Duke Energy

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is a non-profit organization that helps children facing difficulties.

Rutherford Housing Partnership is a self supporting public agency that provide safe, affordable housing opportunities to enhance the quality of life for North Carolinians.

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that inspires conservation by permanently protecting land and water for the benefit of people and all living things.

YMCA of Western North Carolina is a non-profit organization that provides income-based fees to enable access for the entire community.

McDowell Technical Community College in Marion, North Carolina, is committed to educating. The school educates career seekers, high school students, professionals, GED seekers, the college bound, and students of all types from all areas. Located in Marion, North Carolina, McDowell offers professional academics, which lead to an associate’s degree or diploma. These programs prepare students for employment in a number of industries, among them healthcare, carpentry, education, cosmetology, automotive technology, business and computer technology. Another option is the General Studies degree, an associate’s degree particularly useful for those interested in four-year transfer. There are also continuing education courses for those who already have a degree and even a career. There are even GED-prep courses and Basic English classes for those who have yet to embark on their college journey. McDowell Technical Community College even has options for high school students. One of these is a program that grants both high school and college credit to high school students enrolled in professional or academic courses. McDowell Technical Community College offers distance education classes, as well. These are ideal for those in other regions, as well as those who are simply too busy to get to campus. Distance education students may attend school exclusively online or combine on-campus study with distance learning. Admissions requirements are different for each program. Those who wish to enroll in continuing education or basic education classes may simply enroll. Many associate’s degrees simply require a high school diploma or GED. Healthcare degrees have additional requirements, such as course prerequisites. McDowell awards financial aid through a combination of grants, loans, work-study and scholarships.

Looking for an associate’s degree, college transfer program, diploma, or certificate in the Wentworth, North Carolina area? Rockingham Community College is the place to be. Among the majors available to study include subjects such as Business Administration, Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice Technology, Early Childhood Education, Electronics Engineering Technology, Healthcare Management Technology, Medical Office Administration, Nursing, and Office Administration. If you fill out the free financial aid application, called the FAFSA, you may become eligible for loans, grants, and work-study programs, which can help cover the costs of tuition, books and other academic expenses. Services like counseling and tutoring are available for students in order to help them to succeed in school. There are also job placement services for graduates. Student life at RCC is the perfect opportunity to network with people that have the same interests, all while adding amazing organizations to your resume. These organizations include the student newspaper, intramural sports, and student government.

Catawba Valley Community College is located in Hickory, North Carolina to serve the public as an educational and cultural institution of higher learning. CVCC is committed to delivering accessible academic opportunity to the surrounding communities, and offers associate’s degrees and occupational-specific certificate programs for those looking to start a new career. Associate’s and certificate programs are offered in concentrations of the following disciplines: • School of Academics, Education and Fine Arts • School of Business, Industry and Technology • School of Health and Public Services Catawba Valley Community College offers distance learning in many programs to support students who are unable to enjoy in-classroom instruction, while continuing education is offered to community members who are interested in keeping up with changing technology. Catawba Valley Community College is proud of its student support services, including academic and career advising, tutoring, and a career center aimed to help graduating students secure their dream job. Students in occupation-specific programs are able to receive hands-on experience to build their skills-set, while associate’s degree students are able to earn transferable credits to a four-year university.

To help kick start your new career, the Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties, North Carolina, offers area students the opportunity to earn transfer degrees in more than 40 subjects, as well as career-focused certificate and diploma programs. The college belongs to the North Carolina Community College System, one of the largest college systems in the nation. Its academics reflect only the latest industry advancements and business demands, ensuring that your education will prepare you for employment in the state. Areas of study available include: * Arts and Sciences * Business * Information Technology * Engineering and Industrial Technologies * Health and Public Services With an array of more than 2,000 courses, Rowan Cabarrus has a program for you. Whether you want to learn foundational knowledge to pursue a higher degree or seek gainful employment through advanced certifications, the college will help you on your way. To help you identify your career goals, Rowan Cabarrus offers plenty of college life opportunities. From arts and entertainment events hosted by the Cultural Connections group to professional organizations like Phi Theta Kappa, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore your interests, both professional and social. To get started on your career advancement, you can apply via the RCCC website. Admissions are open, allowing any student who has a high school diploma or GED the chance to apply. Before being fully admitted, students must complete the COMPASS placement exam. Students who file a FAFSA and demonstrate financial need will be considered to receive RCCC financial aid awards through North Carolina State grants and scholarships, as well as federal Pell grants, SEO grants and work-study programs.

