Between Dec. 4-17, one group from STEM Tank and one student from the Honeywell STEM Scholars Program presented virtually during the 20th Annual State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium.

The students’ presentations were based on one STEM Tank project and a summer research project outlined below:

STEM Tank:
Project: “CPCC STEM-focused Daycare, The CP Cub Care”
Students: Brenda Sayonara Souza Oliveira, Daria Yushchenko, Hermela Yosef, David Diza, Mike Vargas.

Honeywell STEM scholar:
Project: Project completed at UNC Charlotte “Cybersecurity in the Sun: Exploring Solar Powered Cyber Attacks on Power Grids”
Student: Nicholas Wind-McJetters

Central Piedmont Community College is excited to offer an opportunity to kick-start careers through hands-on learning and practical experience. In partnership with Coca-Cola Consolidated, we’re hosting an information session that could open the door to a future career for a student.

Students can complete this form to let us know they are interested or want more information.

• Get the Inside Scoop: Learn everything you need to know about the Coca-Cola Consolidated apprenticeship program directly from the experts.
• Explore Career Paths: Discover various career certificates that could lead you to a rewarding career at Coca-Cola, specializing in:
  • Manufacturing/Warehouse Mechanic
  • Diesel Mechanic (Red Classic Transportation)
  • Equipment Services Reconditioning (HVAC and Electrical Skills)

• Date & Time: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, 5 p.m.
• Location: Central Campus, Shaw ATC Building, 1105 Charlottetowne Avenue, Charlotte
• Registration: Secure your spot for the session and step closer to your new career.

Learn more about the apprenticeships and review Coca-Cola videos about the “day in the life” of these careers.

Central Piedmont is thrilled to offer its Cosmetology program in Spanish! 🎉 This exciting initiative is designed to empower Spanish-speaking students to pursue a fulfilling career in the beauty industry.

🌟 Program Highlights:

• 💇 Learn skills in hair cutting, coloring, salon management, manicures, and more!
• 🎓 Prepare for the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts Licensing Exam with hands-on training.

📅 Session Details:

• Start Date: Jan. 13, 2025
• Schedule:
  • Mon.-Thu., 4–9:30 p.m.
  • Sat., 9a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Cost: $180 per session (plus fees); kit and book required.

💸 Scholarships Available!

The GEER Scholarship can help eligible students cover costs.

🗓️ Attend an Info Session:

• Mon., Dec. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Thur., Jan. 2, 10 a.m. – noon

🎓 Learn about the program, scholarship opportunities, and next steps.

💅✨ Build your future in beauty with Central Piedmont! 💇‍♀️🌟

Central Piedmont is committed to protecting your data and ensuring the security of our college-managed devices. As part of this effort, we’re implementing new controls on USB storage devices starting Jan. 16, 2025. Here’s what you need to know about this important update.

What’s Changing?

Beginning Jan. 16, only approved encrypted USB devices will be allowed on Central Piedmont-managed devices. This new measure is designed to protect sensitive information and prevent potential data breaches.

Key Details

• Use OneDrive and SharePoint as the primary tools for storing and sharing data. These cloud-based platforms provide secure, accessible solutions that align with our data protection goals.
• While most students’ needs will be met by OneDrive, approved encrypted USB devices may also be used if necessary.

If you have questions or need help, please submit a request through the Client Portal.

Thank you for your cooperation in making Central Piedmont a secure place for everyone! 🌐

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the world while earning course credit this summer! Scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available for Summer 2025 study abroad programs.

