Titan Solar Power Gives Central Piedmont STEM Grant

Titan Solar Power has given Central Piedmont Community College a grant of $15,000 to assist the college in enriching the experience of underrepresented students in its associate degree STEM programs.

Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Dietemeyer and DJ Harris, Team Solar, hold the Titan Solar presentation check for $15,000 surrounded by other college and Titan Solar representatives. The grant will provide funds for students to participate in STEM exposure workshops, career panels, STEM-related counseling for university transfer, and STEM company visits. The college also will use the grant to hold "STEM Tank" competitions, during which students will propose solutions to STEM-related problems relevant to the Central Piedmont and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.

The grant period will run through June 2023 and be open to as many as 60 students in Central Piedmont's Associate of Science, Associate of Engineering, and Associate of Applied Science programs.

"At Titan Solar Power, we believe service to others is an essential part of the human experience. Our branches nationwide are empowered and encouraged to select local charity partners that align with their culture and call to their hearts. On behalf of our Charlotte branch, we are thrilled to partner with Central Piedmont Community College to support the extraordinary work it does," said Sam Jones, Titan Solar Power director of public relations and marketing.

According to the Pew Research Center and Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM employment needs are projected to grow by 9.2 percent by 2029. However, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and American Council on Education, only 18 percent of all higher education degrees are awarded each year in STEM fields. Of STEM degree recipients nationally, only 32.4 percent are female, 12.6 percent are Black, and 16.7 percent are Latino/Hispanic.

At the same time, North Carolina ranks only 26th in the nation in engineers as a percentage of the workforce, according to data compiled by the National Science Board. Studies show states and regions with a high concentration of engineers have a greater capacity for innovation and often lead in key industries.

"Anything we can do to recruit and retain students in our STEM degree programs is important and greatly needed in the Charlotte region and across North Carolina" said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. "That's why this generous grant from Titan Solar Power will have such a positive and significant impact. The college thanks Titan Solar Power for its support and partnership."

Central Piedmont offers more than a dozen STEM programs. Visit the college website for full details.


Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Foundation News. Tagged as STEM.

Central Piedmont's RN Program Among Best in NC

RegisteredNursing.org, a nursing advocacy organization, has released its annual lists of "Best RN Programs." Central Piedmont Community College's RN program is ranked number two among the 20 that were evaluated in North Carolina. The number-two ranking is the highest among N.C. community college programs.

The complete "2023 Best RN Programs in North Carolina" ranking can be found at https://www.registerednursing.org/state/north-carolina/#rankings. RegisteredNursing.org assessed nursing programs using several factors which represent how well a program supports students toward licensure and beyond. Details about the methodology used can be reviewed at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Central Piedmont's nursing program is the oldest program in the N.C. Community College System and has graduated more than 3,000 students since its inception in 1965. Interested students can apply to enter three different nursing tracks:

  • The Christa A. Overcash Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) Program
  • The one-year Dickson Practical Nursing Program
  • Nurse Aide Program.

To learn more about Central Piedmont's more than 20 healthcare career programs, visit the college website.

For information on financial assistance available through Central Piedmont Foundation scholarships for nursing students, visit our scholarship portal.

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Foundation News, Scholarships, Students. Tagged as nursing, scholarships.

Call for Alumni Award Nominations

2019 Alumni Award winner Chris Coleman speaking at graduation.Nominations are being accepted now through October 31 for the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award and the Young Alumni Award of Excellence. These awards recognize a Central Piedmont Community College graduate who has significantly benefited from their experiences at the college and whose efforts have helped the community. 

Nominate an outstanding alumnus using our nomination form.





 

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Foundation News.

Student Story: Jahmicah Miller

Jahmicah MillerIf Jahmicah Miller qualifies to sit for and passes the N.C. State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (BEEC) exam later this year, she could be the youngest licensed female electrician in the state of North Carolina. 

