Category Archives: Events

Boost Your Career with Central Piedmont’s STEM Tank 🚀

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Student presents at STEM Tank season 5

Ready to launch your career in STEM? Season 6 of our STEM Tank is just around the corner, and it’s packed with opportunities to build your skills, make an impact, and connect with mentors.

Program goals:

  • Increase the number of students in STEM pathways, especially students of color and women
  • Address workforce demand in high-growth fields
  • Prepare students for economically-mobile, family-sustaining careers

Why join?

  • 🔬 Research opportunities: Dive into real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.
  • 💼 Professional development workshops: Enhance your critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills.
  • 🏆 Compete and win: Present your research proposals to tackle campus or community challenges and vie for top honors, judged by faculty and alumni.

Key Dates:

  • Program dates: Oct. 3 – Nov. 15
  • Competition: Nov. 15, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Application Deadline: Wed., Sept. 20 (or until spots are filled)

How to Apply:

Need more info?

Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your STEM journey at Central Piedmont!

🎉 Join Us for AVANZA Latino!

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Four students smiling with confetti in the airCentral Piedmont invites you to gather every third Wednesday for a special event designed to create a sense of belonging and appreciation for our Latino students. 🌟 This is your space to connect, feel represented, and thrive!

📅 Event Dates:

  • Wed., Aug. 21
  • Wed., Sept. 18
  • Wed., Oct. 16
  • Wed., Nov. 20

📍 Locations & Times:

Come enjoy food, fun, and meaningful connections. 🌮🎉 Let’s build a strong, supportive community together!

Central Piedmont Truist Honors Scholars Showcase Sustainable Art at Climate Summit 🌍

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Fashion models wearing recyclable art piecesOn July 18, the Charlotte Youth Climate Summit held an inspiring art exhibit at the Popp Martin Student Union at UNC Charlotte, featuring two talented Central Piedmont students.

  • Itala Flores: A second-year student, Flores showcased upcycled fashion designs using materials like Legos, paper, and reused fabrics. Her work reflects her vibrant personality and commitment to sustainability.
    • Flores’s Inspiration: “I love to work with materials no one would usually work with… I love to work with color.”
    • Sustainability Focus: Flores emphasizes the importance of reusing resources to protect the environment.
  • Ian Hirsch: Another second-year student, Hirsch performed “Soft Extinction,” a piano piece divided into four sections that reflect the stages of climate change. His composition was influenced by thorough research and aims to inspire community action.
    • Musical Reflection: Combines beauty and urgency, capturing the current state and future potential of the environment.
    • Call to Action: Emphasizes the need for community unity in combating climate change.

Collaboration: The event was curated by Truist Honors Program students with support from local arts organizations, such as Charlotte Is Creative, which provided essential resources like mannequins and printing funds.

Supportive Faculty: Dr. Deninne Pritchett, faculty director of the Truist Honors Program, was present to support the students, highlighting the impact of their work on the community.

This exhibit beautifully demonstrated how Central Piedmont students are using art to advocate for sustainability and inspire change within their community. 🌱🎉

For the full story, read more here.

Counseling Connections Panel: Discover Support at Central Piedmont 💬

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Harris I building

Curious about the counseling services available at Central Piedmont? Join us for the

Counseling Connections Panel to learn more about the resources designed to support your well-being. Plus, enjoy some refreshments while you connect with the panelists!

Event Details:

  • 📅 Date: Thu., Sept. 5
  • 🕧 Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
  • 📍 Location: Harris Campus, Harris Building 1, Auditorium 1120

Meet the Panelists:

  • Kenya Guerra: Disability & Access Services
  • Brittany Lutton: Counseling Services
  • Angela Bullock: Career Counseling
  • George Curtis: Military Families & Veteran Services

This panel is a great opportunity to learn about the various ways Central Piedmont supports its students. Whether you’re seeking academic, career, or personal guidance, our counselors are here to help.

