FAFSA Day: A Step Towards Your Future

Levine campus students

Central Piedmont Community College is excited to announce an invaluable opportunity for its students and their parents. We are hosting a special FAFSA Day, in collaboration with the College Foundation of North Carolina, designed to provide crucial assistance in securing your financial aid. Here’s what you need to know:

Event Overview

  • Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024
  • Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Location: Levine Campus, Levine Building 1, Room 2100

About the Event

  • This event is an excellent chance for one-on-one or small group support in completing your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  • We welcome all Central Piedmont students and their parents to register for this free event.
  • Our expert team from the Financial Aid Department, in collaboration with the College Foundation of North Carolina, will be there to guide you through the process.

Preparation for the Event

  • If you still need to, please create your StudentAid.gov Account (formerly FSA ID) before the event. This will ensure a smooth and quick login process, allowing you to submit your FAFSA efficiently at the event.
  • We recommend using this handy cheat sheet to keep your account information organized. 

What to Bring for FAFSA Completion

  • Bringing the necessary items will expedite the completion of your FAFSA. Make sure to have all your required documents ready for the event.

Central Piedmont is committed to helping you navigate your educational journey. This FAFSA Day is a step towards ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder your academic aspirations. We look forward to seeing you there and assisting you in unlocking the doors to your future!

Be the Face of Central Piedmont: Join the Social Media Student Ambassador Team

social media ambassadorHey, Central Piedmont students! Ready to turn your passion for social media into something epic? We’re looking for Social Media Student Ambassadors to join our squad.

Dive into campus life, create viral content, and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’re a camera pro or a storytelling genius, this gig showcases what makes Central Piedmont Community College buzz with energy. Get in on the action!!

View the job description!

Email us at socialmedia@cpcc.edu to submit your name and set up a meeting with our social media manager.

Free Tax Preparation Available for Eligible Students

Central High SchoolSingle Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont accounting and finance program for the current tax season to offer free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) on Central Campus. You could qualify for this free tax preparation resource if your household income in 2023 was $80,000 or less.

  • Students, staff, and faculty (including immediate family members) can receive free tax preparation.

From Jan. 29 to April 12, tax preparation appointments will occur in person at Central High 101 on Central Campus. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please visit the Single Stop web page for available hours and to schedule your appointment.

Did You Know That You Can Get Support from The Library?

library helpAll libraries feature a diverse staff at the service desks who are here to assist you.
We are available via online chat and texts for research assistance, citation help, and digital technology assistance, including Brightspace help.

 

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO support servicesCentral Piedmont is an incredible college with much to offer, but have you heard of TRIO Student Support Services?

TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) is a federally funded program providing students with:

  • academic and career coaching
  • tutoring
  • financial literacy education
  • transfer assistance
  • college tours
  • cultural excursions

My name is Shania Johnson, and I am a TRIO SSS Scholar. I’ve had the opportunity to build connections with other TRIO SSS scholars, develop my academic and personal goals, and enjoy outings to UNCC and Breakout Charlotte. TRIO SSS provides flexibility, allowing students to choose the activities to participate in while offering virtual opportunities. So what’s stopping you?

Join TRIO SSS TODAY! Visit TRIO SSS  to apply or stop by Central Campus, Central High Building, Room 322.

Interested in joining? Attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions. The next session is scheduled for Mon., Feb. 19, at 7 p.m.

Spring 2024 Short Session Start Dates

register for classesDid you know that in addition to full semester (16-week) courses, Central Piedmont offers 12-week, 8-week, and 4-week sessions to provide students with a variety of course lengths and start times? Learn more about these shorter options and register before classes begin.

Spring 2024 short session start dates:

  • Second 12-week session – Feb. 5
  • Second 4-week session – Feb. 5
  • Second 8-week session  – Mar. 11
  • Third 4-week session – Mar. 11
  • Fourth 4-week session – April 8

Student Story: Meet Sakinah Harris-James

Meet Sakinah Harris-James, a proud Vance High School and Central Piedmont Community College alum. Reflecting on her journey, Sakinah shares, “I chose Central Piedmont’s teacher licensure program for its excellent reputation and strong curriculum. The program’s practical approach to teacher training has further prepared me on this teaching journey.”

Driven by a passion for education, Sakinah aspires to make a positive impact. “Teaching allows me to share my knowledge, inspire young minds, and contribute to shaping the future generations,” she says. She highlights Central Piedmont’s supportive community: “The opportunity to interact with diverse faculty and students has enriched my educational experience. The college promotes inclusion and encourages collaboration, creating meaningful relationships and important networking skills.”

Looking ahead, Sakinah envisions a career filled with diverse experiences. “My goal is to become a highly effective and compassionate teacher who can adapt to students’ individual needs,” she explains. Beyond teaching, she dreams of opening a tutoring center in Charlotte. “I want to establish an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where everyone, regardless of their educational challenges, would feel welcome and empowered to excel.”

