In The Community
NC Community Colleges Play Key Role in Economy, Quality of Life
Colleges Showcase Impact at Events Across the State
WILSON, N.C. (March 22, 2017) - North Carolina’s 58 community colleges show students the route to a better life – and play a vital role in regional and statewide economic development. That was the message at today’s “Prosperity Zone” press conference at Wilson Community College. Representatives from Central Carolina CC, Durham Tech CC, Edgecombe CC, Johnston CC, Nash CC, Piedmont CC, Vance-Granville CC, Wake Tech CC, and Wilson CC came together to talk about the impact community colleges have on the lives of North Carolina’s citizens.
“We provide education and training that puts people to work,” said Wake Tech president Dr. Stephen Scott. “We equip students to compete in today’s rapidly-changing workplace, and increase their lifetime earning potential. As I like to say, we take a person making $8 an hour, to $18 an hour – forever changing their lives and the lives of their families.”
Wake Tech instructors demonstrated a 3D printer and talked about how 3D technology is being integrated into a variety of programs. Presentations from other colleges included mechatronics, a patient simulator, an electric line construction truck, and culinary arts.
“Community colleges develop the workforce of today, and the future,” said Dr. Tim Wright, president of Wilson Community College. “Help us spread the word!”
More than 700,000 students across the state attend a community college. Today’s event was one of a series of regional community college recognition days in North Carolina’s eight prosperity zones. The events are designed to increase awareness of the community college mission in advance of Community College Day at the state legislature, on Wednesday, March 29. Interactive simulations and demonstrations begin in the Legislative Building at 10am, with a press conference to follow at noon.
