myFutureNC is proud to honor the 2025 Champions for Attainment — a distinction awarded to individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding dedication to expanding access, success, and completion for adult learners across North Carolina. Your work embodies the principles of myFutureNC’s Evidence-Based Attainment Strategies, driving meaningful change and bridging the state’s attainment gap.

With the ambitious goal of ensuring 2 million North Carolinians hold postsecondary degrees and credentials by 2030, leadership is essential in empowering adult learners and strengthening our workforce. Through innovative approaches and unwavering commitment, these champions have transformed lives, paving the way for educational success and career readiness.

Meet the champions

Aspire Appalachian Program, Appalachian State University

The Aspire Appalachian Program at Appalachian State University provides transfer students from 27 partner community colleges with a clear pathway to completing their associate and bachelor’s degrees. Offering guaranteed admission, academic advising, and financial aid guidance for students with a GPA of 2.25 or higher, the program significantly boosts degree completion rates, surpassing the national average by over 22%. Focused on high-demand fields, it removes barriers and ensures transfer student success.

Highlights:

• 27 Partner Community Colleges
• Clear Pathways to Degree Completion
• Seamless Transfers, Stronger Futures
• Transfer Made Simple, Graduation Made Possible

Gregory Singleton

Gregory Singleton expands education and workforce access for underemployed, unemployed, and justice-involved individuals. He leads programs like Keys to Freedom and Job Readiness Boot Camps, equipping individuals with skills for meaningful employment. Inspired by his own journey, he advocates for second chances and helps establish local reentry councils.

Highlights:

• Advocating for Second Chances
• Increasing access for underemployed, unemployed & justice-involved
• Empowerment Through Reentry

Second Chance Initiative, Campbell University

Campbell University’s Second Chance Initiative allows incarcerated individuals to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields like substance abuse counseling. With support such as orientation, technology training, and post-release job assistance, the program helps students complete their degrees inside and outside correctional facilities. Partnerships and credit transfer agreements further ensure continued education and career success.

Highlights:

• Unlocking Potential
• Pathways to Second Chances
• Unlocking Potential, Creating Change
• Reentry

Volt Center, Craven Community College

The Volt Center in New Bern, NC, is a state-of-the-art workforce development training hub offering hands-on training in trades like construction, electrical, HVAC, and welding. Transformed from a 1947 power plant through community partnerships, it focuses on serving underserved populations and has prepared 4,425 completers since 2019, creating a strong local workforce pipeline.

Highlights:

• Revitalizing Careers & A Community
• From Power Plant to Workforce Hub
• 4,425 completers since 2019
• Strong local workforce pipeline
• Where Training Meets Opportunity

Wayne County Reentry Council, Wayne Community College

Wayne Community College and the Wayne County Reentry Council support formerly incarcerated individuals by providing education, employment services, and essential resources for a successful transition. Established in 2022, the initiative reduces recidivism through job readiness workshops, training programs, and partnerships with local employers. Wayne Community College leads the effort, promoting workforce development and social stability while addressing societal stigma.

Highlights:

• Reducing Recidivism
• Increasing Access
• Bridging Gaps, Building Futures
• New Beginnings, Stronger Communities