The State Board of Community Colleges discussed the N.C. Community College System’s (NCCCS) legislative agenda for the 2025 long session at its January meeting, which includes the system’s primary ask of funding for Propel NC.

The system is asking lawmakers for nearly $100 million to implement Propel NC, the system’s new funding model that was first unveiled last January.

The system’s current funding model allocates resources to colleges in proportion to the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students they enroll in each of their programs. Certain courses receive more state funds than others based on a four-tier funding model.

Propel NC would shift the current FTE funding tiers to “workforce sectors,” with courses ranked and valued by statewide salary job demand data every three years. All curriculum and continuing education (CE) courses would reside in the same workforce sector. The NCCCS says this shift “prioritizes connecting students to high-demand, high-wage jobs.”

The anticipated cost of this component of the model is approximately $68.5 million, according to the system.

Here’s a look at the other components of Propel NC:

• Increase in base funding. The plan calls to increase base allocation funds by approximately 5.8%, “which closes the gap to actual spending patterns and account for inflation,” per a 2024 NCCCS document. “This modification would also increase the enrollment allotment above 750 FTE based on this increase in other costs funding.” The anticipated cost for this request is about $24.4 million.
• Enrollment increase reserve. The current enrollment growth reserve was implemented in 2010 in response to the large number of students enrolling in community colleges after the Great Recession. The system is requesting $6 million in non-recurring funds for a fixed per-FTE amount for any colleges that go over the enrollment threshold set by their FTE for the fiscal year. The system would then like to build replenishment of the fund into the recurring enrollment growth fund in the state budget.
• Excess tuition retention. Excess tuition receipts currently fund the enrollment increase reserve. Propel NC would change that, allowing excess tuition receipts to return to the college which generated them, but only on years when the system as a whole generates excess receipts.

You can read the full recap from the State Board of Community Colleges January meeting on EdNC’s website.

At the first meeting of the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges in 2025, five new board members were sworn in, including three officials who were elected in November.

Tom Looney continues to serve as chair of the board, and the board unanimously elected board member John Kane to serve as vice chair.

“I am delighted to welcome these remarkable leaders to the NCCCS Board. Their expertise, sense of urgency, and impactful leadership will be pivotal in advancing workforce development across North Carolina,” said Chair Tom Looney. “As the most important organization in our state today, the NC Community College System is fortunate to have a board that genuinely reflects its significance and mission.”

Read more about the new members on EdNC’s website.

Leaders at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) call Propel NC a game changer for their college, the entire system, and the state. CCC&TI is situated in the northwest region of North Carolina and serves Caldwell and Watauga counties, both of which are rural.

For CCC&TI, the funding model would have a very real and practical impact at the local level.

Business and industry leaders in Caldwell and Watauga counties see the benefit of Propel NC for both the college and their local workforce.

“The new funding model under consideration, Propel NC, will ensure that CCC&TI can continue to meet the needs of businesses in our community and promote the economic prosperity of our region and state,” said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.

Increasing the health care workforce is a priority for local and state leaders. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Employment in health care is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032 with 1.8 million openings per year.”

But the growing demand is quickly outpacing the ability to fill positions due to talent shortages, burnout among health care workers, and increasing skill demands. By 2033, North Carolina could face a shortage of roughly 12,500 registered nurses (RNs) and over 5,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

If Propel NC is implemented, CCC&TI aims to increase their enrollment in Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs over the next five years — growing from 74 ADN graduates in 2024 to 125 in 2029 and 41 LPN graduates to 75.

“Propel NC shifts how community colleges are funded to a labor-focused model that truly aligns with the workforce needs in local communities,” said David Lowry, president and CEO of UNC Health Caldwell. “The additional funding provided in this model will allow CCC&TI to expand offerings in key health care areas and produce more graduates and health care professionals.”

You can read the full article on our website.

The North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) announced last week that nearly 140 college scholarships are now open for applications, representing nearly $1.8 million in scholarship funds.

Most scholarships close for 2025 applications on March 3rd. Students can apply at no cost on the NCCF website using the NCCF’s Universal Scholarship Application, which matches students to applicable scholarships based on criteria like county of residence, GPA, and intended major.

There are also a few scholarships with separate applications and deadlines.

Applicants can apply for scholarships without needing to know where they’re going to school, and all sorts of students are eligible, including undergraduate, graduate, medical and professional school, and adult re-entry students.

There are also several scholarships for students planning to attend a technical school, trade school, or to participate in an apprenticeship.

According to the NCCF website, $300 million in grants and scholarships have been made available through the foundation since 1988.

Additional scholarship information and resources can be found in the article.

Perspective | In this perspective, Dr. Ben Coulter, the southeast regional director for Western Governors University, reflects on mentors and their contributions to society.

Newsletters | Twice a month the NC STEM Center provides an e-update on what’s happening in STEM, and their latest edition is now available.

Student success stories | This news article highlights Asheville-Buncombe Tech Madison’s welding program and the students who have found community and careers as a result.

The Brunswick Guarantee program through Brunswick Community College helped Kylea Dowler on her postsecondary journey. The program covers books, tuition, and fees for qualifying Brunswick County high school students. You can read more about Dowler’s journey in this news article.

Campus project updates | Alamance Community College has completed $3.4 million in renovations to the Gee, Main, and Powell buildings on its main campus. The renovations were funded by proceeds from the $39.6 million bond package that voters approved for ACC in November 2018.

Central Piedmont Community College announced the grand opening of its Campus Wellness Center, which will act as “a dedicated space to support the well-being of our students and staff.”

The ApprenticeshipNC Conference is set for March 10-11 at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, NC. This year’s conference will feature expert speakers, hands-on sessions, and networking opportunities to help you strengthen and grow Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the state. Register here for $350 to secure your spot and “gain access to valuable resources, meals, and the chance to connect with industry leaders.”