To advance workforce development and create pathways to high-wage, in-demand careers, Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is excited to announce its participation in the NC Community Colleges (NCCCS) Boost program. This innovative initiative aims to accelerate students' progress through college and into the workforce, aligning with the state's economic development goals.
The NC Community Colleges' Boost program is being launched with a historic grant of $35.6 million from Arnold Ventures, marking the most significant private investment ever received by NCCCS. Modeled after the City University of New York's Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (CUNY ASAP), the Boost program has already proven successful in other states, where it has doubled graduation rates and reduced the time to degree completion.
“This program is an incredible opportunity for Cape Fear Community College and our students,” said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “Through the Boost program, we are dedicated to providing students with the support and resources to complete their degrees more quickly, overcome challenges, and build the skills required for high-demand careers that will strengthen our regional and state economies.”
The NCCCS Boost program is set to serve students at CFCC and 14 other participating colleges across North Carolina. The program will focus on sectors identified as critical to the state's economic future. It works through timely and relevant support, dedicated student advising, and incentives to accelerate their education. This program is a collaborative effort between the state, NCCCS, colleges, and students, designed to invest in students' success and equip them with the skills needed to secure quality jobs that benefit their communities. To receive the benefits of the NCCCS Boost program, participating students must meet certain eligibility criteria, choose a program that leads to an in-demand career, and meet regular program benchmarks.
“This program has increased graduation rates, reduced time to graduation, and lowered the cost per graduate across many individual colleges in several states," said NCCCS President Dr. Jeff Cox. “Here in North Carolina, we have every reason to expect similar results. What makes this especially exciting is the opportunity to demonstrate success through our pilot and then scale it statewide – something few other states have done. We are fully committed to transparency and will track and report the program's results regularly, ensuring policymakers can see the return on investment. This is an exciting day for North Carolina businesses, companies looking to relocate to a state dedicated to world-class workforce development, and for the residents of North Carolina. We expect the North Carolina Community College System Boost program to significantly and positively contribute to our state's economic future."
Cape Fear Community College will begin enrolling students in the Boost program for the Fall 2025 semester. For more information on CFCC's involvement in this program, visit www.cfcc.edu.
About North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS):
The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable higher education and workforce training that is responsive to the needs of students and employers in North Carolina. The system serves more than 600,000 students at 58 colleges across the state and plays a critical role in developing the state's workforce and driving economic growth.
About Arnold Ventures:
Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy focused on supporting research to identify and address America's most pressing social problems. With a focus on systemic change, Arnold Ventures works to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster economic opportunity. The foundation’s grantmaking areas include education, criminal justice, health, infrastructure, and public finance, and its work is guided by evidence-based solutions that seek lasting impact.