Come connect with us and discover how we can support your journey! 🌟

Week of Welcome at Central Piedmont: A Campus-by-Campus Guide! 🎉

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A group of students poses together in front of tents during welcome week activitiesWelcome to a brand-new semester at Central Piedmont! Our Week of Welcome is packed with exciting events across several campuses. Whether you’re new or returning, this is your chance to dive into the campus community, make new friends, and kick off the semester in style. Here’s what’s happening:

Central Campus Events

  • 📅 Mon., Aug. 19: Meet Your Coordinator 🤝
    Meet your Student Engagement Coordinator and win some cool prizes.
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Parr Center, First Floor Lobby
  • 📅 Tues., Aug. 20: Coffee, Crafts, & Campus Activities Board (CAB) ☕🎨
    Enjoy coffee, unleash your creativity, and learn about the Campus Activities Board. A perfect opportunity to connect with new friends!
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Parr Center, Room 0070
  • 📅 Wed., Aug. 21: Breakfast Bar 🍳🥞
    Join us for pancakes, cereal, fresh fruit, and more!
    Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    Location: Parr Center, Room 0060
  • 📅 Thurs., Aug. 22: Welcome [Throwback] Fest 🕺💃
    Dress in your best throwback swag and explore the amazing resources Central Campus has to offer. Music, games, and fun await!
    Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
    Location: Parr Center

Harris Campus and City View Events

  • 📅 Mon., Aug. 19: Meet Your Coordinator
    Meet your Student Engagement Coordinator and learn about upcoming events.
    Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Location: Harris Campus, Harris I, Hallway
  • 📅 Tues., Aug. 20: Student Group Interest 🍩
    Explore student group opportunities while enjoying coffee and donuts. A great way to start your day!
    Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Harris Campus, Harris I, Hallway
  • 📅 Wed., Aug. 21: City View Yogurt Bar 🍓🍯
    Indulge in some healthy yogurt with fruit and granola while learning about upcoming events.
    Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
    Location: City View
  • 📅 Thurs., Aug. 22: Welcome [Throwback] Fest 🕺💃
    Show off your best throwback attire and discover the exciting resources available at Harris Campus. Enjoy music, games, and more!
    Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    Location: Harris Campus, Harris I, Hallway

Cato Campus Events

  • 📅 Thur., Aug. 15: Breakfast Bar 🍳🥞
    Start your day with a free breakfast! Waffles, cereal, fresh fruit, and more are on the menu.
    Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    Location: Annable Building, Room 024
  • 📅 Tues., Aug. 20: Rotaract Sip & Craft ☕🛠️
    Interested in community service? Learn about the Rotaract Service Club while enjoying some coffee and crafting.
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Annable Atrium
  • 📅 Wed., Aug. 21: Welcome [Throwback] Fest 🕺💃
    Dress up in your favorite throwback outfit and explore everything Cato Campus has to offer. Music, games, and plenty of fun await!
    Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
    Location: Annable Ground Floor

Levine Campus Events

  • 📅 Mon., Aug. 19: Meet Your Coordinator 
    Come meet your Student Engagement Coordinator and win some free swag!
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Levine 1 Building Atrium
  • 📅 Tues., Aug. 20: Coffee, Crafts, & Campus Activities Board (CAB) ☕🎨
    Sip on some coffee, get creative with crafts, and learn all about the Campus Activities Board.
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Levine 2 Building, Room 1400
  • 📅 Wed., Aug. 21: Welcome [Throwback] Fest 🕺💃
    Throw on your favorite retro attire and check out the awesome resources Levine Campus has to offer. Music, games, and more will be there!
    Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
    Location: Levine 2 Building, First Floor Hallway
  • 📅 Thurs., Aug. 22: Breakfast Bar 🍳🥞
    Start your day with a free breakfast! Waffles, cereal, fresh fruit, and more are on the menu.
    Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    Location: Levine 2 Building, Room 1400

Get involved, meet new people, and make the most of your time at Central Piedmont! We can’t wait to see you at Week of Welcome activities! 🎉

A Summer of STEM Success at Central Piedmont! 🚀

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Two students presenting their postersThis summer, 70 Central Piedmont students completed the Honeywell STEM Prep Program! 🌟 Designed for 10th-12th graders, this program provided a hands-on, project-based experience to gear up for college-level STEM courses.

