Unlocking Opportunities: Exploring Criminal Record Expunction

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy logo

Looking to turn over a new leaf? Join us for “Unlocking Opportunities: Exploring Criminal Record Expunction in North Carolina,” presented by the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • Understanding Expunction Law: Gain insights into NC’s expunction laws.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Find out if your criminal charge qualifies for expunction.
  • DIY Petitioning: Learn where to get materials for self-represented petitions.
  • Expert Assistance: Discover services offered by CCLA and other legal aids.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Tues., Feb. 20
⏰ Time: 12 p.m.
📍 Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Room 0070

Empower yourself with knowledge and the possibility of clearing your record.

FREE tax prep offered at Central Campus

Woman pointing to laptop, helping another person sitting across the table.

For the current tax season, Single Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont accounting and finance program to offer free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) on Central Campus.

If your household income in 2022 was $80,000 or less, you could qualify to take advantage of this free tax preparation resource. Students, staff, and faculty (including immediate family members) are eligible to receive free tax preparation.

Beginning January 30 through April 15, 2023, tax preparation appointments will take place in-person at Central Campus, in Central High, Room 258. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please visit the Single Stop webpage for available hours and schedule your appointment today!

Your Success Team is ready to help!

Purple background with white graduation cap, Watermark student app logoNavigating your way through college can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created a Central Piedmont success team just for YOU and we’re using the latest technology to stay connected with you every step of the way.

You now have your own academic advisor (if you’ve selected an academic program of interest). The Watermark Student app can help connect you to your advisor, who can provide intensive advising support and success coaching. Advisors help you explore your academic interests then develop plans of study that fit your career and educational goals. 

When you download the Watermark Student app – it’s easy to make an appointment or message your advisor without having to search for contact information.

If you need to access Watermark through a browser, you can click on the Watermark icon on the current students web page.

Here are additional players on your success team:

Need help with anything else? Contact us at 704.330.2722, or email navigate@cpcc.edu (en Español: ayuda@cpcc.edu).

Tax Deadline Approaching – Don’t Miss Out on Free Tax Preparation through Single Stop

female teacher standing behind student while pointing to a computer screenSingle Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont accounting and finance program to offer free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) on Central Campus for the 2022 tax season.

The last date to make a free tax preparation appointment will be Thursday, April 14, 2022. If your household income in 2021 was $72,000 or less, you could qualify to take advantage of this free tax preparation resource. Students, staff, and faculty (including immediate family members) are eligible to receive free tax preparation. Tax preparation appointments will take place in-person in Overcash Center, Room 232 on Central Campus.

If you haven’t had a chance to make your free tax preparation appointment yet, please visit the Single Stop web page for available hours and schedule your appointment today!

Free Tax Preparation for Eligible Students and Employees

counselor sitting alongside student while looking together at a computer screenFor the 2022 tax season, Single Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont accounting and finance program to offer free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) on Central Campus. If your household income in 2021 was $72,000 or less, you could qualify to take advantage of this free tax preparation resource.  Students, staff, and faculty (including immediate family members) are eligible to receive free tax preparation.

Until April 18, 2022, tax preparation appointments will take place in-person in Overcash Center, Room 232 on Central Campus. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please visit the Single Stop web page for available hours and schedule your appointment today!

Free Tax Services for Eligible Students

tutoring session with student and teacher reviewing book materialFor the 2022 tax season, Single Stop has partnered with the Central Piedmont Accounting & Finance Program to offer VITA Free Tax Services to eligible students and individuals in the Central Piedmont community. If your household income in 2021 was $72,000 or less, you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for free. 

Mark your calendars! Starting January 24th, 2022 through April 14th, 2022, you can take advantage of this FREE tax preparation service. Appointments will take place in-person in the Overcash Building, Room 232 on the Central Campus. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please monitor the Single Stop webpage this month for available hours and the calendar link to schedule your appointment!

Questions? Call 704-330-6435.

New Financial Wellness App Available to Central Piedmont Students

If you struggling with organizing your finances, dealing with debt issues, or just need more resources to keep you on track – join Finisiteful App today. Central Piedmont has invested in the Finisiteful APP to help you to keep your finances on track, save money, and better control your debt. You can sign-up today, with exclusive and early access to help save and grow your money with the FinSiteful app.

The college has provided this app to students free of charge, but only for a limited number of students on a first-come, first-serve basis.

You can sign up for Finisiteful now from your phone so you won’t miss this amazing opportunity to help keep and grow your finances!

Legal Workshop Series Open to all Students

counselor sitting alongside student while looking together at a computer screenLegal matters can be complicated and confusing. Join the Central Piedmont’s Single Stop office, in partnership with Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy for a semester-long virtual workshop series focused on a variety of legal topics. Get expert insight to help you better understand things like:

  • public benefits
  • tenant’s rights
  • healthcare
  • criminal history expungement
  • veteran’s benefits

Learn more about upcoming workshop dates and topics today.

