July 17, 2025

On July 15, Forsyth Tech hosted the official kickoff event for NC Community Colleges Boost—a major new initiative from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) aimed at helping students move more quickly into high-wage, high-demand careers that power North Carolina’s economy.

Funded by a grant of more than $35.6 million from Arnold Ventures, NC Community Colleges Boost represents the largest private grant ever received by NCCCS. This initiative reflects a focused effort to meet North Carolina’s workforce development needs while supporting students’ economic security.

A Proven Model, Tailored for North Carolina

NC Community Colleges Boost is built on the City University of New York’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (CUNY ASAP) model—a nationally recognized approach that has doubled graduation rates for students across multiple states.

North Carolina has adapted this model to align with workforce development goals identified in the state’s PropelNC initiative. The result: a program designed to help students complete their education faster and enter key industries critical to North Carolina’s growth.

Where and How It Will Launch

BOOST will roll out in two phases over the next two years, serving students at a total of 15 colleges across the state:

Launching in 2025:

  • Alamance Community College
  • Bladen Community College
  • Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
  • Cape Fear Community College
  • Central Carolina Community College
  • Central Piedmont Community College
  • Cleveland Community College
  • Forsyth Technical Community College

Adding in 2026:

  • Isothermal Community College
  • Johnston Community College
  • McDowell Technical Community College
  • Robeson Community College
  • Sampson Community College
  • Wake Technical Community College
  • Western Piedmont Community College

BOOST’s approach includes timely and relevant student supports, dedicated advising, and incentives to help students stay on track and complete their programs as quickly as possible.

A Statewide Partnership

NC Community Colleges Boost is a collaborative effort involving NCCCS, participating colleges, students, and the state. The North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that supports the System’s mission, will serve as the partner in managing this substantial grant program.

By combining evidence-based strategies with a deep understanding of North Carolina’s workforce needs, BOOST is positioned to help both students and the state build a stronger, more prosperous future.

Dr. Nicole Ditillo, Boost Program Director for the NC Community College System Office, said it best, “Today marks the beginning of something powerful. Thank you for joining us in launching a program that will transform how we support students—and how we shape the future of North Carolina. Let’s get started.”

People sit across from each other at a row of help stations in a large room, focused on laptops and paperwork. A sign in the foreground reads “Station 1 SAP Station, NC Boost.” One woman holds her phone while speaking with another person typing on a laptop.

Immediately following the kick-off, new and prospective students were able to apply and interview to be a part of the fall 2025 cohort at Forsyth Tech! Limited spots remain; students interested in applying for NC Boost at Forsyth Tech should click here to learn more and apply!