🌐 What They Did:

  • Diving into STEM: Students tackled math and a second class tailored to their interests—whether in science, technology, or engineering. 🧪💻🔧
  • Prepping for College: The program was all about getting these future stars ready for the challenges of college-level STEM. 🎯

🎓 What’s Next:

  • Full-Time Enrollment: Many of our 12th graders will be joining Central Piedmont full-time this fall! 📚
  • Dual Enrollment: Several 10th and 11th graders are planning to dual enroll, continuing their STEM journey with us. 🔗

🌟 Special Recognition:

  • Honeywell Scholars: Nicholas Wind-McJetters and Amariah Robinson represented Central Piedmont at UNC Charlotte’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Their poster presentations on July 26 were a huge hit! 🎉🎓

🙌 Thank You, Team!

A huge shoutout to our fantastic instructors—Dr. Carl Arrington, Samantha Carter, Tony Stanford, Sydney Baltimore, and Lauren Burgess—who made this summer unforgettable! 👏 And a big thanks to our amazing peer mentors—Merit Chukwukere, Mariam Idris, Yao Djaka, Kebron Mamo, Ashe Garrett, Joseph Posa-Mejia, and our coordinator Nekeitrius Davis. You all rock! 🌟

August Hiring Events

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Students talking to employers at a hiring event Looking to connect with top employers in the Charlotte area? Here’s your chance to explore open employment and internship positions! Check out these upcoming events on Central Campus and see what positions are available.

Upcoming Career Events 🎯

1. 🗓️ Wednesday, Aug. 21, 10am-1pm
📍 Location: Central Campus – Parr Center, First Floor
🔗 Event Details

Attending Employers:

2. 🗓️ Wednesday, Aug. 28, 10am-1pm
📍 Location: Central Campus – Parr Center, First Floor
🔗 Event Details

Attending Employers:

Check out the full list of upcoming career events on the Career Services Events Page. There’s something for everyone!

Need Help Preparing? 📝

If you need assistance getting ready for these events, Career Services has your back! Reach out at career.services@cpcc.edu or schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor through Handshake. Counselors are available virtually and at all campuses. You can also drop by the new Career Center (Central Campus, CH 206) during drop-in hours, Mon. through Fri., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to jumpstart your career! 🌟

Three Keys to a Great Start at Central Piedmont! 🚀

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Student using a computerReady to crush your first semester at Central Piedmont? Join our 30-minute virtual sessions designed for new students like you, and we’ll cover all the basics to make your college journey smoother.

What’s On the Agenda:

  • 📚 How to Read a Class Syllabus: Decode your course requirements.
  • 🖥️ Navigating Brightspace: Master our online learning platform.
  • 💸 Purchasing Textbooks with Financial Aid: Learn how to snag your books using financial aid.

When and Where:

  • All sessions are online via Microsoft Teams. Here are the dates and times:

These sessions are quick, super helpful, and the perfect way to kick off your semester with confidence. See you there! 🎉

Congratulations to Our Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 ACA Scholarship Winners

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A group of student winners standing in front of a projector screen, holding certificates🎉 Central Piedmont proudly announces the winners of the ACA Scholarship for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024! Each semester, seven exceptional students are awarded $600 each for their resilience and dedication.

About the Scholarship:

  • The ACA Scholarship is part of the Academic Related Courses (ACA) area.
  • To apply, students wrote essays answering: “Being resilient (the ability to recover quickly from difficult conditions) is a life skill that we often do not recognize. How have you been resilient in your journey as a community college student, and what does this journey look like?”
  • Applicants were evaluated on their eligibility and the quality of their essays.

