February is Financial Aid Awareness Month

student aidAs part of Financial Aid Awareness Month, you are invited to participate in a How to Pay for College webinar Series.

  • 🔗 Understanding Financial Aid: Feb. 3, 6 – 7 p.m.
    An overview of how to pay for college, including financial aid, and examples of places where to look for gap funding.
  • 🔗 North Carolina State Aid Programs: Feb. 10, 6 – 7 p.m.
    Financial aid programs, including the Next NC Scholarship, the Aubrey Lee Brooks Foundation Scholarship, the Golden LEAF Scholars Program, and Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS).
  • 🔗 FAFSA Walkthrough: Feb. 17, 6 – 7 p.m.
    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to unlocking financial aid at the federal, state, and institutional level. Walk you through the 2025-26 FAFSA form for dependent students.
  • 🔗 Evaluating Financial Aid Award Letters: Feb. 24, 6 – 7 p.m.
    Understand award letters so you can make the best choice for your education goals.

Check out the recently launched FAFSA 101 on CFNC.org for additional information.

First-Gen Empowered Workshop

I am First Gen with the Central Piedmont logo.🎓 Are you a first-generation college student?  Are you interested in becoming a student leader at Central Piedmont?

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, join us Thursday, Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. in Parr 1010 as we kick off our First Gen Empowered and First Gen Leadership Academy.

Can’t wait to see you there! 🌟

For more information, please reach out to Courtney Lowery.

✨ Honoring Dr. King: How Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars Spent MLK Day 🌟

Group of attendees standing in a line, posing for a photo at MLK eventOn MLK Day 2025, Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars embraced the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the 31st Annual MLK Breakfast. This inspiring event, hosted by the YMCA, was a morning filled with reflection, gratitude, and calls to action. Two of our amazing scholars had the honor of contributing in a powerful way, sharing their voices and perspectives with the community.


🕊️ A Morning of Inspiration and Reflection

🌟 Tia-Tamera L. led the audience in a heartfelt prayer, reminding everyone of Dr. King’s unwavering message of love:

“Loving one another and recognizing the humanity within us all, despite any trivial differences, is what keeps peace alive.”

🌟 Nija highlighted Dr. King’s enduring legacy and reflected on how his work has shaped our world—and our own Central Piedmont community. She shared:

“If you did not know, Central Piedmont is a product of an HBCU (Mecklenburg College) and a PWI (Central Industrial Education Center) merging into an integrated community college in 1963. Learning this information helped me understand what Dr. King meant when he said, ‘We are not makers of history, we are made by history.’ I would not have gone to college if it was not for this school, so for me, it means the world that we are all able to stand together today.”

These moments reminded everyone in attendance of the importance of unity, education, and honoring the past while shaping a brighter future.


Students eating together at MLK breakfast🎤 Other Highlights from the Event

💬 Speakers inspired us with their powerful words and stories:

  • The young poet who spoke of hope and passion.
  • Rickey Price, who urged us to visualize and imagine, persevere, practice mental toughness, and push forward.

🤝 The YMCA continues to play a vital role in our community, offering spaces to grow, connect, and reflect on shared values.


💡 A Message for All of Us

As the day reminded us: Together, we are stronger. Our differences—our unique perspectives, experiences, and stories—are what make our nation great. 🌎 Education teaches us that we have so much more to learn from one another.

Deadlines Extended: Summer 2025 Study Abroad Opportunities 🌞✈️

Collage of international cityscapes with a photo of students travelling abroad in the centerCentral Piedmont’s Summer 2025 Study Abroad Programs are here to make your dream of exploring new cultures a reality! These life-changing experiences are open to students from all programs of study.

Here’s everything you need to know about the exciting destinations on deck this summer:

📅 Deadline to apply: Thursday, January 30
👉 Pro tip: Don’t wait—spots fill up fast!


Florence, Italy: May 21 – June 3

💡 Why go? Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Florence!
🎨 What you’ll study: Music, art, architecture, history, and culture.
🎻 Your guide: Central Piedmont’s talented musician and faculty member, Stephanie Lawrence-White.
📚 Course: Music 110 or associated CCE course.
Bonus: Two weeks in one of the world’s most stunning cities!


