Central Piedmont Community College is pleased to announce the launch of a new Registered Apprenticeship program in collaboration with Hendrick Automotive Group. Starting in Fall 2024, three apprentices begin an associate degree in Automotive Technology, combining academic coursework with hands-on experience at Hendrick Automotive dealerships. 

The apprentices will take classes at Central Piedmont's Levine Campus, fulfilling the educational requirements for their degree while gaining practical, industry-relevant experience at Hendrick dealerships across the region. Central Piedmont will serve as the official educational partner, providing the essential classroom instruction that complements the on-the-job training. 

This partnership exemplifies Hendrick Automotive's commitment to workforce development and nurturing the next generation of skilled automotive professionals. The Registered Apprenticeship program offers students the chance to "earn while they learn," equipping them with both the academic foundation and the real-world expertise needed for long-term success in the automotive industry. 

"We are excited to welcome our first group of apprentices and partner with Hendrick Automotive to help build the future workforce of the automotive industry," said Ed Injaychock, Director of Workplace Learning at Central Piedmont. "Our program provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue a career while obtaining their degree and developing the skills they need to succeed." 

For more information about the program, contact the Workplace Learning department. 

Central Piedmont Community College is excited to announce that its Continuing Education Information Technology (IT) program is now more affordable than ever. This makes it easier for individuals to gain the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly growing field of computer and information technology. This initiative underscores Central Piedmont's commitment to providing accessible education that directly contributes to the economic vitality of the Charlotte area. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2022 and 2032, with approximately 377,500 job openings each year due to growth and the need to replace workers who leave these occupations permanently. The median annual wage for these roles was $104,420 in May 2023, significantly higher than for all occupations, which stood at $48,060. Central Piedmont's affordable IT courses are designed to help local residents access these high-paying opportunities, thereby boosting the local economy. 

Key Highlights of Central Piedmont's IT Training Program: 

• Affordable Pricing: Central Piedmont's commitment to education for all is reflected in its reduced pricing, ensuring that individuals from all economic backgrounds can gain valuable IT skills. 

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a wide range of IT courses, covering everything from basic computer skills to advanced networking and cybersecurity, accommodating beginners and experienced professionals. 

• Expert Instructors: Classes are led by industry professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom, preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed by today's employers. 

• Flexible Learning Options: The program offers a hybrid model of in-person classes, live online instruction, and self-paced training, making it convenient for students to fit learning into their busy lives. 

Central Piedmont makes IT education more affordable, empowering individuals with the skills needed to enter or advance in a lucrative and rapidly growing industry. It also provides local businesses with a pool of skilled professionals ready to drive innovation and productivity. This effort is crucial to fostering sustainable economic growth and ensuring that Charlotte remains competitive in the digital age. 

For more information on the Continuing Education Information Technology program, visit the Central Piedmont website or contact the Information Technology Continuing Education department at 704-330-4223.

U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 13 to open a new Campus Wellness Center on Central Piedmont Community College’s Central Campus.

The new Campus Wellness Center offers Central Piedmont students and employees a range of mental health services such as therapy dogs, yoga, counseling, and other resources designed to help individuals navigate the complexities of academic and personal life. The center’s staff will provide a confidential and empathetic space where students and employees can discuss their concerns, manage stress, and develop strategies for maintaining a strong and resilient mind.

Congresswoman Adams, who represents the NC 12th district and part of Mecklenburg County, helped the college secure a $575,000 congressionally directed award through the Health Resources and Services Administration to renovate and upfit space for the mental wellness center. Adams, Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, and others cut the ceremonial ribbon during a midday celebration and toured the new facility located at 1425 Elizabeth Ave., in Charlotte.

“Central Piedmont believes a strong community begins with fostering the well-being of every individual,” Deitemeyer said. “We recognize that a thriving community is built upon the foundation of both a strong mind and healthy body. We understand the challenges of academic life, combined with the demands of daily living, can impact individuals in profound ways. We envision the Campus Wellness Center as a central hub for our students and employees to access the resources needed to support their success academically, in the workplace, and in the community.”

Adams commended the college for prioritizing the mental well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.

“A person’s mental health is critically important to their ability to learn, work, and function successfully,” Adams said. “I am happy to see Central Piedmont pursue resources to care for its community.”

Central Piedmont will announce operating hours for the Campus Wellness Center soon.

Central Piedmont Community College received a $1 million Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation to grow its skilled trades certifications, expand the college’s reach in Mecklenburg County, and undertake renovations on the Harper Campus.

Central Piedmont is one of just 11 community colleges in the nation to receive a grant this year, which will increase the number of educational opportunities for students seeking construction-related certifications.

Infrastructure support also includes renovating lab space and bringing mobile learning cottages to other campuses and into the community. The mobile learning cottages will remove transportation barriers and bring new training opportunities in construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing training throughout Charlotte.

