Students Honored as Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars
March 16, 2023Two Central Piedmont Community College students have been named 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars, in partnership with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Each will receive a scholarship.
Ashton Leswing has been named a Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Letrell Grady has been named Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars across the nation with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges," said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca- Cola Scholars Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow's leaders of the global community."
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service, and this year winners were chosen from more than 2,400 applicants.
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa's annual convention, PTK Catalyst, to be held in Columbus, Ohio, April 20-22.
Central Piedmont to Establish Honors Program
March 6, 2023Through a generous gift from Truist Bank, Central Piedmont Community College will establish an Honors Program, opening with the start of the 2023 fall semester.
The Honors Program will seek to develop excellence in students by providing high quality enrichment experiences that are intellectually challenging and result in deeper learning. The Honors Program will engage students in meaningful academic, personal, and social development experiences to create independent thinkers and life-long learners through the construction of knowledge.
"The Honors Program is an example of how Central Piedmont is committed to elevating student success," said Dr. Deninne Pritchett, Honors Program faculty director. "The Honors Program will create additional opportunities for students who want to attend Central Piedmont while enhancing the experiences of current students. Students in the Honors Program will be challenged and gain transferable skills that add value to the credits or degree earned at Central Piedmont resulting in better marketability."
Students will actively participate in course sections aligned with the Honors Program foundations emphasizing experiential learning, research, civic engagement, global learning, leadership, and reflective thinking. The Honors Program will include a variety of transformational learning experiences for students planning to transfer, earn a degree, or enter the workplace.
Students in the Honors Program will be referred to as Honors Program Scholars. They will be required to complete 15-credit hours in Honors Program course sections, a 30-hour immersive experience, and 10 activities or events including interview and résumé sessions that emphasize the Honors Program foundations.
Students can apply for scholarships that will cover tuition and course materials as well as travel, events, and immersion experiences aligned with at least one of the program foundations. The Honors Program will be open to students from all courses of study offered at the college. The college will provide alternate methods for acceptance into the program outside of GPA requirements to ensure the program is equitable and inclusive.
"Research shows honors program students have increased retention rates, higher graduation rates, and increased pathways to honors programs at four-year institutions," Pritchett added. "As a champion of students and catalyst for opportunity, Central Piedmont continues to be at the forefront of a changing student population and the need to prepare students for the future."
Students and parents who want to learn more about Central Piedmont's new Honors Program can review the program webpage or contact Dr. Deninne Pritchett at honorsprogram@cpcc.edu.
Coca-Cola Consolidated and College Launching Career Pipeline
November 4, 2022Nation's Largest Coca-Cola Bottler, Central Piedmont Community College, and Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Collaborate to Foster Economic Mobility
Coke Consolidated is funding up to 30 apprenticeships at Central Piedmont Community College to spur interest in high-demand positions in manufacturing, equipment repair and logistics at its Charlotte-area facilities.
Qualified applicants will receive financial support for career certificates in fields such as HVAC repair and manufacturing, while gaining experience through part-time positions at Coke Consolidated. The application process will begin in early 2023.
"These scholarships exemplify our commitment to empowering the next generation of diverse servant leaders," said Dave Katz, President and Chief Operating Officer at Coke Consolidated. "We're looking for talented candidates who want to grow their skillsets and their careers."
"Coke Consolidated is dedicated to providing opportunities for new and existing teammates to continuously learn and grow," said Brent Tollison, a Senior Vice President at Coke Consolidated and member of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Board of Trustees.
"We want to invest in people and to provide the resources and encouragement they need to achieve their goals," he said. "These aren't job opportunities. These are career opportunities."
Coke Consolidated is committed to workforce development and economic opportunity in the communities it serves. Applicants selected for an apprenticeship will have ongoing training and leadership development opportunities as part of their employment experience.
Central Piedmont's credentialing programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs of students who also are working part-time. Coke Consolidated's apprenticeship program targets the more than 65% of adults in the region who don't have a bachelor's degree.
"Central Piedmont is pleased and proud to partner with Coke Consolidated to offer students a pathway to invaluable work experience and rewarding, high-demand careers in manufacturing," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont President. "We are eager to open the program, and we thank Coke Consolidated for their support and collaboration."
Coke Consolidated is working with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (CLT Alliance) to highlight opportunities in the manufacturing sector and to promote scholarships for interested applicants. Charlotte is home to more than 3,600 manufacturing companies, which together employ over 145,000 people. 7,500 new manufacturing jobs have been announced in the region since 2020, according to CLT Alliance.
"Manufacturing is integral in the Charlotte Region, and the industry and next generation of talent are poised to shape our future economy," said CLT Alliance President and CEO Janet LaBar. "We applaud Coke Consolidated's commitment to strengthening our workforce and believe collaborations like this will strengthen our pipeline, enrich our economy, and provide a pathway to opportunity for our region's residents."
Coca-Cola Consolidated currently has open positions in the Charlotte area, including many technical jobs. Learn more by visiting Careers.CokeConsolidated.com.
About Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.
Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Our Purpose is To Honor God in all we do, To Serve Others, To Pursue Excellence, and To Grow Profitably. For over 120 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers, and communities we serve and are passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. We make, sell, and distribute beverages of The CocaCola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia to approximately 60 million consumers. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "COKE." More information about the Company is available at www.cokeconsolidated.com.
Central Piedmont's RN Program Among Best in NC
October 18, 2022RegisteredNursing.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.
Alumni Spotlight: Christina Clothier '15
October 8, 2019
As an unemployed adult exploring her career options, Christina Clothier drew inspiration from the things in her life that she enjoyed. A positive experience with a high school laboratory internship led her to the field of Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT). She chose to attend Central Piedmont because it was affordable, convenient, and accessible. She summarizes her decision, "MLT seemed like a good fit that I could be satisfied doing, and Central Piedmont had such an approachable path that I could get there in two years."
Christina graduated with an AAS in MLT in May 2015 and has been working in her degree field since. Regarding the quality of her education at Central Piedmont, she says, "I am amazed by the peers I meet with BA degrees in my field whose education does not hold a candle to mine. I am so grateful and shocked by the quality of the education I received in my MLT classes and how well-prepared it made me for my career." This is not unusual for the MLT program at Central Piedmont, which has been in operation for over twenty years. In fact, graduates of the program have a 100% pass rate on the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board Certification exam.
In addition to the outstanding education Christina received at Central Piedmont, she was also able to take advantage of enrichment and social activities through campus clubs and organizations. One particularly memorable experience was the medical service learning trip to Peru. Not only has she benefitted personally and professionally from her involvement in campus activities, she has also received a scholarship at her current university through her involvement with Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for students of two-year colleges.
Christina is currently working towards her BA in Allied Health and is on track to graduate this fall. As a first generation college student, she will be the first person in her family to reach this milestone accomplishment. Her long-term career goal is to work in a public health laboratory.
Christina encourages others to pursue a higher education at Central Piedmont as well. She says, "My education prepared me very well for real life situations. You will be so glad you did this. The work may be hard, but it is so worth it to build your career and find your place."
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Alumni Spotlight: Ricky Brown Jr. '09
September 11, 2019
When describing Ricky Brown Jr.'s educational journey, the word "traditional" doesn't immediately come to mind.
Raised by his grandparents, he didn't attend college directly after high school graduation. Instead, he began a full-time career at Goodyear where he slowly but surely climbed the corporate ladder.
Even though he was making strides at Goodyear and building a successful career with the company, Ricky wanted more, for both himself and his family. He no longer wanted to live paycheck to paycheck or be embarrassed to have to say "no" when asked about his education status on applications, forms, etc. He decided it was time to earn a college degree.
Unfortunately, before he could take that next step in his life plan, he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. To make matters worse, doctors discovered a congenital heart disorder during recovery that would require him to undergo countless surgeries, therapy sessions, and more.
Despite this setback, he enrolled in college, choosing Central Piedmont because its multi-campus footprint was convenient for his lifestyle and its robust Comprehensive Articulation Agreement with surrounding four-year colleges would ensure all of the credits he earned would 100 percent transfer to East Carolina University, where he planned to complete his B.S. in Communications (ECU).
Upon enrolling in 2007, he was awarded a Levine Scholarship, which to Ricky, was the largest blessing of all. "The Levine Scholarship was extremely beneficial," he says. "It helped partially offset the medical expenses I incurred during college, allowing me to focus more on obtaining my Associate in Science degree and less on my finances."
Thanks to Central Piedmont's flexible learning schedule, Ricky started back to school slowly, choosing to take online courses because they could easily fit in-between his physical therapy sessions. Focusing on his studies helped him keep his mind engaged while his body recovered.
During his time at Central Piedmont, Ricky fostered a variety of relationships with peers and faculty alike, and generated a number of professional connections as well. "I still communicate with Dr. Anne McIntosh, one of my instructors from Central Piedmont. In fact, she continues to support my professional and academic endeavors to this day."
Since graduating from Central Piedmont in 2009, Ricky earned his bachelor's degree from ECU, continues to work at Goodyear in Internal Audit, was accepted into the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), and is attending graduate school at East Carolina University, pursuing an MBA, which he is projected to complete in spring 2020. After graduate school, he's considering earning a Ph.D.
"My goal is to continue to grow and develop into the best version of myself," he says. "I would love to one day give back to Central Piedmont -- the institution that gave me the foothold I needed to succeed in all areas of my life."
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Alumni Spotlight: Jamal Moss '12
August 14, 2019
Thanks to the Anthony Foxx Scholarship, Jamal Moss was able to attend Central Piedmont Community College a place where he says he "found everyone."
"There were days when I wasn't even on my own side," explains Jamal. "But thanks to Central Piedmont's staff members, I was able to overcome life's obstacles, stay grounded and know that I was going to succeed. The Central Piedmont team was not only my greatest source of support, but also my biggest cheerleader."
With this support system on his side, Jamal was able to focus on his studies; enjoy the resources at his disposal, including SGA, MAN UP, and Service Club; and graduate from Central Piedmont in 2012 with an associate degree.
