Sandhills Community College joins the sixth cohort of NC Reconnect; working to engage more adult learners

By Staff Report, posted Mar 16, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Photo provided by Sandhills Community College

Sandhills Community College has secured its place in the sixth cohort of NC Reconnect, a statewide initiative to engage more adult learners and provide them with fast, flexible and in many cases, tuition-free education and job training programs.

NC Reconnect is a collaborative effort first launched in 2021 by the John M. Belk Endowment to address the state’s critical workforce needs, while simultaneously improving future economic opportunities and the quality of life for more adults, families and communities across the state.

“Sandhills Community College is proud to take part in NC Reconnect as we continue expanding opportunities across our region,” shared Sandhills Community College President Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart in a press release. “Education is a powerful pathway to both personal growth and economic vitality, and this effort allows us to connect adult learners to workforce training, academic programs and clear pathways to employment.”

Based on the results from the first 24 community colleges involved in the effort, NC Reconnect has proven to be a catalyst for positive change in the state, with more than 3,000 additional adult learners enrolled in North Carolina community colleges from the initiative in just the past four years.

The potential is even greater with the state’s new Next NC Scholarship. Next NC is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any of the state’s community colleges.

The upcoming Better Skills, Better Jobs campaign will include direct outreach and support to reconnect with adults in the area who previously earned some college credits, but left without completing a degree or certification; special events and presentations on campus and in the community to showcase the college’s many programs and opportunities; and a robust digital marketing and advertising campaign designed to reach and connect with more adult learners.

“The John M. Belk Endowment is thrilled to get to work with Sandhills Community College and community college leaders statewide who are advancing access and success for adult learners,” shared President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment MC Belk Pilon in a press release. “Today’s adults are navigating a rapidly changing economy and workforce. By supporting education that leads to a better skill and a better job, we are helping individuals build momentum in their lives while ensuring North Carolina has the talent needed to thrive now and in the future.”

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