Yes, this will be on the test.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has assumed a key leadership role in the region by offering a range of academic programs aimed at developing a well-trained workforce.

The two-year college provides several one-year, two-year and transfer programs that allow its 20,000 students to prepare for careers in emerging industries. RCCC also works with companies, workforce development agencies and economic development organizations to develop customized training initiatives for businesses.

“We currently offer 40 associate degree programs along with college transfer options,” says Jeanie Moore, vice president for corporate and continuing education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “The college also provides learning opportunities for adults in our continuing education program, with academic initiatives in areas such as health occupations, law enforcement, business entrepreneurship, career readiness and substitute teaching.”

Class Act

RCCC has a north campus in Rowan County and a south campus in Cabarrus County, both equipped with modern classrooms and advanced laboratories.

“Each program we offer meets specific requirements set by employers in Rowan, Cabarrus and surrounding counties, and representatives of local businesses and industry make up our advisory committees,” Moore says. “We have a strong tie to the real world of work, to provide our students with well-rounded, interesting and practical education.”

Technically Speaking

RCCC also operates the Cabarrus Business & Technology Center, which helps individuals and groups start small businesses or grow existing companies. The college has opened a $26 million building at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, where it offers several new degree programs in biotechnology and agricultural biotechnology.

In December 2010, RCCC signed an agreement with the North Carolina Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program to develop and implement a local K-12 STEM program overseen by RCCC. The K-12 STEM program – supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Battelle Memorial Institute and North Carolina STEM – will ultimately help local school districts design programs to enhance student learning and develop the skills they will need to compete for advanced jobs in the 21st century.

“It's no secret that across the United States, we aren't producing enough graduates with skills and competency in science, technology, engineering and math,” Moore says.

RCCC President Carol Spalding is working with business and community leaders and the region's three public school superintendents to build STEM-based education, Moore says.

Moore points out that STEM subjects often frighten students but are actually the skills people use every day without realizing it.

“If you operate a GPS, that's utilizing technology, and if you are cooking or baking a meal for your family, that's science,” she says. “Cosmetologists often use math to mix precise doses of chemicals for use on a customer's hair or face, and there are thousands of more examples used in everyday life. RCCC knows that not everyone can be a scientist or engineer, but we want all students to be able to use scientific theory and applications and do basic math. Performing STEM functions will help K-12 students advance in both their personal and professional lives.” 

Rowan-Cabarrus County Community College Facts and Figures:

RCCC has more than 2,000 course offerings.

The college serves a yearly overall enrollment of more than 20,000 students.

It offers day, evening and online classes.

RCCC oversees a north campus in Salisbury, a south campus in Concord, the Cabarrus Business & Technology Center in Concord, the Cloverleaf Center in Kannapolis, and a biotechnology building at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.

RCCC is also involved with an R3 Center in Kannapolis, an adult career development learning facility whose three R's stand for Refocus, Retrain and Re-employ.