• Application Deadlines:
  • UK/Romania: Dec. 10 (priority deadline); scholarships accepted through Jan. 22 based on availability.
  • Florence, Italy: Dec. 10 (priority deadline); applications accepted through Jan. 22 if space permits.
  • Japan: Dec. 10 (priority deadline); applications accepted through Jan. 22 if space permits.
• Programs:
  • Florence, Italy (May 21 – June 3): Explore the art, music, and history of Florence with faculty leader Stephanie Lawrence-White. (Course: MUS 110 or associated CCE course)
  • UK & Romania (May 26 – June 6): Walk in the footsteps of Dracula author Bram Stoker with Chris Brawley and his great-grandnephew. (Course: HUM 130 or associated CCE course)
  • Japan (June 19 – 30): Discover Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo while studying Japanese culture and warlords in modern media with Princess Small and Allan DiDonato. (Course: HUM 120 or associated CCE course)

Who Can Apply?
These programs are open to all students regardless of major. Study abroad experiences enhance any academic path!

📅 Contact the Center for Global Engagement for details or to apply today!

Central Piedmont is excited to honor our graduates’ hard work and accomplishments as they walk across the stage to commemorate this incredible milestone. Please join us in celebrating your classmates and friends! 🎉

📍 Location: Bojangles Coliseum
🗓️ Date: Thurs., Dec. 12
⏰ Time: 10 a.m. 

👜 Important Notes:

• Please review the Bojangles Coliseum clear bag policy before attending the event.
• Check the Graduation Services website for photo galleries after the event.

🎥 Livestreaming: Can’t make it in person? Join us via YouTube, where we’ll be livestreaming the festivities at 10 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 2- Friday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

• Cato and Levine will be closed 12/16

All locations will close Dec. 23 and reopen on Jan. 2.

Campus store hours for January:

Jan. 2-3: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 6- 10: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 11: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Central and Levine only
Jan. 13-16: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Jan. 17 -8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 18- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Central and Levine only
Jan. 20 – closed

Resume regular store hours at all locations on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Want to see the latest additions to the library? Check out the recently added books, DVDs, and electronic resources.

Congratulations to our December 2024 graduates! Career Services is proud to support our alumni after graduation as they continue their career journey. Please share the following information with your graduating students so they can connect with professional development resources.

As a graduate of Central Piedmont, you can continue to utilize Career Services to assist with your job search:

Handshake – Find jobs and schedule appointments with Career Counselors using Handshake. You can maintain access to your Handshake account by updating your primary email under “Settings” to your own personal email. Click here for more information.

Big Interview – Learn interview techniques and overcome your fears with Big Interview. Create your alumni account using your personal email address. Enter the login code: cpcc63.

LinkedIn – Build your network and stay up to date with our events by following “Central Piedmont Career Services” on LinkedIn.

Professional Headshots – Your online profiles are always in need of a glow up! Alumni can continue to use the professional headshot booth located at Central Campus, Central High 206.

Professional Clothing Closet – Alumni needing interview clothes are able to access the Professional Clothing Closet up to one semester after graduation.

If you have any other questions, you can contact Career Services at career.services@cpcc.edu or 704-330-6551.

Career Services will be available to help students who are seeking support for their job search, resume writing, and exploring careers during winter break! Please share this message from our office with your students:

• When will Career Services be open during Winter Break?  
  • We are open December 11-20, 2024, and January 2-10, 2025, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

• How can I meet with a Career Counselor? 
  • The easiest way is to make an appointment on Handshake. You can meet with a Career Counselor virtually or in-person. If you need help making an appointment, email career.services@cpcc.edu.
  • You can also come in during Drop-In Hours at our Central Campus Office, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Our office is located at Central Campus, Central High 206. While you’re visiting, don’t forget to use our professional headshot booth!

• What other options are available? 
  • Engage with our online resources, including finding a job on Handshake, practicing for an interview on Big Interview, and exploring opportunities with Career Coach.  ​​​​​

• Any other suggestions for career development over the winter holiday? 
  • Focus on building and connecting with your network! With 85% of jobs being filled through networking, it is important to not only search for jobs, but to talk to your connections about unique employment opportunities that won’t be found online.

If you have any other questions, you can contact Career Services at career.services@cpcc.edu or 704-330-6551. 

Starting Mon., Nov. 25, join us on social media for Seven Days of Gratitude, a weeklong celebration of the people, partnerships, and resources that make Central Piedmont extraordinary.

