Chrstina Etri - Community College

For many years, community college supporters have worked to dispel the perception that their education is somehow substandard to four-year colleges and universities or a last resort for those without other options. This perspective disregards the tremendous value community college offers to people from all backgrounds and points in life, whatever their goals may be.   The good news is that the tide is turning. Increasingly, students and families see community colleges as stepping stones to earning a four-year degree and accelerated pathways to employment. North Carolina Community College System officials reported a 5% statewide increase in full-time student enrollment in fall 2023. This also includes a 10% increase in workforce continuing education, 9% in basic skills, and 4% in curriculum across all 58 community colleges. During the fall 2024 semester, WCC also experienced a 15% increase in enrollment —  the highest in more than 10 years. Christina is with ScholarShot, a nonprofit dedicated to helping at-risk students complete career-ready vocational, associate and undergraduate degrees