Harnett County celebrated the opening of the Harnett Advanced Technology Training Center, formerly Magnolia School, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. The event marked the completion of a two-year transformation project representing a major investment in workforce development and long-term economic growth for Harnett County.
“We are excited to officially open this building for the purpose it was designed for,” said Harnett County Manager Brent Trout in a press release. “This training center is designed to support our county by preparing residents for high-demand careers and strengthening industry partnerships.”
The renovations repurposed the former school into a modern, workforce training facility designed to support businesses, expand job opportunities and prepare residents for in-demand careers.
“For more than a century, since 1918, this building has stood as a witness to hope, to learning, to community and to transformation,” said Director of the Dunn Committee of 100 Nancy Blackman in a press release. “Many Dunn leaders began their journey right here.”
The building was home to Magnolia School from 1918 to 1984, and some of the attendees of the ribbon-cutting were former students of that school.
The transformation of Magnolia School was made possible through grant funding secured by the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance (Alliance), in partnership with the North Carolina Legislature. In June 2023, the Harnett County Board of Commissioners approved a $5 million local match, demonstrating the County’s commitment to strengthening the local workforce and creating economic opportunities.
“My favorite word for the last three years has been regionalism. We found out very quickly that if you go to Raleigh or you go to Washington and you ask for money as an individual town or as an individual county, then you’re just one of everybody else doing the very same thing…But if you go to them as a regional effort, then they get to say yes, hopefully, at some level, to everybody, it’s regionalism. So we believe that, [and] that doesn't take away the identity from each town or each county,” shared Chairman of the I-95/I-40 Alliance Harold Keen during the ceremony.
“A coordinated effort has to be the right answer,” said Keen. “If we work together as a region, maybe we can make something happen.”
The newly renovated space will now be occupied by the Alliance, Dunn Area Committee of 100 and Central Carolina Community College who will provide various courses and offer workforce development training for the community, businesses and industry partners. Harnett County also has spaces within the building that can be rented and utilized by the public.
“The college has had a presence here for many years, and we work with businesses and students. We get to continue that presence and expand what we can do by helping businesses and industries get what they need,” said Dr. Lisa Chapman, president of Central Carolina Community College, in a press release.
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees toured the renovated building filled with modern technology in classrooms, labs, multipurpose spaces and offices.
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