What’s happening: The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships and loan-forgiveness aid to 50 standout students and recent grads across the country — and one of Central Piedmont’s own made the list! 🙌

Who won:
🎉 Evan Jezek, Welding student at Central Piedmont, was selected as a 2025 SEMA Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Why it matters:
SEMA’s Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing careers in the automotive industry and helps current professionals at SEMA-member companies pay off student loans. This year’s awards totaled $99,500.

What they’re saying:
“This year’s scholarship recipients embody the innovative spirit, relentless drive, and unwavering passion the industry needs,” said Jose Escobar, SEMA project manager of recognition programs.

By the numbers:

• 🛠️ 50 students and recent grads received awards
• 💸 $3M+ awarded since the program began in 1984
• 📅 Next year’s applications open in Jan. 2026 at sema.org/scholarships

👏 Congrats to Evan for representing Central Piedmont in a competitive national field!

What’s happening: Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Associates (CEENTA) is offering an exclusive Back to School special on eyewear — available Fri., Aug. 1 through Tue., Sept. 30 — at all participating locations.

Why it matters: Whether you’re studying for exams 📚 or catching up on course materials 💻, clear vision is key! CEENTA’s deal is available not just for kids of students, but for Central Piedmont students with a valid school ID, too.

The discounts:

• ✅ 35% off your first set of glasses
• ✅ 50% off your second set
• 🕶️ Access to a virtual frame gallery so you can try on glasses online before visiting in person

Where: All participating CEENTA locations near Central Piedmont campuses, including the Central, Levine, Cato, Merancas, Harper, and Harris campuses.

Learn more:
Head to 👉 ceenta.com/back-to-school

Uptown Charlotte | Sat.–Sun., Aug. 16–17

Looking for a way to show your support, earn volunteer hours, and be part of something powerful? Central Piedmont students are invited to volunteer at the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade 2025 — one of the Queen City’s most colorful, inclusive, and exciting events of the year! 🎉

Why it matters:
The festival celebrates Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community and relies on amazing volunteers to help bring it all to life. Whether you’re helping with setup, assisting guests, or cheering on parade participants, your support helps make Pride unforgettable. 💖

Event details:
📍 Where: Brevard St., Uptown Charlotte
📅 When:

• Set-up: Fri., Aug. 15
• Festival: Sat., Aug. 16, Noon– Sun., Aug. 17, 6 p.m.
• Parade: Sun., Aug. 17

Volunteer perks:

• 👕 Free volunteer T-shirt
• 🎟️ Festival access and behind-the-scenes experience
• 📚 Service hour documentation available
• 🫶 A chance to support the LGBTQ+ community and make lifelong memories!

Important notes:

• 🧒 Volunteers must be 14 or older
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Volunteers under 18 need parental permission

Ready to step up and show your Pride? 👉 Sign up to volunteer

📍 Central, Cato, and Levine Campuses

What’s new:
Central Piedmont’s summer food service hours will wrap up on Fri., Aug. 8. Regular food service hours return on Mon., Aug. 11 — just in time for the fall semester! 🗓️✨

Current summer hours (through Fri., Aug. 8):

• 🍽️ Catalyst at Central Campus:
  • Open Mon.–Thu. from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Closed on Fri.
• ❌ All other food service locations remain closed for the summer.

Still hungry? You’ve got options:

• 🥤 Vending machines with drinks, snacks, and food are available on all campuses.
• ☕ Campus Stores at Central, Cato, and Levine offer coffee, food, and snacks.
• 🍽️ Canteen catering is still available for summer orders.

What’s next:
Be on the lookout for updated fall food service hours coming soon! 😋

📣 Central Piedmont is teaming up with International House to host a Summer Seminar designed for young professionals and students. Whether you’re planning your next career move or just getting started, this event has something for you!

Why it matters:
This is more than just a workshop — it’s your chance to connect, grow, and gain tools to thrive in your professional journey.

What to expect:
📍 Where: Central Campus, Parr Center
🕦 When: Sat., Aug. 9, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

🔑 Highlights:

• 💼 Career planning & resume building tips
• 🤖 How to use AI to your advantage
• 🗣️ Effective communication strategies
• 📸 Free professional headshots
• 🤝 Networking opportunities
• 🥪 Free lunch — yes, really!
• ✨ And more surprises!

🎯 Ready to grow your network and boost your skills?
👉 Register now

Let’s build your future — one connection at a time! 💬🔥

Do you have a busy schedule and need an easier way to keep up with current events? The Library has a resource through NewsBank that offers monthly overviews of current research.

Topics covered include key global issues, business, economics, crime, politics, science, health, sports, the arts and more. 

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

Starting July 8, you’ll notice a small messenger icon in the bottom left corner of some pages on the Central Piedmont website, as well as your MyConnect log in page. That’s Link, our new virtual assistant here to help you find the information you need—quickly, easily, and anytime you need it.

