Fayetteville Technical Community College has been named a finalist for the prestigious NC TECH Awards Public Sector Innovation Award.

The NC TECH Awards, presented annually by NC TECH, North Carolina’s technology association, recognize excellence in innovation, growth and leadership across the technology sector. The awards honor organizations and individuals from technology, business, education and government whose work is helping shape North Carolina's vibrant technology ecosystem. 

FTCC earned recognition in part for its role as a founding partner of the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN), a groundbreaking collaboration launched with Montreat College and supported by cybersecurity experts from RBX Solutions in Charlotte and Washington, D.C. The initiative was created to strengthen North Carolina’s cybersecurity workforce pipeline and prepare students for careers protecting critical infrastructure sectors including healthcare, finance, local government and defense.

“Being selected as a finalist for this statewide award is a testament to the vision, dedication and collaboration that define the Carolina Cyber Network,” said Mark Sorrells, president of Fayetteville Technical Community College and co-founder of the Carolina Cyber Network, in a press release. “CCN was established to unite education, industry and government partners around a common purpose: closing the cybersecurity workforce gap while strengthening the security and resilience of our communities, businesses and critical infrastructure. This recognition affirms the impact of our 23 member institutions and the many affiliates working together to build a stronger cyber future for North Carolina and the nation.” 

A hallmark of the Carolina Cyber Network is its emphasis on paid internships that bridge classroom instruction with hands-on professional experience. The program’s two-tier internship structure is designed to support students at different points in their academic journey, ensuring experiential learning opportunities match students' skills, goals and career aspirations. 

“The CCN internship pathway is more than experiential learning. It is transformational,” said Marcus Holley, internship program manager for CCN, in a press release. “Students graduate not only with knowledge and credentials, but with the confidence and experience needed to contribute and lead from day one in cybersecurity roles.” 

NC TECH Interim CEO Michelle Calton praised FTCC’s achievement. 

“For over 20 years, NC TECH has celebrated companies, organizations and individuals for outstanding achievement at the NC TECH Awards,” Calton said in a press release. “As a finalist this year, Fayetteville Technical Community College has distinguished itself as one of the state's innovative and emergent leaders.” 

Finalists and winners will be recognized during the NC TECH Awards celebration on November 16, NC TECH’s largest annual event. The gathering brings together more than 500 leaders from technology, business, education and government to celebrate innovation, leadership and growth across North Carolina’s technology sector. 

The recognition underscores FTCC’s continued commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce, advancing cybersecurity education and fostering partnerships that strengthen North Carolina’s economic future.