📚 Fall 2023 Winners:

  • Yaretzhy Melo-Garcia
  • Lori Jenrette
  • Jaclyn Muckey
  • Sandra Tomas
  • Nandipa Kuuya
  • Maramawit Teketel
  • Thuy Pham

📚 Spring 2024 Winners:

  • Momoko Ozaki
  • Elise Ramirez
  • Samantha Stone
  • David Kushnir
  • Nicolas Golafshan
  • Preshonna Stowe
  • Aayush Niroula

Learn more about the ACA Scholarship and read the winners’ essays on our website.

Congratulations to all our winners! Keep striving and achieving! 🌟

HUB Program Reconnects Alumna to Central Piedmont

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Three people standing in front of GRITS red food truck🍴 Central Piedmont recently hosted its first “Chat, Sip, and Chew” event, bringing Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) specializing in culinary and food services to campus to meet with faculty and staff.

Event Highlights:

  • 24 vendors showcased their businesses and potential partnerships.
  • Jorieka Downey, a 2014 Central Piedmont alumna, was one of the vendors. She shared her inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles to build her successful food truck and catering business, G.R.I.T.S. CLT.

Downey’s Journey:

  • Education: Enrolled in Central Piedmont’s culinary program while juggling two jobs and raising three children.
  • Challenges: Worked third shift, attended classes, and balanced family life.
  • Career Start: Gained experience at Compass Group and formed a crucial business partnership.
  • Business Growth: Started as a caterer, gained popularity at events like the 2019 NBA All-Star Game and the CIAA Basketball Tournament.
  • Viral Success: Went viral with a stuffed turkey leg, garnering over 30,000 views on social media.
  • Celebrity Catering: Catered for concerts featuring Busta Rhymes, 112, Marsha Ambrosius, and more.

Overcoming COVID Challenges:

  • Despite setbacks, Downey used her savings, loans, and grants to purchase her food truck.
  • Awards: Won “Charlotte’s Best Black-owned Food Truck” competition in 2022, judged by notable figures like Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Congresswoman Alma Adams.

Resilience and Advice:

  • Setback: Faced a fire that damaged her food truck but continues to persevere.
  • Encouragement: “Stay in it,” Downey advised Central Piedmont students. “If it’s your goal or passion, you have to give it your all. Put your best foot in and never give up.” 🌟

Indulge in Breakfast Tacos Prepared by the Food Truck 101 Class 🍴🚚

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A student manning the mobile learning kitchenJoin the Food Truck 101 Class featuring our amazing Central Piedmont instructor, Anwar Cooper, and his talented students as they sample breakfast tacos! 🌮✨

🗓️ Date: Tue., June 25th
🕒 Time: 4:45 PM – 6:00 PM (or until samples run out)
📍 Location: Central Campus, Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Center, on the lawn

Don’t miss out on this tasty opportunity to support our budding chefs and enjoy some delicious food. See you there! 😋🎉

Reminder: FAFSA Night at Cato Campus 🎓

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FAFSA Federal Student Aid logoDon’t miss out! Join us for FAFSA Night to unlock your financial aid potential. Get hands-on help completing your FAFSA, ensuring you don’t miss out on any financial support.

🗓 Date: Wed., May 29, 2024
📍 Location: Cato Campus, Building I, Rooms 220/221
🤝 Inclusivity: Spanish-speaking staff available
🚀 Secure Your Spot: Registration is required

📅 Why Attend?

  • Personalized assistance with FAFSA applications
  • Get access to federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships
  • Ensure you meet the Aug. 15 priority deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year

🎓 Meet Ndianor Gbandala: From Liberia to Central Piedmont Graduation Speaker 🌍

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2024 Commencement Speaker Ndianor Gbandala in a white coat and gogglesNdianor Gbandala, an international student from Monrovia, Liberia, not only excelled as a Medical Laboratory Technology student at Central Piedmont but was also one of your May ’24 graduation speakers. Her journey to Central Piedmont began with her search for a welcoming atmosphere and a convenient downtown Charlotte location, which offered easy access to essential services and a supportive community where international students can thrive and feel at home.