Both in the classroom and in student clubs, Wayne Community College’s students prepare for careers and advanced educational programs. With its different formats, Wayne also offers academic and professional programs to match all types of lifestyles and needs. Located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Wayne Community College grants associate’s degrees in general studies and in arts and sciences for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university. Career-focused degrees and diplomas include in-demand career fields like: * Nursing * Aviation Systems Technology * Computer Information Technology * Cosmetology * Criminal Justice * Dental Assisting * Dental Hygiene * Medical Assisting * Pharmacy Technology Students also have the option of earning a certificate in many of the fields for which a degree and/or diploma is offered. To accommodate students in other areas or students whose schedules simply will not allow them to attend traditional school, Wayne also has a number of online programs in healthcare, business and other fields. For those who would like to combine some traditional schooling with online study, there is also a hybrid option. Since Wayne is focused on student success, student clubs are oriented towards professional and academic-skills building and include an agriculture club, a criminal justice club, a human services club, a practical nursing club and an honors society. An open-enrollment institution, Wayne admits students who have a high school diploma or GED for most of their programs. Financial aid is available to assist eligible students with a financial need in paying tuition costs.

At Durham Technical Community College, students can work their way toward a vocational certificate or a transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree. The choice is up to you, as is the choice of which of Durham's many academic programs to study! Programs for transfer include everything from Nursing to Criminal Justice, and Durham Tech has transfer agreements with a number of area colleges, sending many of its students to UNC Chapel Hill and North Carolina Central University. Tuition for residents of North Carolina is significantly reduced as compared to out-of-state tuition costs. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Durham Tech accepts new students for Spring, Summer and Fall Term each year. For more information on how to apply, contact Durham Technical Community College directly.

In order to serve its students’ diverse needs, Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC) aims to provide a breadth of academics. It has certainly been successful in this measure, offering more than 190 programs of study in a vast range of fields. At FTCC, you can study everything from broadcasting to nanotechnology. The school even offers an associate’s degree program in Race Car Technology! Students seeking to transfer to a four-year college can also find academic support at FTCC. The college maintains enrollment agreements with the University of North Carolina at Greenboro, Salem College, Winston-Salem State University and more. To apply for financial aid at Forsyth Technical Community College, you should complete the FAFSA no later than June 1. FTCC also offers a number of scholarships, many of which are based on merit. You need only fill out a single scholarship application to be considered for these awards; however, some programs also require an application essay. As a community college, FTCC has an open admissions policy. Everyone is welcome to enroll in classes, and most applicants will be accepted to credit programs. Some programs, especially those in health care, have more specific and rigorous admissions requirements.

Gaston College in Dallas, North Carolina offers students associate’s degrees in almost every discipline you can imagine, from Accounting to Therapeutic Massage. But even more impressive is the equally long list of certificate programs offered for students looking to get a jump start on their career. Associate’s degrees and transferable credits can be earned for students looking to move on to a four-year university. At Gaston College, students are able to participate in a program called the University Center, where students can take university-level courses on the Gaston College campus. This opportunity allows students to not only earn general education credits, but also upper division credits that are transferable to four-year universities. Although Gaston College offers great avenues of study for those seeking a baccalaureate degree from a four-year university, it prides itself on student services for career-specific programs. Students participating in certificate programs are able to receive hands-on experience and participate in career advising to better prepare them upon graduation. Gaston College has excellent resources to offer you, whether you’re aiming for an academic degree or a career-specific certificate. For more information, contact Gaston College today.

