From a young age, Meaghan Robbins has wanted to be a teacher. But in the years after she graduated from high school, life happened. She has worked as a medical assistant at Atrium Health for 16 years while raising her three children. However, when her children became adults, she decided it was time to go back to school. She did so at Central Piedmont, completing her Associate in Arts degree in teacher preparation with a helping hand from the NC Boost program.

A native of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Meaghan began looking into college options alongside her daughter. She ultimately chose Central Piedmont for its affordability and flexible nature. While working full-time, she completed all her classes online. 

"After I got off work, I would do schoolwork," she said.

Having been out of school for nearly two decades, she was a bit apprehensive about becoming a student again. Plus, online learning was new to her. But once she got acclimated, she found the Central Piedmont community supportive.

"The staff has been very helpful," she said. "If you have any questions and they don't know it, they'll find somebody that does."

Among the support she received was through NC Boost, a North Carolina Community College System initiative. It helps eligible North Carolina residents early in their studies earn credentials faster and move into careers that align with the state's workforce goals. The program includes financial support, coaching and exclusive activities and events.

Central Piedmont was one of the first eight community colleges to take part in NC Boost when it kicked off in fall 2025, meaning Meaghan was in the initial group of students. She received an email informing her that she might be eligible. She applied and was accepted, soon discovering the support extended far beyond the classroom.

Meaghan notes that the webinars and classes she attended covered diverse topics ranging from how to file taxes to personal development and improving study habits.

"It's been very eye-opening, and I know I learned more about myself being in that program," Meaghan said. "It really makes you focus on yourself, what you want and where you want to go."

Outside of occasional mandatory in-person meetings, Meaghan received much of her NC Boost coaching online, meeting once or twice a month. As a result, she could still focus on her full-time job, and the NC Boost team also constantly kept her informed about new classes or seminars that she might find of interest.

Meaghan completed her associate degree in summer 2026 and now plans to earn her bachelor's from Appalachian State University, focusing on K-6 education.

In addition to working full-time, Meaghan helps care for her mother, who has dementia, and spends time with her grandchild. But despite a very full schedule with many people relying on her, she is making education a priority.

"You're never too old to go back to school and achieve your dreams," she said.

With her work ethic, compassion and commitment to self-improvement, those dreams are now finally within reach.

A new career could be just weeks away. This fall, Central Piedmont Community College is launching several continuing education programs that prepare students for opportunities in biotechnology, veterinary assisting, barbering, esthetics and nail technology.

As industries evolve and workforce demands shift, short-term training programs offer a valuable pathway for individuals seeking to enter a new field, gain specialized skills or advance in their current careers. From biotechnology and animal health to personal care and wellness services, these programs help connect students with employment opportunities while supplying local employers with the skilled talent they need to grow and serve the community.

"Students today are looking for affordable, flexible ways to launch their careers, and these new programs help meet that need," said Dr. Heather Hill, provost and chief academic officer at Central Piedmont. "By combining hands-on learning with workforce-relevant skills, these programs can help students prepare for careers in high-growth industries and enter the workforce with confidence."

Preparing students for careers in biotech

The new BioWork Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level careers in biotechnology, biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing, industries that continue to experience significant growth across North Carolina.

The eight-week hybrid program combines flexible online instruction with hands-on laboratory training. Students learn foundational skills in bioprocessing, manufacturing operations, quality practices and laboratory procedures while gaining practical experience in laboratory, manufacturing and cleanroom environments.

The program is open to individuals age 18 and older who hold a high school diploma or GED. Classes begin Aug. 30.

According to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the state has more than 100,000 jobs in life sciences, and the industry has seen a 23% growth in employment since 2019.

Veterinary Assisting Technician Program combines classroom learning, clinical experience

Students interested in animal care can now enroll in Central Piedmont's Veterinary Assisting Technician Program, a 15-week hybrid program that blends online learning, in-person training and real-world clinical experience.

The program includes 12 online modules, weekly hands-on practical lessons and an externship at an affiliated companion animal veterinary clinic. Students develop skills in animal care, laboratory procedures, diagnostics, surgical and anesthesia support, radiography, pharmacy procedures and client communication.

Graduates will be prepared for entry-level opportunities in veterinary practices and animal care settings. The program begins Aug. 17.