How did Jahmicah accomplish so much within her area of interest in so little time? She took classes through the Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction (ROC) program which boasts a Career & College Promise pathway in construction technologies at Central Piedmont. As a result, she was able to simultaneously graduate from Philip O. Berry High School and complete the ROC program in May 2021 with 49 free college credits and valuable hands-on experience.

"The knowledge I gained through the ROC program gave me the confidence I needed to serve as an apprentice for a Charlotte area electrical contractor after high school graduation," she explains. "After completing the company's apprenticeship program in fall 2021, I earned two professional certificates in electrical technology. I decided to return to Central Piedmont - after receiving the Culbertson Endowed Scholarship - to complete my education and obtain my associate degree in electrical system technology. It was a logical next step; the college's student support system, resources, and instructors are simply extraordinary."

At Central Piedmont, Jahmicah is fulfilling her life-long dream of working in a profession that allows her to both work with her hands AND give back to the community. These two concepts are important to the 19-year-old, who decided to pursue a trade after Hurricane Maria impacted Puerto Rico in 2017.

"Originally I thought about studying physical therapy or sports medicine," says Jahmicah. "But after seeing the devastation Hurricane Maria caused, I decided to start taking trade classes to better prepare myself to help with disaster relief. Helping others is important to me." 

The Charlotte native plans to graduate from Central Piedmont in spring 2023 and is appreciative of all the support the college has given her over the years. "I have bounced from home to home and school to school," she explains. "But Central Piedmont has been a constant in my life. This college has made my goals, its goals. It's unlike any other higher education institution, and I'm honored to be a part of its community."

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Students. Tagged as impact, studentstory.

Student Story: Jules Omakinda

Jules OmakindaJules Omakinda is a hardworking student who dreams of becoming a pilot one day.

Jules is currently pursuing his associate degree in cyber security at Central Piedmont Community College. "Central Piedmont has a positive reputation and offers many opportunities that students can take advantage of," says Jules. Jules enjoys feeling like he is a part of a community. As he explains it, "Central Piedmont is a place that truly feels like home, and I appreciate how the community works together to help me succeed in my career." 

Jules knew as early as he could remember that he would like to be a pilot someday. For him, Central Piedmont is the ideal place to begin his aviation goals. As a result of his cyber security associate degree, he plans to attend another institution to obtain his master's degree in cyber security. His goal is to secure a high-paying job that will help him pay for aviation school.

One thing Jules would like anyone reading this to remember would be to, "keep your goals at the forefront of your mind and utilize all that Central Piedmont provides you to reach your next chapter in life."

Posted in Alumni, Scholarships, Students. Tagged as impact, studentstory.

Student Story: Derrick Miller

Derrick MillerDerrick Miller is a first-generation student and a Merancas Technical Scholarship recipient who has a true passion for helping individuals with disabilities.

After spending years away from school and having three adult sons, Derrick was hesitant to return, but his passion overruled his trepidation, and he is now studying Human Services Technology, concentrating in Developmental Disabilities.

"In my meeting with Dr. Sherina Dubose Tilman, chair of the department, she was incredibly persuasive and encouraging. There was never any doubt in her mind that I would not succeed in this program," says Miller. While pursuing his AAS degree, he also obtained a Community Health Worker Certification (CHW) from Central Piedmont. 

Derrick admires the professionalism of Central Piedmont's faculty. As he explains it, "The staff here have genuinely demonstrated that they care about the wellness and education of all students." 

Derrick and his family faced financial difficulties during the pandemic. In the nick of time, he received an email informing him that he had been awarded the Merancas Technical Scholarship.

Miller's greatest joy is serving others. Central Piedmont has opened up countless opportunities for him, and he is extremely grateful for them.

"You can do it," says Derrick, echoing the words he was told at the beginning of his educational journey. "Taking advantage of Central Piedmont's resources and opportunities will help you succeed."

Posted in Alumni, Announcements, Students. Tagged as impact, student highlights, studentstory.