Central Piedmont Community College

Central Piedmont Community College is a public community college located in Charlotte, North Carolina, with six campuses throughout Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The college is part of the North Carolina Community College System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Central Piedmont Community College has partnerships with University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University, and Queens University of Charlotte to provide students with transfer opportunities. The college also collaborates with Central Piedmont Community College Foundation, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to support economic development and workforce training.

● History

Central Piedmont Community College was established in 1963 as a result of the North Carolina General Assembly's decision to create a statewide system of community colleges. The college's first campus was located in Elizabeth, North Carolina, and it has since expanded to include campuses in Levine, North Carolina, Harrisburg, North Carolina, and other locations throughout Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The college has undergone significant changes and expansions over the years, including the addition of new programs and facilities, such as the Levine Campus and the Harris Campus. Central Piedmont Community College has also received support from Duke Energy, Bank of America, and Wachovia to enhance its programs and services. The college has been recognized for its achievements by organizations such as the American Association of Community Colleges, National Council for Workforce Education, and League for Innovation in the Community College.

● Campus

The college has six campuses, including the Central Campus, Levine Campus, Harris Campus, Merancas Campus, Cato Campus, and Harper Campus. Each campus offers a range of programs and services, including academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring services. The college's campuses are located near major highways and public transportation routes, making it easily accessible to students from throughout Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The college has also partnered with City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and Charlotte Area Transit System to provide students with transportation options. The campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, libraries, and science labs, which are supported by IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco Systems.

● Academics

Central Piedmont Community College offers over 100 degree programs, including associate's degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields such as business administration, health sciences, and engineering technologies. The college also provides continuing education courses and workforce development programs, which are supported by North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina Community College System, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The college has articulation agreements with University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University, and Queens University of Charlotte, allowing students to transfer credits and complete their bachelor's degrees. The college's academic programs are accredited by organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

● Student Life

Central Piedmont Community College offers a range of student activities and clubs, including student government association, Phi Theta Kappa, and National Society of Black Engineers. The college also provides counseling services, disability services, and student conduct programs to support students' personal and academic success. The college has partnerships with YMCA of Greater Charlotte, United Way of Central Carolinas, and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to provide students with access to recreational facilities and community resources. The college's athletic teams, the Patriots, compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association and have won championships in basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

● Notable Alumni

Central Piedmont Community College has a number of notable alumni, including business leaders, artists, and community leaders. Some notable alumni include Anthony Foxx, former United States Secretary of Transportation and Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina; Andrea Mitchell, NBC News correspondent; and Gwendolyn Glenn, National Public Radio correspondent. The college's alumni have gone on to attend top universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and have pursued careers with organizations such as Google, Apple Inc., and Microsoft. The college's alumni association, Central Piedmont Community College Alumni Association, provides support and networking opportunities for graduates, and has partnerships with Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and North Carolina Community College System.