A Passion Ignited by Science 🔬

Inspired by her father’s career in pharmacy, Ndianor’s passion for the sciences was further fueled by a microbiology class at Central Piedmont. This experience guided her toward a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. “The role of laboratory professionals in healthcare drew me in; I saw a way to directly impact patient outcomes through science,” she notes.

A Transformative Experience 🌟

Ndianor’s time at Central Piedmont has been nothing short of transformative. She values the supportive learning environment, the mentorship from dedicated faculty, and the friendships that have nurtured her both personally and professionally. “The combination of a supportive community, enriching experiences, and quality education has made my time at Central Piedmont truly rewarding,” she shares.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations 🏥

Ndianor Gbandala at the podium, speaking during the 2024 Central Piedmont graduation commencement

With her degree in hand, Ndianor aims to become a Medical Laboratory Technician in a hospital setting, where she can contribute to diagnosing and treating diseases. She is also committed to furthering her education and advancing in her field. Her advice to future students? “Embrace every learning opportunity, seek help when needed, and always be open to new experiences. Central Piedmont provides a platform for growth and self-discovery; use it well.”

Preparing to Inspire 🎤

Ndianor reflected on her academic and personal growth at Central Piedmont as she prepared to address her peers at the 10 a.m. graduation commencement: “This college has not only helped me fine-tune my career path but also equipped me with the confidence to face future challenges in healthcare.” Her story highlights the impact of dedication to education and active community engagement. 🌍🎓

🏎 Rev Up Your Career: Attend a Transport Systems Technologies Program Info Session 🔧

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Are you interested in a career in automotive technology, diesel heavy equipment technology, or collision repair and refinishing? Discover how Central Piedmont’s  Transport Systems Technologies programs can set you on the path to success in these dynamic industries.Automotive student holding a wrench, leaning over a car with the hood up

📢 About Our Information Sessions: Join us at one of our upcoming information sessions to learn all about the robust training opportunities available through our credit and non-credit continuing education courses. During these sessions, you will:

  • Gain insights into our program offerings and industry-relevant skills training.
  • Learn about the admissions process and work-based learning requirements.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of our state-of-the-art transport systems technology facilities.

Each session will provide a comprehensive overview, ensuring you have all the information you need to get started.

Session Dates and Locations:

  • Session 1
    📆 Thurs., June 6
    🕐 6 – 7:30 p.m.
    📍 Merancas Campus, Transportation Systems Building, Room 130
    ✍ Registration is required
  • Session 2
    📆 Thurs., July 11
    🕓 6 – 7:30 p.m.
    📍 Levine Campus, Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive
    ✍ Registration is required

Ready to Jump Start Your Career? Discover the pathways to success in an industry that keeps the world moving. We look forward to seeing you there and helping you drive your future forward!

🎓 Bri Duncan: A Story of Resilience and Triumph 🎓

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Headshot of Bri Duncan in her graduation cap with stethoscope around her neck

Bri Duncan’s journey at Central Piedmont is an extraordinary example of resilience, dedication, and the power of support. Hailing from Wirtz, Virginia, Bri faced the unique challenges of being a single mother and returning to school as an adult. Despite these hurdles, she achieved remarkable academic success, earning dual degrees in nursing and fine arts.

Key Achievements:

  • Academic Excellence: Bri’s stellar performance earned her a place in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
  • Scholarships: Her hard work was further recognized through scholarships like the Cato Future Nurse Scholar award, helping her graduate debt-free.

Driven by personal challenges, including her son’s serious health issues, Bri was inspired to pursue a career in critical care nursing. She has accepted a position at Atrium Health’s Carolina Medical Center in the Medical ICU, ready to provide empathetic care in critical moments.