UK & Romania: May 26 – June 6

💡 Why go? Step into the pages of Dracula and explore the places that inspired one of the most famous gothic novels ever written.
📍 Where you’ll go: Whitby, England and Sighisoara, Sibiu, Brasov, and Bran, Romania.
📖 What you’ll study: The intersection of history and legend through the lens of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.
🧛‍♂️ Your guide: Humanities Faculty Chris Brawley and Bram Stoker’s great-grandnephew (yes, really!).
📚 Course: Humanities 130 or associated CCE course.
Bonus: Experience castles and creepy cool history!


Japan: June 19 – 30

💡 Why go? Dive into the vibrant culture and history of Japan while exploring breathtaking cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.
🎌 What you’ll study: Japanese culture, with a focus on Japanese Warlords in Modern Media.
🗾 Your guides: Princess Small and Allan DiDonato.
📚 Course: HUM 120 Cultural Studies or associated CCE course.
Bonus: Sushi, samurai, and stunning cityscapes!


🌟 How to Apply

👉 Interested? Contact the Center for Global Engagement to learn more or discuss your options.

Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities to study, travel, and grow this summer! 🗺️✨

2025 MLK Breakfast Celebration on Jan. 23

Person smiling and speaking into a microphone at previous MLK celebrationOn Thursday, Jan. 23, Student Life will host a captivating ceremony from 9-10:30 a.m. that celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Central Campus, Parr Center, Collaboration Stairs.

The program will include inspiring music, thought-provoking readings, historical reenactments, and an uplifting call to action.

Participants should be prepared to have engaging conversations and meaningful reflection.

Light refreshments will be served after the event.

We would love for you to be part of this special occasion!

 

STEM Tank Program Season 7 Application Now Available

Student presents STEM project

The STEM Tank Program aims to increase student STEM workforce skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication while meeting workforce demand and preparing students for economically-mobile, family-sustaining careers.

We want to increase the number of students in STEM pathways at the college, particularly populations underrepresented in STEM fields, like students of color and women.

During the Season 7 competition, students will present their research proposals to a problem that exists on campus or in the community. Students will compete for the best thought-out and feasible plan judged by faculty and alumni.

Visit the application page for more information.

Truist Honors Scholars’ Future Dreams Become a Reality

Central Piedmont Truist Honors Scholars are accomplishing goals faster than they anticipated by bringing the Honors Program Foundations of experiential learning, research, global learning, leadership, and technology literacy to life.

Two of our scholars developed and presented dissertation-style proposals for the National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates (NAAAS) Annual Conference and followed that by publishing their works. Former Alumni Scholar Angelika Nicole Santero has been published once, and our current scholar Tiffany Zamora has been published twice.

Angelika Santero

Angelika Santero

Scholars are encouraged to dream big and are supported to bring those dreams to life. The practices and processes required to develop a research article include high-quality enrichment experiences that prepare scholars for four-year universities and the workforce, which value higher-order thinking skills and research abilities.

Also notable is these scholars used their experiences to prepare their fellow scholars for academic conference presentations.

Tiffany Zamora

Tiffany Zamora

Santero is currently at UNC Charlotte, pursuing a bachelor of science degree in psychology. Her dissertation was titled “Exploration of the Impact of Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Their Impact on Mental Health and Well-being.”

Zamora’s dissertations were called “An Exploratory Study of Cultural Betrayal Trauma from Clergy-perpetrated Sexual Abuse of Adults in the Black Church” and “Language as Power: A Labeling Theory Perspective on Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Discourse.”

📣 Become a Central Piedmont Social Media Ambassador! 🌟

Student taking a photo with a professional camera

Do you love creating content and sharing your campus experience? We’re looking for Social Media Ambassadors to help showcase life at Central Piedmont! 🎥📸

As an ambassador, you’ll:

✅ Gain hands-on experience in content creation
✅ Highlight events, student stories, and campus happenings
✅ Build your resume and creative skills

Apply today to be part of the team and make an impact. 💻✨

New Campus Wellness Center Now Open at Central Piedmont

Photo inside the new Wellness Center

Central Piedmont is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its Campus Wellness Center—a dedicated space to support the well-being of our students and staff. 🧘‍♀️

Services Offered

The Campus Wellness Center provides a holistic approach to health, offering a variety of services to help you thrive:

  • Stress Management Programs: Learn effective techniques to handle stress and maintain balance.
  • Wellness Programming: Participate in activities designed to promote overall well-being.
  • Counseling Services: Access confidential support for personal and academic concerns.
  • Emergency Grants: Receive assistance during unexpected financial hardships.
  • Housing Resources: Find support securing stable living arrangements.
  • Food Referrals: Get connected to resources to address food insecurity.
  • Professional Clothing Closet: Access attire suitable for interviews and professional settings.
  • Healthcare Resources: Benefit from services including virtual healthcare, dental, and eye clinics.
  • Benefits Counseling: Receive guidance on available benefits and how to access them.
  • Referrals to Campus and Community Resources: Get connected to additional support services as needed.

