effort, NC Reconnect has proven to be a catalyst for positive change in the state, with 2,817 additional adult learners enrolled in North Carolina community colleges from the initiative in just the past four years. This year, the potential is even greater with the state’s new Next NC Scholarship.

Next NC is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any of the state’s community colleges.

Supported by an upcoming Better Skills, Better Jobs campaign, the effort will include direct outreach and support to reconnect with adults in the area who previously earned some college credits, but left without completing a degree or certification; special events and presentations on campus and in the community to showcase the college’s many programs and opportunities; and a robust digital marketing and advertising campaign designed to reach and connect with more adult learners. “The John M. Belk Endowment is pleased to partner with Carteret Community College and so many other outstanding community college leaders across our state to catalyze and supercharge their efforts to recruit and support adult students,” said MC Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment.

“We know that many North Carolinians are looking for new challenges or a fresh start, and we believe our community colleges are a great place for their journey to begin. Our goal is for all residents of our state to have access to an education that will lead to skills, credentials, and degrees, and ultimately the opportunities they need to achieve their dreams and to help meet the workforce needs across our state.”

For more information about Carteret Community College, please visit www.carteret.edu.

For more information about NC Reconnect, please visit: www.ncreconnect.com/

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