Guilford Technology Community College (GTCC) is one of the largest community colleges in North Carolina. Whether you are looking for a degree, want to get a quick professional certification or just want to take a class for fun, you can do it at GTCC. GTCC’s main campus is in Jamestown and there are additional campuses in High Point and Greensboro, as well as two educational centers in Greensboro. GTCC’s academics include more than 90 associate’s degrees in healthcare, technical, creative and other fields. Examples of these diverse majors include: * Architecture * Aviation * Cosmetology * Culinary Arts * Education * Engineering * Entertainment Technology * Legal Studies * Nursing Those who would like to get a career certification in a matter of days, weeks or months, have more than 75 different fields from which to choose. These include: * General Contractor * Insurance * Nurse Assisting * Project Management * Real Estate Students that are just looking to take a class for personal enjoyment may choose such enrichment courses as: * Cooking * Dance * Finance * Gardening * Music * Photography Those interested in an enrichment course or professional certification need only enroll in their course or program of choice. Individuals interested in one of GTCC’s degree programs will need to complete an admissions application and submit transcripts or GED scores. Healthcare programs may have additional admissions requirements.

Located in Roxboro, North Carolina, Piedmont Community College offers a great way to expose oneself to academic opportunities and vocational training programs. Students interested in stacking up credits to transfer to a four-year university are encouraged to check out the list of associate’s degrees. Students can earn an associate’s in several concentrations, including Biotechnology, Business, Nursing, Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Development, and General Education. Students interested in earning vocational training skills can apply for the certificate programs in a wide range of career studies, including Cosmetology, Medical Assisting, Carpentry, Phlebotomy, Gunsmithing, and much more. Continuing education courses are also available to the general public, including basic Adult Education, Family Literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), Computer Training, and Public Safety Training. Many courses are offered online, and students are encouraged to take advantage of academic advising to help with transferring credits. Student services also include a fantastic career services center, financial aid advising, academic workshops, and many more. Piedmont Community College offers the residents of Roxboro a vibrant cultural and educational facility to improve the education and vocational skills of the community.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, located in Hudson, North Carolina, houses high school, community college and university programs all on one campus. Caldwell Community College is predominantly a two-year school, offering associate’s and vocational certificate programs in nearly 100 different areas of study. Most programs are in medical, industrial and technical fields, and GED and basic skills are also offered. In addition, Caldwell also offers an early college program for high school students who wish to begin their post-secondary studies. Appalachian State University (ASU) uses Caldwell facilities and, therefore, is a prominent presence on campus. This presence is beneficial to Caldwell students who wish to transfer to a four-year university without the hassle of relocating, traveling a great distance or searching around for schools. Caldwell students may be able to transfer seamlessly to ASU and earn a bachelor’s degree without losing credits and without having to move out of town. Regardless of which department or program one enrolls in, online courses are available to Caldwell’s 10,000-plus students. Caldwell’s services include an apprenticeship program for those in the skilled trades, career counseling and assessments, crisis/personal counseling and disability services among many others. Scholarships are one source of financial aid at Caldwell for those who qualify. Eligible students may also apply for loans, grants and work-study awards.

Southeastern Community College has a comfortable and intimate campus serving residents from Whiteville to Chadbourn, North Carolina with its large number of academic offerings. A comprehensive two-year school, Southeastern Community College (SCC) offers over 100 degree, diploma and certificate programs leading to careers or college transfer. Encompassing approximately 246 acres across Southeastern North Carolina, SCC serves individuals in communities throughout Columbus County. Also, being located on such a large campus, SCC provides the space and comfort to facilitate student learning. Student cultural events, sports and other student life activities add to the pleasant atmosphere on the SCC campus. With small classes and a lot of one-on-one time with instructors, students may also feel comfortable in their classes, assured that they are not just a number and will get the individualized instruction they need. Student services such as tutoring, academic advising and career counseling also provide students with the personalized attention and support that they need to succeed. Financial aid offerings, which could include loans, grants and other sources, may be discussed with an SCC financial aid counselor.

The Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina, one of North Carolina’s largest community colleges, offers an extensive array of academics to prepare students for gainful entry-level employment or transfer to a University of North Carolina baccalaureate program. To allow students unsure of their career goals to explore their academic interests, the Wake Technical College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 fields, some of which include: * Basic Law Enforcement Training * Electronics Engineering Technology * Culinary Technology * Social Sciences * Magnetic Resonance Imaging You can simultaneously foster your leadership skills and help make a difference in Raleigh by participating in Wake Technical’s community outreach programs like Fostering Bright Futures, Pathways Male Mentoring and Scott Scholars. To enhance your college life, Wake Technical also offers plenty of fun campus activities throughout the year. From seasonal festivals like Spring Fling to holiday parties to movie days and book drives, you will be sure to find something that interests you. To be admitted to Wake Technical, applicants must submit their high school transcript or GED, take an assessment exam and complete a personal interview with one of the school’s admissions advisors. Wake Technical offers North Carolina residents reduced-rate tuition so more of them may have the opportunity to pursue their career goals. Students who file a FAFSA and demonstrate need will be considered for Wake Technical financial aid through loans, scholarships and federal and North Carolina State grants.

The Haywood Community College (HCC) in Clyde, North Carolina, is a two year institution distinguished by its full array of unique career focused academics that are hard to find elsewhere, including its programs in Fish and Wildlife Management and Professional Crafts in Clay, Fiber, Jewelry or Wood. The school is nestled in Haywood County, a beautiful region known for its outdoor recreational opportunities. Bordered by the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway, students have easy access to an exciting college life. From hiking and mountain climbing spots to plenty of nature trails, active students have a number of fun and enriching options outside of the classroom. Some of the many programs available at HCC include: * Diesel Engine Technology * Sustainable Site Development * Industrial Systems * Computer Information Technology * Vocational Nursing To help its students ease into a four-year institution, HCC offers a unique Alliance Program, which allows students to complete three years of coursework towards a bachelor's degree at HCC and transfer to the University of North Carolina to finish up their final year of studies. HCC offers student services through tutoring, academic advising, career fairs and job placement assistance programs. If you are interested in applying, please contact HCC for admissions criteria and deadlines. North Carolina residents enjoy lower tuition costs, although all students may be considered for financial assistance. HCC offers financial aid to students who file a FAFSA and demonstrate need through HCC and federally-funded grant, loan and scholarship programs.

Located in beautiful North Carolina, Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) invites students and professionals of all age to come join Ray, the fighting Sea Devil, in their pursuit of further education. CFCC offers tracks in technical and vocational programs along with general studies and fine arts courses for high school diplomas, certificates, or transfer credits towards four-year institutions. Courses offered are varied in topic, including: • Carpentry • Welding • Nuclear Technology • Criminal justice • Sociology • Drama • Phlebotomy • And many more When outside of the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in a number of student athletic programs, clubs, and events. Intercollegiate sports include men’s and women’s basketball and soccer, men’s golf, and women’s volleyball, along with a number of intramural activities The campus offers a number of advising and counseling services, as well as personal student websites for course and campus information specific to you. Parking and housing opportunities in the local community make CFCC a highly accessible school. For those who cannot be physically present, some select online courses are offered as well, making Cape Fear Community College a great choice for almost everyone.

Fayetteville Technical Community College providing more than 250 affordable vocational, technical, general education, college transfer, and continuing education programs to meet students'​ needs and desires as well as the community. FTCC provides instruction in the basic life skills needed to contribute effectively to society. Continuing Education programs are designed to meet specific needs in basic educational competencies, high school completion, upgrading occupational skills, and other avocational or practical skills required for the rapidly changing technological advances in the community

North Carolina Wildlife Federation is a non-profit organization working to conserve and protect wildlife.

North Carolina Coastal Federation is a non-profit organization that supports cleaner coastal waters and advocates for an accessible, healthy, and productive coast.