✅ Here’s what you should know about Link:

🔹 Student-Focused Help
Link is built to answer questions about topics that matter most to you, like admissions, registration, programs, and student services.

🔹 Easy to Access Info, Straight from Our Website
Link’s answers come directly from the Central Piedmont website, summarized in an easily accessible format.

🔹 Easy to Use
Just click the messenger icon to start a chat. You can:

• Pick from suggested questions
• Type your question in your own words
  • Link can engage in more than 100 languages; just type a question in your preferred language to get started

🔊 Try Voice Mode!
Want to talk instead of type? Click the icon in the bottom right of the chat window to engage in two-way conversation with Link. Link can have two-way conversation in more than 20 languages.

Link is here 24/7 to save you time and help you get the answers you need, when you need them.

✅ Look for the icon and give Link a try!

If not, now’s the perfect time to check it off your list!

In just 8 weeks, ACA-122 will help you:
✅ Set clear academic and career goals
✅ Plan the classes you need to graduate
✅ Build stronger study habits
✅ Learn to use all the great resources Central Piedmont offers

✨ Reminder: ACA-122 is a required course you should complete in your first year!
(Not required if you’re planning to study Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Paralegal, or Medical Assisting.)

📲 Seats are filling fast—don’t wait!
Log in to MyCollege to find available sections and register for ACA-122 today.

Secure your spot and set yourself up for success! 🌟

Beginning Monday, July 7, the Cybersecurity team will implement a new safety measure to help protect against email-based threats. A banner will now appear at the top of all emails received from external (non-Central Piedmont) senders. 

This banner is designed to help you easily identify messages that originate outside the college network, so you can exercise caution, particularly with unexpected or suspicious content. 

Why This Matters: 

Phishing attempts often try to impersonate Central Piedmont by using our name, branding, or email format. Despite our existing email filtering systems, some malicious messages may still get through. This banner serves as an additional layer of defense by prompting users to double-check before clicking links or opening attachments. 

What You Should Do: 

• Pause and think before clicking links or opening attachments from external sources. 
• Look out for unusual language, urgent requests, or unexpected messages. 
• Report suspicious emails using the Phish Alert Button or by contacting the ITS Service Desk. 

Thank you for staying alert and helping keep our campus secure. 

Are you earning a degree in a high-demand field like:
✅ Health Care
✅ IT
✅ Engineering
✅ Biotechnology
✅ Skilled Trades
✅ Transportation
✅ Public Safety

…and want extra support, financial help, and a faster path to graduation?

If you’re a North Carolina resident and eligible for the Next NC Scholarship, you could be a perfect fit for NC Boost, a brand-new opportunity launching this fall at Central Piedmont!

🎯 What is NC Boost?
NC Boost is a student success program from the North Carolina Community College System designed to help you:
✅ Stay on track
✅ Graduate faster
✅ Launch a great career

✨ Benefits of Joining the 2025 Boost Cohort:
🌟 A dedicated academic coach who will support you every step of the way
💸 Reduced or eliminated tuition costs
🎉 Access to exclusive events and activities
💵 A $200 stipend every two months for attending in-person meetings and staying on track

🚨 Only 150 students will be selected—don’t wait!

🔗 Ready to get started?
Fill out the NC Boost interest form today. If you’re eligible, we’ll contact you with next steps.

Let’s get you closer to the career—and the future—you want!

The latest edition of For The Record, Central Piedmont Archives’ newsletter, is now available! 🎉

🔍 Inside this issue:

• 🏛️ New additions to the Archives Reading Room and Central High School collection
• 📘 A brand-new LibGuide for student clubs and organizations on preserving their legacy
• 🙌 Volunteer spotlights and behind-the-scenes highlights
• 🗞️ Plus more exciting updates from your campus archives team!

📲 Check it out now:
Visit our digital collections and click “View” to read the full newsletter.

💬 Interested in collaborating or learning more about Central Piedmont’s institutional history? Send the Archives team an email or explore more at the Central Piedmont Archives webpage.

• College username and password
• Banking information or refund method details

• Change your password immediately
• Report the incident to the ITS Service Desk

Central Piedmont is proud to announce a new partnership with Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates (CEENTA) to launch the Ophthalmic Assistant Apprenticeship Program—a trailblazing opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the growing field of eye care.

🔹 Why it matters:
The Charlotte region is seeing rapid growth in the need for eye care professionals. This apprenticeship program directly addresses workforce demands while offering students a fast track to a rewarding healthcare career.

🔹 How it works:
Participants in the program will split their time between classroom learning at Central Piedmont and on-the-job training at CEENTA offices across the region—earning while they learn!

🔹 Career ready:
Apprentices will gain the skills and experience needed to step directly into the workforce as certified ophthalmic assistants—no prior experience needed!