 Location & Hours

  • Address: Central Campus, 1425 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204-2506
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

All services are free and available in person or virtually across all Central Piedmont campuses.

Contact Us

January 2025 Campus Stores Updated Hours

Student shops at campus storeCampus stores will be open on the following dates and times this month:

Jan. 6-10: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jan. 11: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Central and Levine only)
Jan. 13-16: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jan. 17: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jan. 18: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Central and Levine only)
Jan. 20: Closed

Regular store hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) resume on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

☕ Updated Hours for Catalyst Coffee Bar ☕

Candid shot of Central Campus Catalyst location with students in front of and behind the counter

Great news for coffee lovers! Catalyst Coffee Bar has updated its hours to keep you fueled and ready for success. Whether you’re grabbing your morning latte or a midday pick-me-up, here’s when and where you can find your favorite brews:

📍 Central, Levine, and Merancas Campuses:

  • Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

📍 Cato, Harper, and Harris Campuses:

  • Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Swing by to grab a coffee, tea, or snack and power through your day with a little extra energy! 🌟

🎓 Step Into Leadership: A 6-Week Workshop Series 🎓

row of students sitting side by side at lunchAre you ready to elevate your leadership skills and make a lasting impact? Student Life is bringing an exciting opportunity to Central Campus with a 6-week leadership workshop series designed to empower and inspire! 🌟

💡 What You’ll Learn:
Each week, we’ll dive into key topics that will help you develop essential skills for success in college, your career, and beyond:

  • 🕒 January 29: Time Management
  • 💭 February 5: Emotional Intelligence
  • 🤝 February 12: Conflict Management
  • 🌟 February 19: Everyday Leadership
  • 🤗 February 26: Fostering Meaningful Relationships
  • 🎯 March 5: Goal Setting

📅 When and Where:

  • Wednesdays from January 29 to March 5
  • 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Parr Center, Central Campus
  • Lunch Provided! 🍴

🎯 Why Join?

  • Gain leadership skills that look amazing on your resume.
  • Build connections with like-minded peers.
  • Earn a certificate of completion from the Office of Student Life.
  • Enjoy a structured, engaging series that sets you up for success!

🔗 How to Sign Up:
This opportunity is open to the first 10 students who sign up and commit to attending all 6 workshops. If you’re one of the lucky 10, you’ll receive a confirmation email by Monday, January 27.

👉 Register today—spots are limited!

Have questions? Reach out to Kate Breitenfeld at katherine.breitenfeld@cpcc.edu.

🍔🍕 Introducing the Burger Pizza! 🍕🍔

Craving something new and absolutely mouthwatering? Say hello to the Burger Pizza, where two all-time favorites come together in the ultimate flavor mashup! 😍

Flyer with a picture of a burger pizza; text reads: "Introducing the burger pizza" and "Limited offer" over the imageFor a limited time only, you can grab this game-changing creation at Cosmos Pizza in the Parr Center on Central Campus.

🌟 Here’s the deal:

  • Burger Pizza Combo – Includes a fountain drink for just $9.99! 💸

Whether you’re fueling up between classes or looking to treat yourself, this combo is a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet. 🙌

⏳ Don’t wait too long—this delicious offer won’t be around forever! Stop by Cosmos Pizza today and experience the best of both worlds. 🍴 ✨ Limited Time Only!

STEM Students Present at Annual Symposium 🌟

Student standing with presentation boardBetween 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

💡 Coca-Cola Consolidated Apprenticeships Information Session on Jan. 7

Student welding

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.

Why Attend?

  • 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)

Event Details

  • 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.

Cosmetology in Spanish: Information Sessions at Central Piedmont! ✨

cosmetologyCentral 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! 💇‍♀️🌟

Changes to USB Storage Device Use at Central Piedmont

students in a computer labCentral 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! 🌐

🌍 Summer 2025 Study Abroad Scholarship Applications Due Soon! ✈️

Students sitting at a table with a map in the background 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!

🎓December Graduation Details

Two graduates smiling and holding a #cpccgrad cutoutCentral 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:

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