Jamal used his Central Piedmont degree as the launch pad for what has become an impressive educational journey. Since graduating, he's earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from N.C. State, a master's degree in bioethics and science policy from Duke University, and is currently a first year medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.
During that time, he became affiliated with multiple causes and initiatives that he continues to be involved with today, including the Racial Equity Task Force for the City of Durham and the N.C. State College of Sciences Alumni Advisory Board, among others.
And while Jamal's sights are clearly set on the road that lies ahead, he's quick to remember the many people and places that got him where he is today.
"I use the values of community, accountability, trust, and integrity that I learned at Central Piedmont to guide my current work in the healthcare field," says Jamal. "Attending Central Piedmont allowed me to explore new opportunities and take new adventures experiences that will help me create a diverse portfolio of work that will not only enhance my résumé, but also my pursuit of one day becoming a physician and community advocate in the medical field."
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Scholarships Available to Continuing Ed Welding Students
August 6, 2019The State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) is providing 10 Corporate and Continuing Education scholarships to eligible Central Piedmont students who are enrolled in the college's continuing education welding classes during the fall 2019 semester.
Each $500 scholarship will help a student gain the new job-related welding skills they need to succeed in the field or upgrade their current welding skills to excel in the workforce. Scholarship funding may be applied toward the cost of registration fees, books, certification fees, course supplies, and other educational expenses associated with the college's "Introduction to Stick Welding" continuing education course.
Learn more about the scholarship:
Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen and a North Carolina resident.
- Must be in one of the following target groups: An unemployed or underemployed adult, member of the N.C. National Guard, a military veteran or spouse, or an underserved population in a specific workforce sector or area. Note: Underemployed will be defined as individuals earning 200% below the federal poverty level. Preference will be given to students with limited or no access to financial aid from other programs.
- Must enroll in "Introduction to Stick Welding," a course which leads to an industry-recognized credential.
- Must not be an employee or family member of an employee of the State Employees' Credit Union or SECU Foundation.
Application and Selection Criteria
Interested and eligible students should complete the application to be considered for the scholarship. The scholarship awardees will be selected by the Central Piedmont SECU Scholarship Selection Committee. All decisions are final.
For additional information, contact Becky Hall at becky.hall@cpcc.edu or at 704.330.4204.
Award
This scholarship is credited to the student's business office account for related tuition, books, and fees.
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Tyler H. Hamm Culinary Scholarship Established
July 10, 2019A new scholarship will foster the development of aspiring culinary arts professionals enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College. The Tyler H. Hamm Culinary Scholarship, established to honor the memory of a former Central Piedmont student who died in a snowboarding accident, will be funded with an initial five-year commitment from Wray Ward, a marketing communications firm based in Charlotte. Tyler was the elder son of public relations lead and longtime Wray Ward employee Tracy Hamm.
"On behalf of our culinary arts program and our culinary students, the college thanks Wray Ward for this generous and thoughtful gift," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. "This scholarship will honor Tyler's memory and celebrate his passion for life, joy of cooking and career path in the culinary arts. We are grateful for and humbled by the Hamm family's decision to have Tyler honored in this way."
Beginning with the 2019-20 academic year in August, one Central Piedmont culinary student will receive the Tyler H. Hamm Culinary Scholarship. Recipients must have the following qualifications:
- Recent (within five years) high school graduate
- North Carolina resident
- Enrolled in the Central Piedmont Culinary Arts program
- At least a half-time student
"Tyler shared his father's kind heart and zest for life," said Jennifer Appleby, president and chief creative officer of Wray Ward. "His fearlessness on and off the slopes will serve as an inspiration to each of us to think bigger and more boldly, and Wray Ward is proud to be a small part of that legacy by helping other aspiring chefs follow their passion and chase their dream."
The Hamms will assist with the award selection process by interviewing candidates identified by the Central Piedmont Foundation's scholarship committee.
"Tyler lived life to the fullest and only knew one direction -- forward," Tracy Hamm said. "By supporting young culinary talent, this scholarship will celebrate our son's chosen career path, his love for cooking and his passion for life."
Wray Ward's commitment will help establish a scholarship endowment and provide expendable annual scholarship funds to be held and administered by the Central Piedmont Foundation. Donations from other individuals and entities will support the scholarship program on a continuing basis.
For more information about the Tyler H. Hamm Culinary Scholarship, contact the Central Piedmont Foundation at 704.330.6869 or visit cpccfoundation.org/donation. Learn more about culinary and hospitality programs on the college website or by calling 704.330.6723. Read more
Thank You!
August 3, 2011
Your gifts provide hope, create optimism and foster success!
Your support not only opens doors to students looking to make a difference in their lives, it prepares students to transition into the workforce.
The success of CPCC students is a direct result of your generosity. Student success is made possible with access to scholarships, innovative programs and technologies, and engaged and informed faculty.
Giving is easy you can use our secure online giving form. If you prefer, you may print the form and mail your donation. Many thanks for your continued support! Read more