Overcoming Personal Challenges:

  • Supportive College Environment: During her time at Central Piedmont, Bri faced significant personal obstacles, including her son’s recovery from a stroke and their home being flooded. The college stepped in with crucial support, offering a semester of compassionate withdrawal and allowing her to manage her family’s crises without compromising her educational aspirations.

As a commencement speaker, Bri shared her inspiring narrative with her peers, highlighting the importance of persistence, community support, and utilizing every resource available. Her message is clear and profound: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and never waver in the pursuit of your dreams.

🎓 Central Piedmont Celebrates Spring 2024 Graduates 🎓

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Group of graduates waiting to march, taking a selfie

On May 9, more than 1,025 students crossed the stage at Bojangles Coliseum to receive their college credentials during Central Piedmont’s spring commencement ceremonies. The event was a vibrant celebration of academic achievements, with ceremonies held in both the morning and the afternoon.

Student Keynote Speakers:

  • Morning Ceremony: Ndianor Gbandala, a 2024 graduate with an associate degree in medical laboratory technology, inspired her classmates by sharing her journey and the obstacles she overcame.
  • Afternoon Ceremony: Brianna Duncan, who earned her associate degree in nursing in 2024, addressed the audience, recounting her path to success and the challenges faced along the way.

Both speakers were met with enthusiastic applause for their moving speeches, which struck a chord with fellow graduates and attendees alike.

Two graduates smiling and holding a #cpccgrad cutout

Worth Noting:

  • Degrees Awarded: Students graduated with degrees, diplomas, or certificates from both for-credit and non-credit programs.
  • Flexible Ceremony Times: To accommodate different family schedules, Central Piedmont allowed graduates to choose between morning or afternoon ceremonies for their “walk.”

This year’s commencement not only highlighted the personal stories of perseverance and triumph but also continued Central Piedmont’s tradition of having graduates serve as keynote speakers, adding a personal touch to the celebration of academic success. Congratulations to all the graduates on their well-deserved achievements! 🎉

🎓 Celebrate Central Piedmont Graduates at Bojangles Coliseum! 🎓

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Central Piedmont Community College graduates, facing the stage during commencement at Bojangles ColiseumGet ready to cheer on the hardworking graduates of Central Piedmont as they celebrate a significant milestone in their lives. We invite you to be part of this momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements of your classmates and friends.

Event Details

  • Location: Bojangles Coliseum
  • Date: Thurs., May 9, 2024
  • Times: Ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Important Notes:

Can’t Join Us In Person?

No worries! Whether you’re near or far, you can still be part of the excitement. We willCentral Piedmont graduate in her cap and gown, posing for the camera with an arm on a railing be livestreaming both ceremonies on YouTube at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tune in to celebrate together, no matter where you are!

👏 Let’s Applaud Our Graduates: This is more than just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and success. Your presence, whether in person or online, means the world to our graduates and the Central Piedmont community. See you there! 🌟

🔍 Uncover Your Financial Aid Potential at FAFSA Night 💼

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FAFSA Federal Student Aid logo

📚 Overcome financial barriers to your education with expert guidance from Central Piedmont at FAFSA Night. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is key to accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.

What To Expect: A hands-on workshop focused on the 2024-2025 FAFSA Application.
Assistance Available For: State residency, college application, and creating your Federal Student Aid ID.
🗓 Date: Wed., May 29, 2024
📍 Location: Cato Campus, Building I, Rooms 220/221
🤝 Inclusivity: Spanish-speaking staff available.
🚀 Secure Your Spot: Registration is required.

Take control of your educational financing by attending this essential workshop. Don’t miss out on the chance to get personalized help with your FAFSA application to support your college journey. Join us and pave the way to your academic and financial success!

🏆 TRIO Student Support Services Hosts First Annual End of the Year & Awards Banquet

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On Thurs., Apr. 25, 2024, TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) held their inaugural End of the Year & Awards Banquet at the Greenway Restaurant, nestled within the Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Center.