New beauty and wellness programs coming to Harris Campus

Central Piedmont is also expanding workforce training at its Harris Campus with the addition of three new continuing education programs: Barbering Licensing, Esthetics and Manicuring & Pedicuring.

The programs support the college's broader investment in the Harris Campus, which is undergoing a significant expansion to increase educational opportunities and serve more students in southeast Mecklenburg County.

The Barbering Licensing Program prepares students for careers as licensed barbers through instruction in haircutting, shaving, grooming, customer service, safety, sanitation and advanced barbering techniques.

The Esthetics Certificate Program provides comprehensive training in skincare, facials, hair removal, makeup application, client consultation and professional salon practices, preparing students for licensure and careers in the skincare and beauty industry.

The Manicuring & Pedicuring Certificate Program equips students with skills in nail care, artificial nail enhancements, client consultation, sanitation standards and customer service, preparing graduates for North Carolina nail technician licensure and employment in salons and spas.

All three programs begin in September.

Individuals interested in learning more about the new continuing education offerings or enrolling in a program can visit the Central Piedmont Continuing Education website for additional information and registration details.

Most people would struggle to balance a full-time job, college coursework and raising a young child. Jocelyn "Joy" Riley managed all three while earning a bachelor's degree from Western Carolina University and an associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College at the same time. 

Now, the working mother is back in the classroom pursuing a second associate degree, proving that determination and flexibility can turn even the busiest season of life into an opportunity for growth.

Originally from Atlanta, Joy began college in the traditional way at an institution in Georgia after she graduated from high school.

"I was a kid and I just wanted to kind of do my own thing," she said. "I did not take anything serious, but as you grow up and time goes by, I said I want to finish my education. I made that a priority."

She moved to the Charlotte area in 2014 when she got a job as a flight attendant and worked in the sky for six years. However, when the COVID pandemic deeply affected the airline industry, she decided it was time to do something different. She started as a bank teller and ultimately discovered an unexpected passion for fraud-related work.

"The research aspects of looking into people's transaction history, account habits and detecting fraud were really exciting for me," Joy said.

With an interest in both finance and the legal system, it was around this time that she also decided to return to school.

"I went back to school in January 2022 and started taking classes at Central Piedmont later that year," Joy said. "Western Carolina is a great university, but its distance-learning program didn't offer everything I needed at the time. I began to take courses at Central Piedmont and loved it."

As she neared her bachelor's, supplemented by transferable Central Piedmont credits, she also learned from her Central Piedmont advisor that she was close to an associate degree. As a result, Joy earned both degrees concurrently in the spring of 2026, benefitting from the Reverse Transfer program. The program allows eligible students to combine credits from their university with those earned at Central Piedmont to complete an associate degree. 

To continue her education, Joy recently enrolled in the Paralegal Technology program at Central Piedmont. She hopes to eventually work in criminal law and focus on the research aspects of the profession. She comes by that interest naturally, with an attorney and judge in her family. 

The convenience and flexibility of Central Piedmont's online system have helped Joy as she balances her job and the responsibilities of rearing a toddler. A Merancas Scholar, she has also worked closely with the Office of Financial Aid.

"The financial aid department will really work with you to try to find the best option to help you because they want you to succeed," Joy said. "They want you to take your classes and get your degree and do whatever it is that you need to do."

While Joy is undeniably driven, she also notes the importance of self-care. In fact, as a karaoke fan, she made time to go to karaoke nights once or twice a month to offset some of the pressure from school as she earned her first set of degrees.

In the future, she wants to stay connected to the Central Piedmont community through the Alumni Leadership Council and hopes her story can inspire others.

"I would like to take advantage of an opportunity to pay it forward, pass it on, because there are so many people in the same situation I am," Joy said. "They have families; they're taking care of little ones while trying to log in to classes. I want to be part of something that encourages and inspires."

The first college commencement Akai Martin ever attended happened when his aunt graduated from Columbia University. She had started as a community college student and ultimately made her way to the Ivy League. Akai, inspired by her journey, knew he wanted to follow the same path.

Now, he has made that dream a reality. He graduated from Central Piedmont Community College in the spring of 2026 with an Associate in Arts degree before transferring to Yale. Along the way, he became Central Piedmont's Student Government Association (SGA) president while serving as an Air Force reservist. 

"I wanted to go to a community college that's investing in its students and a campus that is beautiful as well," Akai said.