Richmond Community College in Hamlet, North Carolina offers practical career training in a structured and supportive environment. Richmond’s academics are made up in great part of associate’s degrees, diplomas and certificates leading to in-demand careers. Human Services, Healthcare Management, Electronics Technology, Nursing, Medical Assisting, Criminal Justice and Business Administration are some examples of Richmond’s career-focused degrees. The Guided Studies Center is in place to help students with all of their academic needs, whether it’s administering make-up tests or offering academic advising and tutoring. Richmond’s student life includes professional student clubs, which provide opportunities to enhance one’s skills while networking. These clubs include a business student’s club, a criminal justice club, a club for engineering students and an honor society. Admission to Richmond requires submission of an application and transcripts. Certain programs may have additional requirements. Financial aid is available through loans and other sources. There are also tuition-assistance or waiver programs for eligible students, such as one for dislocated workers.

North Carolina residents who want to make a difference in their lives and the economic, cultural and social climate of the state can get their start at the Stanly Community College in Albemarle, North Carolina. To allow more North Carolina citizens the opportunity to apply, Stanly maintains a simple admissions process. Interested students need only complete an application, submit official transcripts and take a Stanly placement examination designated by SCC. Since many career paths demand leadership and interpersonal skills, Stanly offers a number of student organizations that will help you develop professionally as well as socially. Whether you want to practice your singing in the SCC Chorus group, find like-minded students in the Multicultural Society or gain real-world experience in the Student Government Association, Stanly’s college life opportunities are plentiful. Stanly’s academics cover a wide range of disciplines. From technical certificates in Accounting and Computer Crime Investigations to associate’s degrees in Medical Laboratory Technology and Early Childhood Education, Stanly has a program that suits your career goals. Students at Stanly have access to its career center, which offers a number of services like resume building and interview preparation. The school also helps you identify potential employers in the area. Stanly offers scholarships to eligible students who apply for them. Students who complete a FAFSA will also be considered for federal financial aid.

Located in beautiful North Carolina, Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) invites students and professionals of all age to come join Ray, the fighting Sea Devil, in their pursuit of further education. CFCC offers tracks in technical and vocational programs along with general studies and fine arts courses for high school diplomas, certificates, or transfer credits towards four-year institutions. Courses offered are varied in topic, including: • Carpentry • Welding • Nuclear Technology • Criminal justice • Sociology • Drama • Phlebotomy • And many more When outside of the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in a number of student athletic programs, clubs, and events. Intercollegiate sports include men’s and women’s basketball and soccer, men’s golf, and women’s volleyball, along with a number of intramural activities The campus offers a number of advising and counseling services, as well as personal student websites for course and campus information specific to you. Parking and housing opportunities in the local community make CFCC a highly accessible school. For those who cannot be physically present, some select online courses are offered as well, making Cape Fear Community College a great choice for almost everyone.

At Durham Technical Community College, students can work their way toward a vocational certificate or a transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree. The choice is up to you, as is the choice of which of Durham's many academic programs to study! Programs for transfer include everything from Nursing to Criminal Justice, and Durham Tech has transfer agreements with a number of area colleges, sending many of its students to UNC Chapel Hill and North Carolina Central University. Tuition for residents of North Carolina is significantly reduced as compared to out-of-state tuition costs. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Durham Tech accepts new students for Spring, Summer and Fall Term each year. For more information on how to apply, contact Durham Technical Community College directly.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, located in Hudson, North Carolina, houses high school, community college and university programs all on one campus. Caldwell Community College is predominantly a two-year school, offering associate’s and vocational certificate programs in nearly 100 different areas of study. Most programs are in medical, industrial and technical fields, and GED and basic skills are also offered. In addition, Caldwell also offers an early college program for high school students who wish to begin their post-secondary studies. Appalachian State University (ASU) uses Caldwell facilities and, therefore, is a prominent presence on campus. This presence is beneficial to Caldwell students who wish to transfer to a four-year university without the hassle of relocating, traveling a great distance or searching around for schools. Caldwell students may be able to transfer seamlessly to ASU and earn a bachelor’s degree without losing credits and without having to move out of town. Regardless of which department or program one enrolls in, online courses are available to Caldwell’s 10,000-plus students. Caldwell’s services include an apprenticeship program for those in the skilled trades, career counseling and assessments, crisis/personal counseling and disability services among many others. Scholarships are one source of financial aid at Caldwell for those who qualify. Eligible students may also apply for loans, grants and work-study awards.

