RCC joins forces with local high schools to expand Career Academies
Randolph Community College (RCC) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Asheboro City and Randolph County school systems to expand Career Academies. This initiative aims to provide students with industry-focused training, equipping them with the skills needed for a seamless transition to the workforce or continued education at RCC. The expansion of Career Academies marks a significant step toward strengthening the local talent pipeline and supporting the region's economic growth.
“These partnerships are a game-changer for our community,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “By aligning education with industry needs, we are not just preparing students for the future; we are actively shaping it. Career Academies provide a direct pathway from high school to in-demand careers or further education at RCC. It embodies our commitment to making education relevant, career-centered, and transformative for students and employers alike.”
Asheboro’s partnership with the College began in 2018 with the Automotive Academy, which has been reshaped into the Collision Repair Academy. Under the Blue Comet Academies umbrella, the program has added the Light-Duty Diesel Academy, the Zoo Horticulture Academy, the Advanced Manufacturing Academy, and the Community Support Services Academy.
The Randolph County School System academies are a part of its Workforce Roadmap. Three academies began the fall of 2023 — Randleman High School’s School of Business, Uwharrie Ridge 6-12's Light-Duty Diesel Academy, and Wheatmore High School’s Public Service Academy. This fall, academies were added at each of the seven county high schools:
- Eastern Randolph High School — Healthcare Prep Academy and Computer-Integrated Machining Academy,
- Providence Grove High School — Cyber Security Academy,
- Randleman — Business & Finance Academy (originally School of Business) and Computer-Integrated Machining Academy,
- Southwestern Randolph High School — Data Design Academy and Pharmacy Technician Academy,
- Trinity High School — Land Management Academy,
- Uwharrie Ridge 6-12 — Light-Duty Diesel Academy,
- Wheatmore High School — Public Service Academy.
“I am grateful to these local high schools for their partnership in creating these Career Academies,” RCC Associate Dean of Educational Partnerships and Pathways Misty West said. “Both school districts have gone above and beyond to remove financial barriers for students. The high school Career Coaches are there to walk them through the process from application to graduation. Thank you to everyone who helped for their hard work in creating these opportunities to change students’ lives.”
Each of these career academies offers students hands-on experience and specialized training in high-demand fields with the opportunity for students to earn short-term, industry-recognized credentials, certificates, diplomas, and even associate degrees for very little cost. The academies equip them with the skills needed to step directly into a career or pursue further education. In fact, students who complete the academy certifications will participate in RCC’s graduation ceremony which is often before they graduate from high school.
Students are eligible to take classes during their junior and senior years and have their tuition waived through RCC’s Career and College Promise Program. Asheboro City Schools provides bus transportation and textbooks for students, while the Randolph County School System supplies textbooks and selected academies with mostly online offerings to ensure that transportation is not required. RCC provides each academy student with an on-site advisor who is at their high school two days a week. The College has committed to protecting course sections specifically for these high school students, giving them priority access to these valuable programs.
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com and SmartAsset and second in the nation by SmartAsset, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.