In an effort to bolster workforce development and align education with the demands of the modern economy, North Carolina's community college system plans to roll out an initiative aimed at fostering stronger partnerships with businesses and providing targeted support for high-demand, high-wage career sectors

Propel NC represents a departure from traditional funding models by prioritizing sectors crucial to the state's economic growth, according to NC Community College System President Jeff Cox and Chairman Tom Looney. Under this new framework, colleges will receive increased funding for programs in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and public safety. 

According to Cox, with about 75% of employers concerned about their talent pipeline, double the rate of concern of 10 years ago, both the state and the community college system are motivated to increase the pipeline to meet workforce demand. By reallocating resources to high-demand sectors, colleges can better address the skills gap and meet the evolving needs of employers.

“North Carolina was recognized as the number one state for business two years in a row, and a big part of that is having a prepared workforce,” Cox said. "We recognize the urgent need to align our educational offerings with the evolving demands of the labor market and incentivize college programs in key sectors. Propel NC is our proactive response to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and credentials necessary to thrive in today's workforce.”

One of the key features of Propel NC is its focus on collaboration and partnership between colleges and businesses. Recognizing the role of industry input in shaping curriculum and training programs, the initiative aims to forge deeper connections with employers to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills employers need.

"We're witnessing a paradigm shift in the way businesses engage with our colleges," Looney said. "Employers are increasingly taking ownership of student success by actively participating in curriculum development by offering internships, partnering in creating customized training programs, and providing mentorship opportunities.”

Propel NC has garnered widespread support from business leaders, chambers of commerce, and industry stakeholders across the state, though final approval has not been acquired. With a price tag nearing $100 million, the initiative will be presented to the North Carolina General Assembly during their spring session.

“We need to meet the needs of the students and the demands we have in front of us, not the ones we had a year ago,” Looney said. “It’s imperative we remain flexible. The last tier structure update was in 2011 and the base-funding model hasn’t been updated since 1980. We’ve got to determine the needs of students and the labor market, and simplify that structure.”

While the new funding structure is pending, existing partnerships and initiatives are already in place. Advance NC is a collaboration of several community colleges, workforce development boards, and other partners. Cooperative innovative schools help fast-track students toward certifications and associate degrees, customized training is in place for a variety of manufacturing companies across the state, and the Next NC Scholarship can cover tuition, fees, housing, and supplies for eligible students to enroll in a variety of college programs.

“There are lots of great programs currently available to support our growing talent pipeline,” Looney said. “What we’re trying to do now is take it to a whole new level to really execute this mission at the speed of business.”