The Lowe’s Foundation has made a $50 million commitment over the next five years to prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges and community-based nonprofits. The new strategic focus addresses one of the most critical worker shortages currently facing the U.S. economy.

“Construction and the skilled trades have been part of Central Piedmont’s program offerings since the college opened its doors almost 61 years ago. Our students learn quickly that these are versatile, high-demand careers with endless opportunities for growth and advancement,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “We are so appreciative of this generous grant from the Lowe’s Foundation. Central Piedmont places a high priority on producing skilled trades professionals who can hit the ground running.  We thank the Lowe’s Foundation for partnering with us to help meet a critical need in the Charlotte region.”

Central Piedmont offers students the opportunity to learn and train for a number of construction and skilled trade careers, including:

• Air conditioning, heating and refrigeration 
• Construction and construction management
• Electrical systems
• Non-destructive examination
• Sustainability technologies
• Utilities and clean energy, and 
• Welding

Students in construction and the skilled trades at Central Piedmont can pursue a degree, diploma or certificate – and some of the shorter-term, accelerated-career-training programs are offered at no cost to the student.

Visit our website for more information about Central Piedmont’s skilled trades programs.

Central Piedmont Community College will participate in the Metallica Scholars Initiative for the sixth consecutive year and receive $5,000 in funding to support its career and technical education programs.

Since its inception in 2018, the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), funded by Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH) in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), has significantly improved the earning potential of students who become Metallica Scholars.

Central Piedmont is committed to using the generous grant funds to provide direct support for students enrolled in healthcare career programs. These funds will assist students who need financial assistance to complete their studies and become licensed healthcare professionals, ensuring they have the necessary funding to pay for their licensure/certification exams and quickly enter the workforce fully licensed/certified.

The MSI workforce initiative marks its sixth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula. MSI now directly supports 60 colleges across all 50 United States and the territory of Guam.  By the end of year six, MSI will have helped more than 8,000 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.

"I am happy to congratulate the newest Metallica Scholarship Initiative colleges. The All Within My Hands Foundation's sustained investment in workforce education has benefitted thousands of community college students," said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. "This work helps to advance skills education and the nation's workforce pipeline. We are honored to continue this partnership to provide critical resources that eliminate barriers for students to participate in skills education programs that lead to family-sustaining wage careers."

Central Piedmont recently hosted its first “Chat, Sip, and Chew” event to bring Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) to campus that specialize in culinary and food services to meet with faculty and staff. 

Twenty-four vendors shared their backgrounds and showcased how Central Piedmont could partner with their businesses. 

One of those vendors, Jorieka Downey, graduated from the college in 2014 and overcame many hurdles to grow her business, G.R.I.T.S. CLT, into one of the top food trucks and caterers in Charlotte. 

Growing up in a family full of chefs, the culinary program at Central Piedmont drew Downey in, and the single mom of three embraced the challenge.  

“I was working two jobs and going to school full-time,” she said. “I would go to work third shift at a group home, staying up most of the night, and trying to do homework when the residents were asleep. I would then catch a little nap, drive to Central Piedmont, and go to classes for eight hours. Then I’d go home to try to spend some time with my kids before starting it all over again. It was a battle during those couple of years to be a mom.” 

After she graduated, Downey set out on a five-year plan to own and operate her own food truck. She started her career working for Compass Group in a variety of roles, including lead entrée chef, and during her time there became connected with a woman who would eventually become a business partner. 

That partnership helped pave the way for Downey to start her own business, which began as a caterer. She built her popularity at events such as the 2019 NBA All Star Game in Charlotte and the CIAA Basketball Tournament. 

“Word just traveled,” Downey said. “Our social media presence started to grow. We went viral with a stuffed turkey leg, and I know for certain I was the first to bring that to Charlotte. We had over 30,000 views. We’d put mac and cheese, collard greens, or yams in it. We would deep fry it southern style. That really made us grow.” 

Soon, Downey was even catering for concerts with acts such as Busta Rhymes, 112, Marsha Ambrosius, and more as her popularity spread. 

However, like many others in the food industry, COVID played an impact on the growth of her business. But Downey used the rest of her savings, along with loans and grants during that period, to achieve her dream of purchasing her own food truck, and success soon followed. 

In 2022, Downey won the “Charlotte's Best Black-owned Food Truck” competition, sponsored by Duke’s Mayo and judged by the likes of Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Congresswoman Alma Adams, and others. 

Though the food truck was recently damaged in a fire, Downey has continued to persevere, and encourages Central Piedmont’s students to maintain that same attitude. 

“Stay in it,” she said. “If it’s your goal or passion, you have to give it your all. Put your best foot in and never give up.” 

