RALEIGH, NC -- Thefollowing information was released by the office of the governor of NorthCarolina:
Program willprovide focused, affordable pathways to success for students
Gov. Bev Perduetoday launched Career and College Promise, her program that will guaranteeeligible high school age students a clear, focused and affordable path to asuccessful future.
"Career andCollege Promise will prepare eligible high school students for life after highschool - that means college credit for some, job training for others,"Gov. Bev Perdue said. "Regardless of whether a student plans to go tocollege or get a job, Career and College Promise provides focused preparation,tuition-free to the student."
The program offersthree pathways for students.
College Transfer -Earn tuition-free course credits toward a four-year degree through NorthCarolina's community colleges. All North Carolina public colleges anduniversities are participating and many independent colleges and universitieshave signed on as well.
Technical Careers- Earn tuition-free course credits at an NC Community College toward anentry-level job credential, certificate or diploma in a technical career.
CooperativeInnovative High Schools (limited availability) - Begin earning tuition-freecollege credits as early as freshman year by attending a Cooperative InnovativeHigh School, such as an Early College High School.
Students whoparticipate will be on a focused, directed path. Each course or credit theyearn will move them forward toward a degree, diploma or credential. Studentswho complete the program will have a jump on their post-high school work.
"NorthCarolina students want options for the future. Career and College Promiseoffers them a clear, accelerated path that puts college and career credentialswell within their reach," said Superintendent of Public Instruction JuneAtkinson.
Gov. Perdueproposed the initiative in her State of the State address earlier this year.Career and College Promise earned broad, bipartisan support in the legislature.The first students will begin work in the program in the Spring 2012 semester.
"I am pleasedthat the Legislative Branch and the Executive Branch were able to work togetherto bring this issue to the forefront," said Sen. Jerry Tillman, R-RandolphCounty, a retired school administrator who co-chairs the education budgetcommittee in the Senate.
Students whomaintain a "B" average and meet other eligibility requirements canbegin earning college credit or valuable job skills, tuition-free as juniorsand seniors in the college transfer and technical education pathways. Studentsenrolled in innovative high schools can earn an associate degree andhigh-school diploma at the same time. Career and College Promise consolidatesother dual-enrollment programs.
"Career andCollege Promise provides a new structure that lets qualified high schoolstudents accelerate their work toward college degrees or technical educationcertificates or diplomas, tuition-free," said Dr. Scott Ralls, Presidentof the N.C. Community College System. "Career and College Promise willsave students time and money and allow North Carolina high school students tomove forward on well-defined pathways, not just enroll in random collegecourses. It is an efficient and effective way to further student success."
Students whoselect the College Transfer option will be working toward earning 44 hours ofcollege credit that will fully transfer to a 4-year institution.
"We know thateducation is the key to transforming our local, state and nationaleconomies," said Tom Ross, president of the 17-campus University of NorthCarolina. "In fact, by 2018, an estimated 59 percent of North Carolina'sjobs will require some level of education beyond high school. Career andCollege Promise offers eligible high school students a head start in preparingfor college and can help ensure that they have a number of seamless pathways toenroll in one of our UNC campuses."
Gov. Perdue's toppriorities are helping the economy grow and ensuring that our education systemis preparing students to be competitive in a 21st century global economy. Theprogram is already receiving praise from business leaders.
"Thisinitiative is a bold and forward-looking approach to meet the educational needsof North Carolina's children, while also assuring the 21st Century workforceour state needs," said Cynthia Marshall, president of ATandT NorthCarolina and immediate past chair of the North Carolina Chamber. "I amconvinced that every child can learn and achieve, and this plan provides aframework for success."
Dale Whitworth,senior VP at Golden Corral and chair of the N.C. Business Committee forEducation, said, "Preparing students for the new knowledge-based, globaleconomy is not optional for us if we are to succeed as a state and nation.Career and College Promise creates higher expectations for all students and providesa head start that focuses and prepares them for college or careers."
Career and CollegePromise is part of Gov. Perdue's commitment to ensure that all North Carolinachildren graduate high school ready to succeed at a two- or four-yearinstitution or in a career.
"Gov.Perdue's Career and College Promise embraces the commitment we owe our studentsto ensure a successful future for all children," said Brian Freeman, a K-5instructional coach in the Cumberland County Schools."
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