RCSS students provided career pathway through RCC

ASHEBORO – High school students in the Randolph County School System can select from a variety of program offerings through Randolph Community College in a new partnership announced last week.

It’s called a Workforce Roadmap as part of a college and career readiness Continuum.

This is an expansion of a program that began in 2003.

The program provides RCSS students with post-secondary Career Academy certificate and credential opportunities. This program includes free RCC tuition and textbooks along with the opportunity to earn high school and college credentials. In 2023-24, RCSS students earned a total of 7,366 credentials aligned with the 26 high school CTE pathways.

“They expect every year it’s going to grow as more people know about it,” said Misty West, RCC’s associate dean of education partnerships and pathways. “These are great opportunities.”

This collaboration started with certificates available at three schools. They were in business and finance (Randleman), public service (Wheatmore) and light-duty diesel on the campus of Uwharrie Ridge 6-12.

The latest version of the Workforce Roadmap expands these career academies to all high schools within RCSS with the addition of healthcare (Eastern Randolph), cybersecurity (Providence Grove), land management (Trinity), and data design and pharmacy technician (Southwestern Randolph) in 2024.

Computer integrated machining is offered on the campus of RCC, which extends the metals manufacturing pathway at Eastern Randolph and Randleman.

Many of the offerings for RCSS students will be online. An on-site advisor will visit high schools two days per week.

While the career academies are specifically designed for each high school, students across the school system will be able to access these programs for any unfilled seats after a designated registration window.

This program is addition to RCC’s recently announced partnership with Asheboro High School.

“These partnerships are a game-changer for our community,” RCC president Shah Ardalan said in a statement. “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.”

West said there was no direct coordination between the RCSS programs and Asheboro’s partnership.

“I am grateful to these local high schools for their partnership in creating these career academies,” 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.”

Students are eligible to take classes during their junior and senior years.

Information from RCC describes the career academies as programs that offer students hands-on experience and specialized training in high-demand fields. Students who complete the academy certifications will participate in RCC’s graduation ceremony, which often comes before they graduate from high school, according to RCC.