Central Piedmont Community College’s Board of Trustees recently had one member reappointed and two members appointed for the first time. Each will serve a four-year term through June 2028.

Jim Dunn, a seasoned executive and human resources professional, was reappointed to the Central Piedmont board by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. Dunn is the President and CEO of LD Human Capital Consulting and has spent more than 30 years developing expertise in strategic human resources, organizational development, and leadership. He has served as a Central Piedmont Trustee since 2020.

Carrie Baker received her appointment from the N.C. Senate. Baker is the Chief HR Officer for Resolution Life US. She serves as a member of the company’s executive leadership team, which is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction for the company’s U.S. market. A talented HR professional, she has more than 20 years of experience building and managing large-scale human resource strategies for major finance companies.

Arrington Mixon was appointed by the N.C. House of Representatives. After a successful and impactful career with Bank of America, Mixon has followed her desire to engage more deeply in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community as a senior member of one of the largest charitable foundations in North Carolina. Since 2017, she has served on the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Capital Management Trust.

“I am delighted with the reappointment of Jim Dunn and the appointment of Carrie Baker and Arrington Mixon to Central Piedmont’s Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “Each of these individuals brings years of executive leadership experience in a variety of roles and a depth of wisdom that comes from serving on other boards and providing sound counsel. The college is in a period of enrollment growth and yet we have the capacity of serve more Mecklenburg County residents and employers. We look to our trustees to be the college’s champions and to help share our story of service and transforming lives in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.”

At the board’s July 10 meeting, Dunn was elected to serve as chair for a second consecutive year. Caldwell Rose, president of NAI Southern Real Estate in Charlotte, will serve a second year as vice chair.

Congratulations to our fall 2023 and spring 2024 ACA Scholarship winners!

Each fall and spring semester, the college's Academic Related Courses (ACA) area selects seven recipients for the ACA Scholarship for awards of $600 each. To apply, students had to write an essay answering the question “Being resilient (the ability to recover quickly from difficult conditions) is a life skill that we often do not recognize. How have you been resilient in your journey as a community college student, and what does this journey look like?" Applicants are reviewed based on meeting the scholarship eligibility requirements and on their essay's quality of writing.

Learn more about the ACA Scholarship.

Scholarship Winners

Fall 2023

Fall 2023 Essays (PDF)

• Yaretzhy Melo-Garcia
• Lori Jenrette
• Jaclyn Muckey
• Sandra Tomas
• Nandipa Kuuya
• Maramawit Teketel
• Thuy Pham

Spring 2024

Spring 2024 Essays (PDF)

• Momoko Ozaki
• Elise Ramirez
• Samantha Stone
• David Kushnir
• Nicolas Golafshan
• Preshonna Stowe
• Aayush Niroula

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has reaffirmed the accreditation of Central Piedmont Community College. This 10-year reaffirmation comes after off-site and on-site reviews of the college and its academic programs.

Central Piedmont’s reaffirmation means the college overall and its academic programs remain fully accredited. Central Piedmont received official notice of its reaffirmed accreditation on July 1. Central Piedmont’s next reaffirmation process will come in 2033-34.

SACSCOC is an institutional accreditor for quality assurance in higher education. SACSCOC accredits institutions that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees, including those offered via distance and correspondence education, and direct assessment within these institutions. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices among its members in the United States and international institutions of higher education approved by the SACSCOC Executive Council, Board of Trustees, and the Appeals Committee of the College Delegate Assembly.

Accreditation by SACSCOC signifies the institution 1) has a mission appropriate to higher education, 2) has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that mission, and 3) maintains clearly specified educational objectives that are consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees its offers, and that indicate whether it is successful in achieving its stated objectives.

To gain or maintain accreditation with SACSCOC, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the commission. SACSCOC applies the requirements of its principles to all applicant, candidate, and member institutions, regardless of type of institution (public, private for-profit, or private not-for-profit).

Bachelor's degree graduates who want to teach part-time in North Carolina high schools now have an avenue through Central Piedmont.

Central Piedmont’s High School Adjunct Instructor certificate program provides a course of study leading to the development of the general pedagogy and competencies needed to become an adjunct instructor in a public high school in North Carolina. 

Coursework includes classroom management and pedagogy, effective instructional methods, foundations of education, educational technology, and other related topics. Potential candidates should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and apply through the College Foundation of North Carolina website.

For more information about Central Piedmont’s K-12 teacher preparation programs, contact Jennifer Perkins, program chair, K-12 education.  

"As a provider of K-12 teacher preparation programs, Central Piedmont can impact the current teaching shortage in the Charlotte region and across North Carolina," Perkins said. "The high school adjunct instructor certificate program is a direct path to prepare those interested in teaching part-time by providing the coursework and support to be successful in a high school classroom."