Need Financial Assistance? Contact Single Stop.

Student receiving financial assistanceCentral Piedmont is committed to making sure that finances are never a barrier for our students. During the pandemic, Central Piedmont awarded more than $5 million to eligible students for qualifying expenses such as tuition/fees, books, food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and child care.

This year, Central Piedmont has additional resources available to support students with financial needs. If you have financial needs, please contact the Single Stop office to find out about the resources available to help you be successful.

Free Virtual Tax Preparation

Single Stop is partnering with Community Link during the 2021 tax season as Community Link is offering VITA Free Tax Services to eligible participants. If your household income in 2020 was $57,000 or less, you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted through the IRS Volunteer Income TaxAssistance (VITA) program. This year the sites will be 100% virtual. 
You will not need to go to a site this year for your tax preparation – simply choose the sign-up location that is closest to your zip code when you schedule your appointment.
 

Do you need help paying your heating bill this winter?

low income energy assistance program logoSingle Stop is a proud partner of The Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, which is offering help to residents this winter by providing Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) funds to eligible households.

LIEAP is a federal program that assists low-income households with their immediate heating needs, so they won’t have to choose between heating their homes and buying other necessities. Our community matters and Mecklenburg County is here to help.

You do not have to be at risk of disconnection or delinquent to take advantage of this one-time, direct vendor payment in the amount of $300, $400, or $500.  Residents will need to meet the income guidelines, be responsible for the bill, provide their account number and show proof of income. Checks will be sent directly to the utility companies/vendors. The amount of the payment is based on the household’s source of fuel (e.g., electric, gas, etc.) and other criteria.

It’s easy to apply. Download an application in English or Spanish and:

  • Mail completed application to 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
  • Email your completed application to lieap@mecklenburgcountync.gov, or
  • Drop-off completed application at designated location

Learn more about eligibility requirements and submission at county website www.mecknc.gov/LIEAP.

Free Loaner Chromebooks and Hotspots Available for You This Spring

student looking at laptop in the classroom with central Piedmont face mask onChromebooks and WiFi hotspots are available for loan — at no cost —  to help you continue in your classes this spring. If you need technology, we’re here to help you get the equipment and tools you need.

To request a device for spring 2021, complete the Chromebook and hotspot loan application or email singlestop@cpcc.edu for more information. Students needing assistance with the application or those without connectivity should call the Single Stop office at 704.330.6435.

Whether you are enrolled for the full semester, or registering for an upcoming short session, you will be able to use these devices as long as you are enrolled in classes. Approved applicants will receive an email confirming the pick up time and location. To preserve your health and safety, all pick -ups will be by appointment only.

Chromebooks and hotspots will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Apply today!

Lessen The Financial Burden with Scholarships and Grants

Need-based and merit-based scholarships are awarded for a host of reasons – choice of major, community involvement, special interests, creative talents – and that’s just to name a few. Regardless of your economic situation, take every opportunity to lessen the financial burden of college.
Central Piedmont has over 250 scholarship opportunities available each year. Students can access a number of these opportunities by completing the General Scholarship Application on Academic Works for spring. The Spring 2021 application deadline is November 30, 2020.
*Students who complete the application will automatically be considered for all auto-match scholarship opportunities. Certain opportunities may require supplemental information (i.e. transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Finishline Grant

The Finish Line Grant is designed to assist you in addressing financial situations that would prevent you from continuing or completing your program of study or credential. If you are facing a financial hardship, you may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover eligible expenses per semester. This is not a monetary award — funds will be paid to the vendor directly to cover your expense. If eligible, you can receive the grant a maximum of two semesters.

 Application Steps:

To apply for the Finish Line Grant, log in to MyCollege, select “Student Services,” then “Online Forms.”

Here is the information to apply for our student emergency grants/ student relief grant:

Eligible students are allowed to apply for The Student Relief Grant (CARES Act) funds through their my college account. The grant is for students with expenses that can be related to COVID (ex: loss of income, can’t pay bills, need technology for class, tuition, etc.). Students can upload their expenses (take a picture and attach it to the application) and the team will make a determination on how much to award you. This is a direct cash payment to you. Funds through this grant are dispersed to your Bank Mobile account.
To apply:

*   Go to your My College account
*   Click on Student Services
*   Click on Online Forms
*   On the bottom right hand side click on Central Piedmont Student Relief Grant

Learn more about eligibility requirements before you apply.

