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.

  • šŸ”— 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.
  • šŸ”— 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).
  • šŸ”— 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.
  • šŸ”— 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.

šŸ’µ Paid Internships at the Career Catalyst Fair: February 25

Student speaks with a recruiter at networking event

Connect with local employers to learn about internship opportunities and other ways to launch your career during theĀ Career Catalyst Paid Internship Fair! Employers from several industries, including finance, education, engineering, and moreĀ are currently looking for Central Piedmont students to work in paid summer internships. Open to all Central Piedmont Students.Ā Click here to see what positions are availableĀ and how you can prepare.

Event Information:Ā 

  • Date: Tue., Feb. 25
  • Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
  • Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Rooms 1000, 1010, 1050
  • Register today!

Need help preparing? Make an appointment with a Career Counselor onĀ Handshake or stop in for drop-in hours at Central Campus, CH 206 between 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Library Makerspace: Crafting

Student measuring fabric on the floor

🧶 Calling all crafters!Ā  Want an extra push to work on your project?Ā  A group of other textile enthusiasts to encourage you to complete your current work in progress?Ā  Then look no further!Ā  This close-knit community offers time and space for you to work on your current project. While we don’t teach you how to knit/crochet/sew, we offer encouragement, tips, and camaraderie!

šŸ“ Central Campus, Parr Center Hagemeyer Library Makerspace, Room 2250
šŸ“† Last Monday of every month, Noon – 1 p.m.

For additional information, contactĀ Faith Wahlers, Makerspace Librarian

TGI Mixtape Vol. III: Get Happy with Special Guest Lillias White

A group of TGI students headshots surrounding a headshot of Lillias White on a blue and black background

Join Theatre Gap Initiative for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration atĀ TGI Mixtape Volume 3: Get Happy.Ā This vibrant showcase highlights the talent and artistry of our TGI students as they take the stage to share their passion for the performing arts.

We are thrilled to honor Broadway icon and Tony Award winnerĀ Lillias White (Hadestown, Dreamgirls, Chicago, The Life, Fela!) with TGI’s inaugural Trailblazer Award for her extraordinary contributions to the arts and her commitment to inspiring future generations of performers.

Get ready for a night filled with joy, inspiration, and a few special surprises as we celebrate the power of theatre to transform lives. Don’t miss this celebration of talent and trailblazing excellence!

šŸ“† When: March 1, 7 p.m.
šŸ“ Where: Central Campus, Parr Center
šŸŽ« Tickets: Between $12.53-$58.62

šŸ”— Don’t wait, buy your tickets today!

First-Gen Empowered Workshop

I am First Gen with the Central Piedmont logo.šŸŽ“ Are you a first-generation college student?Ā  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.


šŸ•Šļø 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:

ā€œLoving one another and recognizing the humanity within us all, despite any trivial differences, is what keeps peace alive.ā€

🌟 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:

ā€œIf 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, ā€˜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.ā€

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 breakfastšŸŽ¤ Other Highlights from the Event

šŸ’¬ 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 mentalĀ toughness, and push forward.

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


šŸ’” 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. šŸŒŽ Education teaches us that we have so much more to learn from one another.

Deadlines Extended: Summer 2025 Study Abroad Opportunities šŸŒžāœˆļø

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:

šŸ“… Deadline to apply: Thursday, January 30
šŸ‘‰ Pro tip: Don’t wait—spots fill up fast!


Florence, Italy: May 21 – June 3

šŸ’” Why go? Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Florence!
šŸŽØ What you’ll study: Music, art, architecture, history, and culture.
šŸŽ» Your guide: Central Piedmont’s talented musician and faculty member, Stephanie Lawrence-White.
šŸ“š 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

šŸ’” Why go? Step into the pages of Dracula and explore the places that inspired one of the most famous gothic novels ever written.
šŸ“ Where you’ll go: Whitby, England and Sighisoara, Sibiu, Brasov, and Bran, Romania.
šŸ“– What you’ll study: The intersection of history and legend through the lens of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.
šŸ§›ā€ā™‚ļø Your guide: Humanities Faculty Chris Brawley and Bram Stoker’s great-grandnephew (yes, really!).
šŸ“š Course: Humanities 130 or associated CCE course.
✨ Bonus: Experience castles and creepy cool history!


Japan: June 19 – 30

šŸ’” Why go? Dive into the vibrant culture and history of Japan while exploring breathtaking cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.
šŸŽŒ What you’ll study: Japanese culture, with a focus on Japanese Warlords in Modern Media.
šŸ—¾ Your guides: Princess Small and Allan DiDonato.
šŸ“š Course: HUM 120 Cultural Studies or associated CCE course.
✨ Bonus: Sushi, samurai, and stunning cityscapes!


🌟 How to Apply

šŸ‘‰ 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! šŸ—ŗļøāœØ

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 fromĀ 9-10:30 a.m.Ā that celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. onĀ 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 pageĀ 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 ā€œExploration of the Impact of Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Their Impact on Mental Health and Well-being.ā€

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

šŸ“£ 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 forĀ Social Media AmbassadorsĀ to help showcase life at Central Piedmont! šŸŽ„šŸ“ø

As an ambassador, you’ll:

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

Apply today to be part of the team and make an impact. šŸ’»āœØ

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. šŸ§˜ā€ā™€ļø

Services Offered

TheĀ Campus Wellness CenterĀ 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 supportĀ 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.

Ā 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

Work-It Wednesdays: Connect with Employers at Central Piedmont!

Student shakes hands with an employer at a networking event

Looking for job opportunities or a chance to grow your professional network? šŸŽÆ Work-It Wednesdays are here to help! This weekly on-campus recruitment series is designed to connect Central Piedmont students and alumni with top employers in the Charlotte Metro Area. 🌟

šŸ“… January Lineup:

Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

šŸ“ Central Campus, Parr Center, First Floor

Wednesday, Jan. 22 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

šŸ“ Central Campus, Parr Center, First Floor


šŸ›  Prep for Success:

šŸ‘‰ Schedule an appointment with Career Services on Handshake to create a tailored resume and practice your intro.
šŸ‘‰ Drop by Career Services during Drop-In Hours (Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.) for quick tips and feedback.
šŸ‘‰ Details and employers may change, so register for events on Handshake to stay in the loop with the latest updates.

šŸ‘” Don’t wait—start networking now at Work-It Wednesdays!

2024 Student 1098-T Tax Statements

Student working on a laptop, looking stressedIt’s almost tax time! Central Piedmont will be issuing student 1098-T tax statements by January 31, 2025. If you are eligible for a tax statement and wish to receive the form online instead of by mail, please provide consent in your MyCollege account. The online consent is located in the student menu under “Tax Information.”

The IRS strongly encourages students to receive the 1098-T tuition statements electronically. If you do not complete the online consent in MyCollege, Central Piedmont will mail the form to your address on file.

Please contact cashier@cpcc.edu if you have any questions.

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

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

šŸ¤ Get help at Information Tables

Student at information tablePop-up information tables will be set up at all six campuses during the first few days of spring classes. Look for employees wearing ā€œAsk Meā€ buttons if you need help finding your classes or answering general questions.

Information Tables will be available on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13-14, from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., and on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 5-6 p.m.

Navigators are at Welcome CentersĀ year-round, and are available to help.

ā˜• Updated Hours for Catalyst Coffee Bar ā˜•

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:

šŸ“ Central, Levine, and Merancas Campuses:

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

šŸ“ 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! 🌟