LATEST EDUCATION NEWS

RIME Expo Reaches Over 500 High School Students
Wayne County Chamber Career Expo and Job Fair Supports Regional Workforce
Lenoir County Manufacturers Association Meeting and Presentation by Lenoir County Schools

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The public schools in Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties have recognized the importance of collaboration to build a strong workforce pipeline. They work closely with local businesses, community organizations, and higher education institutions to align their curriculum and provide students with practical skills. By fostering these partnerships, students gain access to valuable work-based learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and internships that bridge the gap between education and the real world.

The schools in these counties have embraced Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a vital component of their curriculum. CTE programs offer students the chance to develop career-specific skills in areas such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology. By providing hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications, these programs equip students with the practical knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce or pursue further education.

To further enhance the workforce pipeline, Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties offer Early College and Dual Enrollment. Through these initiatives, high school students can earn college credits and even complete an associate degree while still in high school. This not only saves time and money, but also provides students with a head start on their chosen career path. By combining college-level coursework with their high school education, students are better prepared for the demands of higher education and the workforce.

In Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties, public schools are playing a significant role in driving a strong workforce pipeline. By fostering collaboration, offering career-focused education, providing early college opportunities, embracing personalized learning, and developing soft skills, these schools are equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in the modern workforce. As their innovative approaches continue to evolve, we can expect to see even greater professional success and community impact from the students who pass through these exceptional schools.

GREENE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Greene County Public Schools has 6 campuses serving over 3,000 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Innovative schools in the district:

  • Greene Early College High School
  • Three STEM Schools of Distinction

LENOIR COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Lenoir County Public Schools has 17 schools serving over 8,000 students in Pre-K through 12th grade.  Innovative schools in the district include:

  • Lenoir County Early College
  • Lancer Academy at Kinston High School

WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Wayne County Public Schools has 32 campuses serving over 17,000 students in Pre-K through 12th grade making it the state’s 21st largest school district.  Innovative schools in the district include:

  • Wayne Early Middle College High School
  • Wayne School of Engineering
  • Wayne School of Technical Arts

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

Public charter schools in our region offer a diverse range of educational approaches. From a STEM-focused school to leadership and learning programs, there’s something to suit every student’s interest and need. These free alternatives to traditional public schools help prepare students for higher education and future careers in STEM fields.

WAYNE PREPRATORY ACADEMY

Wayne Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free Public Charter School in Goldsboro, NC serving over 900 students in grades K-12. It is a Leadership School that teaches the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to its scholars and staff.

WAYNE STEM ACADEMY

Wayne STEM Academy is a tuition-free Public Charter School in Goldsboro, NC serving over 200 students in grades K-4. It is a STEM based learning school provide a challenging learning environment Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The region is home to an array of private schools that have gained recognition for their commitment to academic excellence. These schools place a strong emphasis on preparing students for college and beyond. Other schools in the region focus on specific educational philosophies such as Montessori or religious-based teachings. The diversity in private school options allows parents to choose a school that aligns with their family’s values and educational preferences.

ARENDELL PARROTT ACADEMY

Arendell Parrott Academy is a highly rated, private school located in Kinston, NC. It has over 700 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.

BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Bethel Christian Academy is an above average, private, Christian school located in Kinston, NC. It has over 300 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.

FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Faith Christian Academy is an above average, private, Christian school located in Goldsboro, NC. It has over 300 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.

WAYNE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Wayne Christian School is a private, Christian school located in Goldsboro, NC. It has 600 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.

WAYNE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Wayne Country Day School is a top rated, private school located in Goldsboro, NC. It has over 300 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1.

WAYNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Wayne Montessori School is a private school located in GOLDSBORO, NC. It has 75 students in grades PK, K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.

COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Our regions is served by Lenoir and Wayne Community Colleges. They are 2 of the 58 community colleges state-wide, offering some of the most comprehensive and advanced vocational and technical programs in the U.S. In fact, every NC resident lives within a 30-minute drive of a community college, making high-quality education accessible to the state’s growing workforce.

LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Lenoir Community College is located in Kinston, NC and averages 10,000 students annually.  LCC has been recognized for its outstanding programs and initiatives. The college has been named an Achieving the Dream Leader College, a title given to institutions that demonstrate a commitment to student success and equity. This recognition showcases Lenoir Community College’s efforts in providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students from all walks of life. The college was selected as one of 10 institutions across the nation to participate in the Pathways Project, a program aimed at enhancing student success and improving completion rates.

Programs supporting manufacturing:

  • Computer-Integrated Machining
  • Industrial Systems Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology

Programs supporting Aviation:

  • Aviation Management
  • Career Pilot Manned
  • Manned Pilot
  • Pilot Unmanned Aircraft Systems

WAYNE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Wayne Community College is located in Goldsboro, NC and averages over 9,000 students annually.  WCC is ranked 19th in the Top 50 Community Colleges in America by SmartAssets.  Niche has also ranked WCC at No. 2 on its 2024 Best Community Colleges in North Carolina and No. 37 on 2024 Best Community Colleges in America. WCC was also the recipient of the 2020 Award of Excellence by the American Association of Community Colleges in the “Student Success” category and their Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program is nationally recognized.

Programs supporting manufacturing:

  • Computer-Integrated Machining
  • Industrial Systems Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics Engineering Technology
  • Operations Management
  • Welding Technology

Programs supporting aviation:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
    • FAA Accredited Part 147
    • Airframe & Powerplant Ratings

UNIVERSITIES

The NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region is a strategic location, situated within proximity to several prestigious universities. Institutions such as East Carolina University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are just a stone’s throw away. This geographical advantage opens up a plethora of opportunities for businesses and individuals in our region to tap into a pool of talented and skilled graduates. Our region is also home to the University of Mount Olive which has a rich history, unique academic offerings, small class sizes, and vibrant campus life.

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU is a public research university, boasting a vibrant campus and a rich history. With over 29,000 students and a wide range of academic programs, there’s something for everyone there. The university actively encourages students to get involved in service projects and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and making a positive impact on the world.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering concentrations include:

  • Biomedical
  • Bioprocess
  • Electrical
  • Environmental
  • Industrial and Systems
  • Mechanical

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology concentrations include:

  • Architectural Design Technology
  • Mechanical Design Technology
  • Distribution and Logistics
  • Information & Cybersecurity Technology
  • Industrial Management
  • Industrial Engineering Technology
  • Bioprocess Manufacturing
  • Health Information Technologies

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

Located in Mount Olive, North Carolina, UMO is a private Christian university serving over 2,000 students annually.  The university integrates Christian virtues into learning, leadership, and service for the cultivation of graduates who lead impactful lives to navigate an ever-changing world.

Undergraduate degrees supporting Aviation:

  • Aviation and Business Management (Pilot Manned)

Undergraduate degrees supporting Agriculture:

  • Agribusiness
  • Agricultural Production Systems
  • Animal Science
  • Biology: Biomedical Science
  • Business Management
  • Finance
  • Marketing