• What to Expect: Each day, we’ll highlight a specific group or aspect of Central Piedmont, sharing stories and gratitude.
• How to Participate: Visit our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X daily. Comment on why you’re grateful for the day’s featured topic and join the conversation!
• Miss a Day? No problem! You can always play catch up. 😊

Let’s come together to spread gratitude and make this a week to remember! 🌟 Don’t forget to use the hashtags #7DaysOfGratitude and #CentralPiedmont when you share your thoughts!

If you enjoy a bit of wordplay, you might say Brian Lucas is truly ‘welded’ to Central Piedmont. From student to instructor, program chair, and now Associate Dean of Skilled Trades, Brian’s career is a testament to his deep connection with the college.

🔨 A Central Piedmont Success Story

Brian graduated from the Welding Technology program in 2006 and returned to Central Piedmont as an instructor. Over the years, he rose to leadership roles, always carrying his passion for improving students’ lives.

“I am in every sense of the word a product of Central Piedmont,” Brian says. “Central Piedmont is my family. This has been the best job I have ever had.”

 

🌟 Inspiring Student Success

Brian’s dedication shines through the stories he shares:

• A first-generation immigrant who gained citizenship during the program, advanced to become a lead salesman for a major multinational company, and later returned as a Central Piedmont instructor. 🌎
• A struggling student who turned his life around after Brian took the time to create a plan with him. That student has since graduated and now works successfully in the industry. 🚀

“I love to see the success we can provide to our students,” Brian says. “That’s why I do what I do.”

 

🛠️ Why Choose Central Piedmont?

Brian’s message to anyone seeking their next career step is simple:

“This is the place to be. Central Piedmont will set you on a pathway to success using practical applications. There is no fluff here. Everything we do is designed to maximize knowledge and your skills in your area of study.”

With passionate leaders like Brian Lucas, Central Piedmont continues to shape futures and open doors to opportunity. ✨

Plan ahead for your bookstore needs during Thanksgiving week! Here’s the schedule for the Central Piedmont Campus Bookstores:

🕘 Hours of Operation

• Mon., Nov. 25 & Tue., Nov. 26:
  • Open 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Cato, Central, and Levine Campuses
• Wed., Nov. 27:
  • Open 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Central Campus ONLY
• Thu., Nov. 28 & Fri., Nov. 29:
  • All Bookstores Closed for the Thanksgiving holiday 🦃

Enjoy the holiday break, and don’t forget to stock up on what you need before the closures! 🎉

📍 Harris Campus – Catalyst is closed from Nov. 18 through Jan 5.

📍 Central, Cato, Harper, Merancas & Levine Campuses – Catalyst will be closed from Dec. 11. through Jan. 5.

• These locations will operate on a modified 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. schedule from Dec. 2 through Dec. 10.

📍 Central & Levine Campuses – Beach & Borough will be closed from Dec. 11. through Jan. 5.

• These locations will operate on a modified 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. schedule from Dec. 2 through Dec. 10.

📍 Central Campus – Hen & Steer will be closed from Dec. 11. through Jan. 5.

• This location will operate on the following modified schedule from Dec. 2 through Dec. 10:
  • Hen & Steer Breakfast: 8:30-10 a.m.
  • Hen & Steer Gastro Grill & Cosmos: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

All locations will be closed starting Dec. 11 and will reopen on Jan. 6 with regular hours.

Big news for Central Piedmont students and employees! Thanks to a $575,000 congressionally directed award, the college is opening a state-of-the-art Campus Wellness Center on Central Campus this January. 🎉

💚 What is the Campus Wellness Center?

This new center is a holistic resource hub designed to support your mental, physical, and overall well-being. It’s a safe, confidential space where students and employees can:

• Manage stress and discuss personal concerns
• Access referrals to college and community services
• Find a wide range of resources in one convenient location

🏢 Access for All Campuses

The Wellness Center will be based on Central Campus, but students from all campuses will be able to access its services. Stay tuned for:

• Operating hours ⏰
• Contact information 📞

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Campus Wellness Center, where your well-being is our top priority! 🌟✨

The Baking and Pastry Program wants to express its sincerest gratitude for the community’s patronage during the opening week of The Rustic Whisk Bakery & Bistro.