As she prepares to graduate, Sakinah advises future Central Piedmont students: “Actively engage in the college community, participate in clubs, and utilize resources for a fulfilling experience.” For her, Central Piedmont has been more than an institution; it’s been a supportive environment where obstacles were conquered and goals were achieved.

Sakinah’s journey took a unique turn from dreaming of pediatric nursing to pursuing teaching, inspired by the transformative experience of motherhood. “Becoming a parent opened my eyes to the importance of education and its impact on shaping a child’s future,” she shares. Now, with a clear vision of a tutoring center, Sakinah is determined to make a lasting difference, addressing academic but also social and emotional needs to empower students to succeed.

Career Services Open House

open houseNeed help choosing your program or study or applying for jobs? Career Services is here to help! Join us for the Career Center Open House on Tuesday, January 23, 10am-1pm, in Central High 206. Pizza will be provided.

Need help before then? The Career Center will be open for drop-in appointments Monday through Friday, 10am-1pm. The new Career Center is located on Central Campus in Central High 206. You can also make Career Services appointments with Career Counselors at all campuses or virtually on Handshake (https://cpcc.joinhandshake.com/).

Student Story: Evangelos Beall and the Path to Dual Success

Evangelos BeallAt Central Piedmont Community College, Evangelos Beall stands out through his involvement in the Levine Middle College program, a dual-enrollment opportunity enabling him to concurrently earn his high school diploma and an associate degree. This program offers a glimpse into college life and accelerates his educational journey.

Beall’s passion for anatomy sparked in high school, continues to drive his goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Central Piedmont’s flexible curriculum has been pivotal, allowing him to balance his studies with personal fitness and social engagements—components he believes are crucial for a well-rounded college experience.

“Anatomy fascinated me and led me to pursue orthopedic surgery,” Beall says, emphasizing the importance of balance in college life.

From a reserved student to a vibrant community participant, Beall founded the Native Regrowth and Beautification Club at Central Piedmont, merging his interest in gardening with his knack for leadership and community building.

Beall’s journey at Central Piedmont reflects the college’s commitment to nurturing students’ academic pursuits and personal growth, preparing them for future careers and life beyond the classroom.

Opportunity Scholars Make a Difference

Opportunity Scholars In a remarkable show of community service, 40 dedicated Opportunity Scholars from Central Piedmont have recently taken part in an initiative to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness. These scholars prepared 400 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and grab’n’go lunches and wrote motivational messages. These were all lovingly delivered to Roof Above, a nonprofit organization committed to combating homelessness in our area.

Opportunity Scholarships provide underrepresented students the support they need to obtain a two-year degree in various fields.

Benefits of the Opportunity Scholarship include:

  • Comprehensive Financial Coverage: Opportunity Scholars receive full funding for tuition, books, and fees for two years at Central Piedmont.
  • Academic Coaching: Scholars benefit from personalized guidance from an academic coach, aiding in career planning, securing internships, and facilitating job placement upon graduation.
  • Technology Assistance: Each scholar is provided with a notebook computer to support their academic and digital needs.

Become an Opportunity Scholar:

This scholarship is an invitation to advance your education and become an agent of change in your community. We encourage you to apply for the Opportunity Scholarship today.

Introducing The Art Hub at Elizabeth Ross Gallery

Art HubCentral Piedmont is delighted to announce the opening of The Art Hub, a dynamic new space dedicated to fostering creativity within our student and staff community. Mark your calendars for the inaugural opening on Jan. 8!

What to Expect at The Art Hub:

  • Photography Studio: A space for amateur and seasoned photographers to capture their visions.
  • Creative Spaces: Abundant room to spread out and dive into your artistic projects, whether sketching, painting, sculpting, or engaging in any form of visual art.
  • Workshops: Participate in various workshops to help you hone your skills and learn new techniques across different mediums.
  • Meeting Spaces: Collaborative areas where you can brainstorm, critique, and share ideas with peers and mentors.
  • Exhibition Opportunities: A year-round platform to showcase your work, giving visibility to the diverse talents within our college.

The Art Hub is more than just a space; it’s a community. It’s where your ideas can take shape, and art is made, shared, and celebrated. 

So bring your ideas, your projects, and your passion. The Art Hub is your new canvas at Central Piedmont. Let’s make something amazing together.

Finals Game Plan

student studyingGet ready to tackle finals with confidence!

  • Tuesday, November 21
  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Central Campus – Parr Center First Floor Lobby
  • Strategy sessions and free giveaways

It’s the perfect opportunity to devise your study strategy and boost your prep with helpful freebies. Don’t miss out on how to optimize your finals week approach!

Demi Snow Receives the Community Impact Award

Demi SnowCentral Piedmont Community College student Demi Snow was recently honored with the 2023 Community Impact Student Award by NC Campus Engagement for her outstanding commitment and contribution to civic and community engagement.