This partnership is a shining example of how Central Piedmont continues to connect students with in-demand, high-impact career pathways. 👏

🔗 Read the full story

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news from the world of cosmetology! Intercoiffure America launched a campaign asking students to nominate the teacher who made the biggest impact on their career journey—and the response was filled with gratitude and admiration.

💖 Recent Central Piedmont Cosmetology graduate Aquaria Weeks submitted a nomination that stood out, recognizing Candace Stitt as one of the most inspiring educators in her life.

Aquaria’s heartfelt words described more than just great teaching—they reflected how Candace helped shape her path, both personally and professionally.

🔹 “She has not only shaped careers—she has helped shape lives.” 🔹

While the top five educators will be announced in August 2025, we couldn’t wait to celebrate this amazing moment with our Central Piedmont family.

👏 Congratulations, Ms. Stitt! Your dedication, mentorship, and passion for your students are truly making a difference.

Due to regular year-end processing, the college’s registration and payment systems will close Thursday, June 26 at 5 p.m., and re-open on Tuesday, July 1 at 7 a.m.  

Don’t wait! Finish your registration now. Fall registration is already open for most classes– you can still register for classes online before and after the temporary closure next week. Registration for Continuing Education begins July 1. 

You will not be able to register or pay for classes during those days, BUT you can still prepare for the fall semester by: 

• Completing the FAFSA 
• Applying for scholarship opportunities 

During the planned outage, we can also still process transcripts and take cash and check payments, just no credit cards.  

Need help? Please contact 704-330-2722 or navigate@cpcc.edu. 

When Shenise Young stepped up to deliver her commencement speech, she represented more than just a graduating class—she represented resilience, transformation, and the power of second chances.

Shenise’s journey began at just 16, entering Central Piedmont wide-eyed and full of ambition. But life had other plans. Overwhelmed by new challenges and personal hardships, she left school to work full-time and raise her daughter. Her education paused, but her determination never faded.

💪 A Triumphant Return
Years later, Shenise returned to Central Piedmont with a 0.827 GPA and a full life as a mother of two, wife, and full-time employee. Balancing it all, she refused to give up again. Over the next year, she:

• Took on 55 credit hours
• Joined the NC Scholars of Global Distinction
• Raised her GPA to 2.96
• Graduated with two degrees in arts and accounting & finance

🌟 “Although I was in love with the idea of college… it simply didn’t love me back,” Shenise once said. But she proved that love and perseverance can reshape any story.

🎯 What’s Next
Shenise is heading to North Carolina A&T to pursue an international accounting degree with plans to work in forensic accounting and teach community financial literacy.

Her message to fellow Trailblazers:
“See it through to the end… Life is for the living. And as long as we’ve got breath in our bodies, we still have an opportunity.”

👏 Let’s celebrate Shenise’s courage and success—a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Central Piedmont is proud to celebrate the academic excellence of our students who made the Dean’s List and President’s List for Spring 2025! 📚✨

🌟 Your hard work, determination, and commitment to success have earned you this recognition—and we couldn’t be prouder!

🔗Spring 2025 President’s List
🔗Spring 2025 Dean’s List

👏 Let’s give a huge round of applause to these outstanding students!

Are you a singer, dancer, actor, or interested in production crew? Central Piedmont’s Summer Theatre Academy is your ticket to the stage!

This 4-week immersive experience invites high school and college students, along with Charlotte-area theatre enthusiasts, to be part of a high-quality production of…
🎤 SpongeBob the Musical!

🗓️ What to Expect:

• Hands-on training in all aspects of performance and production
• Collaboration with talented peers and theatre professionals
• Final performances that bring the stage to life in a big way!

🎟️ Whether you’re ready to shine in the spotlight or help behind the scenes, this is your chance to grow your skills and be part of something unforgettable.

Stay tuned for audition and registration details — and get ready to make a splash this summer! 🌊🍍🎭

Central Piedmont’s Technology Division invites you to its Third Annual Advising and Career Day on Tuesday, June 17.

Join the Technology Division, industry partners, and universities for a day-long visit to learn more about artificial intelligence, information technology, simulation and game development program offerings, certifications and continuing education, and internships or employment opportunities to help you launch your career.

This event is open to all students and our surrounding community and will feature additional program areas from around Central Piedmont. Central Piedmont student ambassadors will host tours as well.

RSVP to reserve your spot and get ready to explore all things tech here at Central Piedmont.

Event highlights include:

• Technology degree program orientation sessions
• Business and accounting degree program information
• Continuing education information for technology training
• Continuing education information for leadership and business training
• General information about Central Piedmont
• Meet and greet with employers and industry partners
• Meet and greet with universities to discuss transfer opportunities
• Meet with Central Piedmont academic advisors
• Meet with Central Piedmont Career Services
• Central Campus tours
• Professional headshots for current students available in Central High

Current Central Piedmont students are encouraged to dress professionally to meet with employers, or to sit for your professional headshot at our Career Services photo booth in Central High.