We’re excited to share what’s new at The Rustic Whisk for week two. Each week, you’ll find new items inspired by the season that we have creatively crafted. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s always something new to discover.

We are still taking online orders for our Thanksgiving sale until Nov. 20, and our Holiday Sale until Nov. 26.

• Location: Harris Campus, Student Life Center
• Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday-Thursday

Thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t yet, please follow us on our social media pages @TheRusticWhiskCLT. Your visits help us refine our craft, and we’re thrilled to share our creations with you. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Jahmicah Miller is setting an inspiring example as she works toward becoming the youngest licensed female electrician in North Carolina! Here’s how her journey unfolded at Central Piedmont and the experiences that fueled her success. 💪

🚀 Starting Strong with ROC Program

Jahmicah took advantage of the Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction (ROC) program, a Central Piedmont Career & College Promise pathway focused on construction technologies. Her hard work paid off:

• Graduated from Philip O. Berry High School and completed the ROC program in May 2021
• Earned 49 college credits—for free!—while gaining hands-on experience

“The knowledge I gained through the ROC program gave me the confidence I needed to serve as an apprentice for a Charlotte area electrical contractor after high school graduation,” Jahmicah shared.

🎓 Building Her Career at Central Piedmont

After finishing a company apprenticeship and earning two electrical technology certificates in 2021, Jahmicah decided to return to Central Piedmont:

• Culbertson Endowed Scholarship helped her complete an associate degree in electrical system technology
• Graduated in spring 2023 and quickly advanced in her career as an Electrical Mechanic
• Returned in spring 2024 as an instructor for the ROC program!

“This college has made my goals its goals. I’m honored to be a part of this community,” Jahmicah said.

❤️ Prioritizing Family and Giving Back

When her mother faced health challenges, Jahmicah put her plans on hold to prioritize family and community:

• Volunteered over 30 hours a month on local disaster relief and faith-based electrical projects across North Carolina
• Built new trade skills, including electrical estimating and installation

“Central Piedmont has never questioned my ambition but has always asked how they can support me,” she reflected.

🎯 What’s Next?

Jahmicah plans to take her BEEC exam in 2025 and is determined to make history as North Carolina’s youngest licensed female electrician. Her journey shows how determination, skill-building, and a supportive community like Central Piedmont can make anything possible! 🚀💡

Central Piedmont is thrilled to announce the first event of the 2024-25 Parr Arts and Humanities Series — a captivating performance by the West Virginia Dance Company at the Parr Center Theater! Experience the power of dance that combines stunning light design, visual art, and costumes to create a moving kaleidoscope of color and storytelling.

🌟 Performance Schedule:

• First Show: Thurs., Nov. 14 at 2 p.m.
• Second Show: Fri., Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.
• Location: Parr Center Theater, Central Campus
• Admission: Free, but registration is required to reserve your spot!

The West Virginia Dance Company performs for tens of thousands annually, delivering thought-provoking art that entertains and inspires. The Parr Arts & Humanities Series brings esteemed artists and authors to Central Piedmont, enriching the campus and the Charlotte community with world-class cultural events.

America’s darkest family is back, and things are getting complicated when Wednesday Addams falls for a sweet young man from a “normal” family! 💕😱 With Gomez keeping secrets from Morticia, this dinner party is sure to bring chaos! 🍽️👻

📍 Location: Central Campus, Overcash Center, Halton Theater
🎟️ Tickets: Available for purchase now!

Showtimes:

• Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m.

Specials:

• 🎫 BOGO adult tickets for Thursday’s show with code 2 SNAPS
• 🎓 Central Piedmont students get in FREE at the door with current student ID
• 🎟️ Employees get up to two $10 tickets with code CPCCEMPLOYEE