College pioneers pathways in opportunities for high school students
Randolph Community College (RCC) Director of Apprenticeships Stacey Miller represented the College and Apprenticeship Randolph (AR) at the White House Apprenticeship Ambassador Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 23. This prestigious event in Washington, D.C., recognized Apprenticeship Randolph as a valued Apprenticeship Ambassador, further affirming its role in leading the charge to advance Registered Apprenticeships nationwide.
“Apprenticeship Randolph’s recognition by the U.S. Department of Labor reflects our commitment to creating high-quality, accessible workforce pathways,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “AR serves as a model of collaboration between educators, local businesses, and workforce development partners to strengthen labor force pipelines in Randolph County and beyond. Stacey Miller’s presence at the White House underscores the essential work we are doing with industry partners to build a vibrant, sustainable workforce. We are deeply grateful for Stacey’s exceptional leadership and commitment to our mission. Her dedication helps us prepare our students and community for meaningful and prosperous careers. We are proud to be at the forefront of such critical initiatives.”
The college also will be represented in D.C. next week as Isaias Martinez-Hernandez, a former Career and College Promise (CCP) student at RCC and a first-generation college student, has been invited to the Classroom to Careers Summit with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on Wednesday, Nov. 13, which will focus on the economic imperative for career-connected education. CCP offers high school students tuition-free college course credits. With these credits, students can earn an associate's degree, transfer to a four-year institution, attain career credentials, or achieve a combination of these outcomes before completing high school. Martinez-Hernandez completed 40 hours of College Transfer credit at RCC along with getting his EMT license and working as an intern at Randolph Health — all before he graduated from Uwharrie Charter Academy.
Receiving invitations to the White House has positioned RCC as a leader in workforce development, preparing students with valuable skills even before they graduate high school.
“Attending this ceremony was an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at RCC and Apprenticeship Randolph,” said Miller, who received a certificate from Luke Rhine, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education for the U.S. Department of Education. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing impactful apprenticeship opportunities that help individuals and industries thrive. We are excited to continue building a workforce that meets today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.”
AR allows current juniors and seniors living and/or learning in Randolph County to get a jump start on a professional career in our booming local industries. Students can maximize earning potential, gain valuable skills, and experience through on-the-job training, and earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from Randolph Community College at no cost to the student.
For more information on AR, companies, students, and parents should visit apprenticeshiprandolph.com; contact Miller at 336-318-4958, or email apprenticeships@randolph.edu. For more information on RCC’s CCP program, visit http://rccurl.com/ccp or call 336-318-4913.
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.