Student Emergency Grant:

Students can also apply for the Student Emergency Grant, that grant will pay up to $500 of expenses. This grant however pays the expenses directly for you, this is not a cash grant. So for example, if you need help paying your Duke Power bill we will pay that on your behalf.

Learn more information and how to apply today!

Need a Chromebook or Mobile Hotspot for Spring?

We want to do all we can to ensure you continue in your classes and achieve your academic goals.

If you are having trouble accessing technology, a limited number of laptops and WiFi hotspots are available for loan — at no cost. You will be able to use these devices as long as you are enrolled in classes and until we are able to resume traditional, in-person classes.

To request a device for spring 2021, complete the laptop loan application or email singlestop@cpcc.edu for more information.

Speak Out – Take the Central Piedmont Basic Needs Survey

Central Piedmont wants all of our students to be successful – academically, professionally, and personally. That is why we are conducting a survey to learn more about the real issues faced by community college students related to basic needs – food, housing, childcare, transportation, healthcare, technology, and more. 

We’ll use this information to improve our support services so all students can be successful. 

All current Central Piedmont students are invited to participate in this survey. Your individual information will remain strictly confidential.

If you are interested in participating, please look for your unique survey link in your official Central Piedmont email account. 

After you complete the survey, you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card!  

Thank you in advance for your participation! Please email Lynn Williams (lynn.williams@cpcc.edu) for assistance with technical issues completing the survey. If you are struggling to meet your basic needs and need help right now, please contact Single Stop at singlestop@cpcc.edu or 704.330.6435. Visit the Single Stop Web page.

Open Enrollment for Healthcare Navigation

Health insurance navigation, offered by the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy through Single Stop, is a service that helps families and individuals choose plans that are best for them within the health insurance marketplace implemented under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Take advantage of the opportunity to schedule appointments with a Navigator to receive assistance in applying for health insurance plans, as well as help enrolling in other federal and state healthcare programs, such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Here’s how you can schedule an appointment:

Open enrollment is taking place Nov. 1 – Dec. 15. For more information, please contact the Single Stop office at 704.330.6435 or singlestop@cpcc.edu.

Healthcare and Public Benefits Workshop

Central Piedmont Single Stop, in partnership with Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, is hosting a healthcare and public benefits workshop. Come to the Healthcare and Public Benefits Workshop on Wednesday, October 21 at 1 pm. Join us to learn about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and COVID-related changes to public benefits.

Student Life: Lunch and Introduction Virtual Sessions

During this time where we’re all online together, it’s still possible to stay connected to each other and to Central Piedmont. Join Student Life and learn more about some important resources from around the college. Experienced staff will present on their departments, how to connect utilize services virtually, and answering any questions.

 1. Thursday August 27th, 12pm-1pm

Single-Stop and Counseling: The Single Stop Office is available online or by phone to help connect students to a variety of basic needs support. Counseling Services will continue to address the needs for Pre-Health Program advisement, Probation and Suspension students, and personal counseling through phone and WebEx appointments. – Zoom link

2. Thursday September 3rd, 12pm-1pm

Library and Academic Learning Center: The Library is open and available to provide online, email, text or chat and limited in-person support to students. Visit the Library’s website to learn more about availability and services. The Academic Learning Center continues to provide free online tutoring services to curriculum-level students. –  Zoom link

3. Thursday September 10th, 12pm-1pm

TRiO and Mentoring & Bridge: Mentoring programs provide a structured and trusted relationship that brings you together with a caring instructor, staff member, or administrator who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. – Zoom link

4. Thursday September 24th, 12pm-1pm

Student Life and Service-Learning: Student Life has designed fun virtual student experiences, opportunities to build personal and professional skills, and ways that you can connect with other students. Service-Learning works with instructors and community partners to provide you with volunteer and service-learning opportunities. – Zoom link 

Free Loaner Chromebooks and WiFi Hotspots Available

If you’re having trouble accessing technology, we want to do all we can to ensure you continue in your classes and achieve your academic goals this fall. A limited number of Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots are available for loan — at no cost — to students in need.

You can apply to receive one of the devices by completing the “Student and Employee Application for Laptop & Hotspots” or reading more about this opportunity at Central Piedmont’s Single Stop Web page. Eligible students must be enrolled in a degree or transfer program for the fall semester.

Applications will be processed within 24 hours and devices are mailed each week. Please note, Gambrell Scholars should not apply as there will be additional information regarding Chromebook distribution shared directly with scholars separately.

Students needing assistance with the application or those without connectivity should call the Single Stop office at 704.330.6435.

Students will be able to use these devices as long as they are enrolled in fall classes. We will make every effort to loan devices to students in need – Chromebooks and hotspots will be distributed on a first come first servedbasis while supplies last. Apply today!

Please email singlestop@cpcc.edu for more information.