Candid photo of people during the awards banquet, with attention directed to the front of the room

Key Highlights:

  • Guest Speaker: Dr. Jonathan N. Livingston, Interim Chair & Professor of Psychology at North Carolina Central University, and a distinguished alum of Central Piedmont and TRIO SSS, graced the event with his insightful words.
  • Student Reflections: Shania Johnson & Nahomie Musangusangu ’23 shared their reflections on their TRIO SSS journey.

Award Criteria:

Participants were lauded for their exceptional efforts, resilience, academic excellence, and program completion (Spring 2024 graduates). The prestigious TRIO Alumni Achievement Award was bestowed upon a Central Piedmont staff member and alum of TRIO SSS, recognizing their outstanding personal and professional accomplishments. 🎓 Additionally, awards were granted to students achieving a GPA between 3.0 to 3.9, as well as campus partners pivotal in supporting the staff to meet participants’ needs.

🌟🎉 Award Recipients Include:

  • TRIO Rising Stars: Sabina Darjee and Brian Luong
  • TRIO Shining Star: Edward Freeman
  • TRIO Scholars of Distinction (Participants with a 4.0 Cumulative GPA): Johana Castro-Castro and Taylor Williams
  • Certificate of Completion (Spring 2024 Graduates): Valleska Chay, Nikale Davis, Flavina Derrick, Shania Johnson, Shakiyla Pickens, and Maria Flores Malagon
  • TRIO Alumni Achievement: Mary Davis, Financial Aid
  • Campus Partner: Grants Performance & Development Office

The evening was a testament to the dedication and achievements of the TRIO SSS community, marking a memorable conclusion to the academic year. Congratulations!

🌿 Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month 🌿

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Counselor and student talking at a table

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of mental well-being. Central Piedmont is committed to supporting our students’ mental health through various counseling services designed to foster academic success, personal growth, and emotional resilience.

Available Counseling Services:

  • 🏫 In-Person Counseling: Available across all campuses to help you with mental and emotional health concerns.
  • 🖥️ Remote Therapy Sessions: Offering video appointments for flexible scheduling and easier access. Often, these can be scheduled sooner due to the high demand for specific time slots.
  • 📅 Appointments: You can schedule virtual, phone, or in-person sessions on the counselor’s assigned campus.

When to See a Counselor:

  • Relationship issues
  • Stress management and coping skills
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Life balance and self-care
  • Goal-setting
  • Substance use
  • Or anything else causing you worry or distress

Contacting a Counselor:

  • 👥 Our diverse staff are trained in various specializations. When scheduling, communicate any preferences you might have.
  • ✉️ Complete the intake form on our website, and a counselor will contact you to arrange a session.
  • 📞 For general inquiries, call 704-330-6420 or send an email.

🌟 Highlight Event: Counseling on the Green 🌟 On Apr. 17, the Central Campus Quad was bustling with the “Counseling on the Green” event, which saw over 500 students participate. This event featured:

Student receives a chair massage during Counseling on the Green event

  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Chair massages by our Massage Therapy program
  • Therapy dogs
  • Low-impact yoga
  • “Theater with a Therapist”
  • “Kick Away Your Fears”
  • Gratitude letters

🙌 Special Thanks to Our Contributors:

  • Massage Therapy Program: Delivered 112 relaxing chair massages.
  • Sondra Hines Yates (NextGen Program): Led enriching yoga sessions.
  • Therapy Dogs International: Provided comfort with their canine volunteers.
  • Human Services Club: Added a refreshing twist with mocktails and affirmations.
  • Student Engagement: Crucial in planning and supporting the event.Counseling on the Green yoga with students

💡 Remember: Mental health is as important as physical health. Utilize our services to improve your well-being and academic performance. Let’s make mental health a priority this May and beyond! 🌈

For more details on upcoming workshops and activities, visit our counseling services page!