The North Carolina General Assembly's adoption of the new Propel NC funding model represents one of the most significant investments in workforce-focused education in recent years. Propel NC directs greater state support to community college programs connected to strong workforce demand and higher instructional costs. For Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) and community colleges across the state, this modernization of the funding system is welcome news that will help expand training capacity in the occupations most critical to North Carolina's continued economic success. For employers across Greater Fayetteville, the practical significance is straightforward: Propel NC will provide greater funding support for education and training in fields where qualified workers are in greatest demand, including healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing, transportation, public safety and information technology. 

Through the fiscal 2026-27 state budget, the North Carolina Community College System received $57.5 million in recurring statewide funding to support implementation of Propel NC. The model is designed to align community college funding more closely with labor market demand, prioritizing programs that prepare students for high-demand occupations where employers consistently struggle to find enough qualified workers. 

For years, North Carolina's community colleges have served as the state's primary workforce development engine, producing the skilled talent that fuels economic growth. However, many of the programs most needed by employers, particularly in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades and transportation are also among the most expensive to operate. 

These programs require low faculty-to-student ratios, highly specialized instructors with extensive industry experience, sophisticated equipment and dedicated laboratory space. Under the previous funding model, the cost of delivering many workforce programs often exceeded the revenue generated through enrollment. As a result, colleges frequently faced challenges expanding capacity even when employer demand was growing. 

Propel NC addresses that disconnect by recognizing that not all academic programs cost the same to deliver, and that some occupations are more critical to the state's economic competitiveness than others. By increasing funding support for high-demand workforce pathways, the model provides colleges with the resources needed to grow enrollment and better respond to labor market needs. 

At FTCC, these additional resources will help the college build on training opportunities in key workforce sectors while enhancing the overall student experience. The college plans to use the increased funding to support enrollment growth in high-demand programs and invest in additional laboratory space and instructional equipment. These investments will provide students with more dedicated equipment time and expanded opportunities for hands-on learning; an essential component of workforce preparation. For Greater Fayetteville employers, this increased capacity can help grow the regional supply of skilled workers needed to support business growth. 

Employers consistently tell us they need graduates who can step into the workplace with practical experience and confidence. Additional equipment and enhanced training environments will allow students to spend more time applying classroom concepts on the same types of technology and equipment they will use every day in their careers. 

The state budget also includes support for enrollment growth, apprenticeships and technology upgrades, further strengthening the ability of community colleges to respond to workforce needs. Just as important, additional funding will help colleges recruit and retain qualified instructors whose industry expertise is essential to student success. In many high-demand fields, experienced professionals can command significantly higher salaries in the private sector, making faculty recruitment an ongoing challenge for community colleges. 

The General Assembly's investment demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the North Carolina Community College System and its role as the state's workforce development leader. Community colleges have been at the tip of the spear in preparing talent for North Carolina's growing economy, and the state's sustained economic success over the past decade is closely tied to the strength of these workforce pipelines. 

FTCC is also grateful for the growing support it is receiving from Cumberland County, as well as private and community partners. Recent investments from Cape Fear Valley Health System and a philanthropic gift from local donors Carolyn and George Armstrong are helping expand pathways into healthcare and construction trades careers. These contributions, along with additional anticipated investments, will strengthen the college's ability to increase workforce capacity in sectors experiencing critical talent shortages while helping students complete training more quickly. 

Workforce development is most successful when education, business, healthcare, government and philanthropy work together toward a common goal. The momentum being created through these partnerships will help ensure that more students have access to lifechanging career opportunities while providing employers with the skilled workforce they need to grow and compete. 

FTCC is also focused on strengthening the talent continuum through partnerships with Cumberland County Schools, Fayetteville State University and Methodist University. By creating seamless pathways from K-12 through higher education and into the workforce, these collaborations help students explore career opportunities earlier and accelerate their progress toward high-demand occupations. 

Propel NC was designed to better align community college funding with employer demand, and it does exactly that. It recognizes the realities of today's labor market and provides colleges with the tools necessary to increase enrollment, recruit experienced instructors, modernize equipment and expand capacity in the programs that matter most to North Carolina's future. 

For Fayetteville Technical Community College, the additional investment creates an opportunity to grow workforce pipelines, strengthen partnerships and prepare more students for rewarding careers in high-demand fields. Most important, it helps ensure that employers across our region have access to the skilled talent needed to drive economic growth and prosperity for years to come. 

As North Carolina continues to attract new businesses and expand existing industries, the need for a highly skilled workforce will only increase. Propel NC positions community colleges to meet that challenge and FTCC stands ready to do its part.