Born in North Carolina, Akai spent much of his youth in Lauderhill, Florida, between West Palm Beach and Miami. Four years ago, he returned to the Tar Heel State when his family relocated to the Charlotte area. 

"I had my eyes on Central Piedmont for a while, even before I'd actually come to North Carolina, because I knew my family was moving," he said. "I thought, 'This is the perfect campus.'" 

Akai served as the SGA president from August 2025 through May 2026 with the goal to "bring community to community college." With his outgoing and gregarious personality, he met and connected with many people throughout the college, helping to start around 15 clubs in a semester. He also represented the student body as an ex officio board member on the Board of Trustees.

"I really value learning how to be a leader," Akai said. "Leadership is something I want to pursue, and I want to lead in the political space specifically. I felt it was important to build those skills at community college."

Although Akai is the consummate example of a leader, for several years after graduating from high school he struggled to find direction. As a result, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. 

"I joined the Air Force for a multitude of reasons," Akai said. "One of them was financial security and being able to pay for college. I also joined to gain discipline in myself. I feel like I wasn't a very disciplined person before the military. I didn't really have a foundation. I joined to get a foundation and to be able to tell my mom, 'I'm doing something with my life.'"

Akai has served as a reservist for about four years. During his time at Central Piedmont, he spent one weekend a month traveling to Virginia for the military. He holds the rank of Senior Airman (E-4) and also credits his service for developing his leadership qualities. 

He was involved with Military Families and Veterans Services at Central Piedmont, connecting with fellow members of the armed forces. He helped several students join the Air Force and aided other service members with understanding the financial and personal resources available as they navigated the college.

Akai, who is fond of superheroes and trying cuisines from around the world, has made an indelible mark on Central Piedmont. He encourages students to join clubs and make connections, noting there are opportunities for traditional students and adult learners alike. Across the board, he calls Central Piedmont "just financially smart," whether it is a starting point or a destination.

At Yale, Akai will study political science and hopes to play a key role in student government. He was drawn to the university's reputation for turning out some of the world's most impressive figures, ranging from U.S. presidents and Supreme Court justices to film directors.

"If you have a dream and you stick to it, it's accomplishable," he said. "I've been saying I've wanted to do this for a very long time. I've told my family, I've told my friends, I've told people at Central Piedmont. It's one thing to imagine it and dream it. It's another thing for it to actually happen."

Earning a bachelor's degree just became more accessible for Central Piedmont Community College students. Central Piedmont and UNC Asheville have announced a new guaranteed admission partnership that streamlines the transfer process and creates a clear, confident pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree.

The new Bulldog Promise Program guarantees admission for eligible Central Piedmont students who complete an associate degree and fulfill program requirements.

Through the partnership, students can begin building connections with UNC Asheville long before they transfer, gaining access to:

• Transfer information and planning resources
• Admissions communications
• Orientation opportunities
• Academic advising
• Financial aid guidance and support before transferring 

The partnership is designed to reduce uncertainty, make the transfer process more predictable and achievable, and simplify the transition for a wide range of students, including first-generation college students, adult learners and others pursuing a bachelor's degree.

"At Central Piedmont, we are committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals while minimizing barriers along the way," said Dr. Heather Hill, provost and chief academic officer at Central Piedmont. "Students are more likely to achieve their educational goals when they can clearly see the path ahead. The Bulldog Promise Program removes uncertainty from the transfer process and provides the guidance, support and assurance students need to move confidently from Central Piedmont to UNC Asheville on their journey to a bachelor's degree."

"UNC Asheville is proud to partner with Central Piedmont Community College to make the path to a bachelor's degree as clear and attainable as possible," said Kimberly van Noort, chancellor of UNC Asheville. "The Bulldog Promise Program reflects our shared commitment to student success -- giving transfer students the personalized support they need well before they ever set foot on our campus. By building on the strong foundation students gain at Central Piedmont, this partnership helps them save both time and money on their way to a bachelor's degree, positioning them to land the job of their dreams upon graduation. We want every Central Piedmont student to know we are fully committed to their success from day one."

The agreement marks Central Piedmont's 20th guaranteed admission partnership and expands the college's growing network of transfer opportunities with four-year institutions. Central Piedmont currently maintains partnerships with more than 40 colleges and universities through statewide transfer agreements, guaranteed admission programs, honors agreements and other transfer opportunities.