Snow was selected as the award winner by Central Piedmont after carefully considering students who have made a lasting impact while at the college. She was honored for her efforts and achievements at the recent NC Campus Engagement biennial CSNAP Student Conference.

Since 2006, the Community Impact Student Award (CISA) recognizes an outstanding, full-time undergraduate student service leader from each NC Campus Engagement member college. Award winners are selected by campus leaders and honored during the biennial CSNAP Student Conference. This year, CSNAP was held at NC State University with the theme, “Rising Together: Students Depolarizing North Carolina.”

Snow was selected as the Central Piedmont CISA winner for her exceptional commitment to civic engagement and equity advocacy both on and off campus. Her journey began as she matriculated through an intensive summer service program, an adaptation of the Citizen Redefined curriculum, which equipped cohorts of students with essential civic skills through interactive workshops. Following the program, Snow was inspired to partner with local non-profits, engaging in various volunteer services to address pressing community needs.

Snow’s impact is most notable in her work as a multi-campus dialogue facilitator within the Student Engagement department, where she has been instrumental in engaging students in meaningful and crucial dialogues regarding equity issues, specifically focusing on gender and sexuality. Her efforts have fostered inclusive discussions and empowered students to participate actively in conversations vital to a diverse campus environment.

Beyond her roles within the Student Engagement department, Snow’s involvement in various campus clubs and organizations dedicated to intersectional equity and community service has been exemplary. Collaborating with members of her summer cohort, local non-profits, and her peers, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing and amplifying community issues, effectively bringing attention to pertinent matters among the student body.

Snow graciously accepted the Community Impact Student Award as the Central Piedmont Community College Winner on Nov. 4, alongside 14 other students representing colleges and universities across North Carolina.

November is Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our nation.

If you are a Native-identifying student, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at socialmedia@cpcc.edu.

To learn more, explore the Central Piedmont Library LibGuide for Native American Heritage Month.

 

Central Piedmont Reads!

Students in the Hagemeyer Library at Central Campus.

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Central Piedmont Library, in partnership with the English department, will host “Central Piedmont Reads!”

These discussions, led by faculty and staff, highlight Native American authors and the culture and history of Native American and Indigenous people.

Read the book, bring your lunch, and join us for a campus discussion session through the month of November:

  • Central Campus: “Crazy Brave: A Memoir,” by Joy Harjo
  • Merancas Campus: “Berry Song,” by by Michaela Goade and Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii; and  “I Am Not a Number,” by Jenny Kay Dupuis
  • Cato Campus: “Dog Flowers: A Memoir, An Archive,” by Danielle Geller
  • Levine Campus: “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley

Review the event page for the dates and details of each book discussion, hosted by library staff and English instructors.

First Generation College Celebration

I am First Gen with the Central Piedmont logo.Are you a first-generation college student? First-generation college students are students whose parents (mothers/fathers) did not receive a 4-year college/university degree.

All students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to join us next week, November 7-10, to celebrate National First Generation College Student Week.

Revew the schedule of events on the First Gen event page.

Career Development Week, Nov. 14-16

An employer speaks with a student after a panel.

An employer speaks with a student after a panel discussion.

Mark your calendars for Career Development Week! Workshops will take place Tuesday, November 14 – Thursday, November 16.

Review all the events and register to attend.

You will have opportunities to engage with employers from various industries during professional development workshops, including LinkedIn, resume development, mock interviews, employer panels, and a meet and greet.

Employers will also speak about current employment opportunities at their companies and discuss the skills necessary to be successful in this current job market.

Career Development Week is hosted by the Office of Mentoring and Coaching in conjunction with Career Services.

Congratulations to the Typing Contest Winners

The Central Piedmont Library and the Digital Literacy Learning space hosted a typing contest during Digital Inclusion Week at the beginning of October.

Many students rose to the keyboard challenge and let their fingers fly in this fun game, and the top three scores have been tallied.

We are announcing the winners of the ZType game (which, if you missed out, is free to play, and some quick addictive fun).

Congratulations to:

Three students show off their certificates.

  • First place: Patricia DeLaCruz
  • Second place: Mark Squires
  • Third place: Sergio Ordonez

Scholarships for Spring and Summer 2024

Happy graduates smiling for a selfie photo.The Central Piedmont Foundation student scholarship portal is open  Nov. 1- Dec. 17 to apply for scholarships for spring and summer of 2024. If you have not yet submitted a scholarship application for the 2023-2024 academic year then don’t miss out on this opportunity!

If you already submitted an application but have not yet received an award, you will automatically be considered for spring and summer 2024. You do not need to resubmit your application unless something has changed, or if you want to make updates to your already submitted application.

The deadline to apply is midnight on December 17. If you are awarded a scholarship for spring or summer 2024, you will be notified by email to your student account on or by December 18.

If you have questions about the scholarship application process, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Pro tip: be sure to answer all questions as fully as you can. Don’t be afraid to give examples and talk about your experiences, accomplishments and needs. Great answers will help you set yourself apart from other applicants.