In order to serve its students’ diverse needs, Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC) aims to provide a breadth of academics. It has certainly been successful in this measure, offering more than 190 programs of study in a vast range of fields. At FTCC, you can study everything from broadcasting to nanotechnology. The school even offers an associate’s degree program in Race Car Technology! Students seeking to transfer to a four-year college can also find academic support at FTCC. The college maintains enrollment agreements with the University of North Carolina at Greenboro, Salem College, Winston-Salem State University and more. To apply for financial aid at Forsyth Technical Community College, you should complete the FAFSA no later than June 1. FTCC also offers a number of scholarships, many of which are based on merit. You need only fill out a single scholarship application to be considered for these awards; however, some programs also require an application essay. As a community college, FTCC has an open admissions policy. Everyone is welcome to enroll in classes, and most applicants will be accepted to credit programs. Some programs, especially those in health care, have more specific and rigorous admissions requirements.

Fayetteville Technical Community College providing more than 250 affordable vocational, technical, general education, college transfer, and continuing education programs to meet students'​ needs and desires as well as the community. FTCC provides instruction in the basic life skills needed to contribute effectively to society. Continuing Education programs are designed to meet specific needs in basic educational competencies, high school completion, upgrading occupational skills, and other avocational or practical skills required for the rapidly changing technological advances in the community

Nash Community College (NCC) is always expanding and adjusting its programs so that it might best support its students. Located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, just west of Raleigh, Nash offers over 80 degree, diploma and career-certificate programs in computer science, engineering, humanities, arts, mathematics, social sciences, and health and human service careers. One of the ways that NCC supports its students is through the recently established mandatory and optional seminars for those in their first year. Another new offering to assist students in all phases of their educational experience is an online tutoring service. This completely free program allows students to get tutoring online in any subject. Career services at NCC helps students in a variety of ways. In addition to assisting them in their career search, NCC hosts career fairs and schedules interviews on-campus. Career services also has a comprehensive online system that offers everything from free interest and skill assessments to a job-posting service. NCC also offers continuing education and distance learning options. Financial aid options available to eligible students at NCC include vocational rehabilitation and Ambassador Scholarships as well as loans, grants and work-study.

The Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides students of Mecklenburg County with learning-based academics and partnerships with local industries so that they can receive the education necessary to gain entry-level employment in the community. To enhance your college life, CPCC brings in world class music, theatre and visual arts throughout the year. Performances and exhibits at the school’s Halton Theater and Elizabeth Ross Gallery are open to both students and the community. One of the most notable events of the year is the Sensoria experience, a weeklong event of cultural enrichment and community service where you can meet artists and scholars. A wide range of extracurricular activities are offered by CPCC to make your college experience dynamic and exciting. From student clubs like Clay Bodies and the Criminal Justice Club to service learning opportunities like alternative spring breaks, there’ll be a program designed for your interests. An extensive range of two-year degrees and certificate programs are available at CPCC, including: * Advertising and Graphic Design * Construction Management Technology * Interior Design * Mass Communication and Journalism North Carolina residents receive discounted tuition, although Central Piedmont makes financial aid available to all students who qualify through scholarships and federal grant and loan programs. Admissions require that students take a placement exam before enrollment unless they submit satisfactory ACT/SAT or COMPASS and ASSET scores.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina focuses on recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting the needs of existing businesses, connecting exporters to global customers, helping small business owners get their start, and attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world.

Founded in 1950, Piedmont Natural Gas is a public utility company that distributes natural gas to approximately one million residential, commercial, industrial, power generation, and municipal customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The company specializes in the transportation, marketing, and distribution of natural gas through transmission pipelines and distribution mains.

Progress Energy, Inc. is a utility holding company focused on the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity, primarily serving regions in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. The company operates with a regulated electric generation capacity of approximately 22,000 megawatts and caters to around 3.1 million retail electric customers, along with various load-serving entities. Its operations are divided into two main segments: Carolina Power & Light Company, which serves parts of North and South Carolina, and Florida Power Corporation. Through these segments, Progress Energy plays a critical role in providing reliable electric service to a substantial customer base in the southeastern United States.