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PCC Administrators Urge State to Update Community College Funding Model

PCC Trustees Charles Ellis, Charlie Langley and Neal Driver, left to right, speak with N.C. Rep. Tim Reader prior to the start of a Feb. 24 meeting between college officials and state legislators in Pitt's Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Center for Student Advancement.

WINTERVILLE—During a Feb. 24 meeting with legislators, Pitt Community College administrators stressed the need for a new community college funding model and encouraged lawmakers to support the N.C. Community College System’s Propel NC plan.

Nearly 12 years have passed since the North Carolina General Assembly approved the current funding structure for community colleges, which stresses program enrollment but gives little consideration to whether programs address labor shortages and workforce development needs. Propel NC supporters say the plan would incentivize creation and expansion of community college programming by basing funding on outcomes that drive economic growth and meet employer demands.

After receiving unanimous approval from the N.C. Association of Community College Presidents and endorsements from more than 200 business and industry partners, the N.C. Community College System introduced Propel NC last year and requested $100 million from the General Assembly to implement the plan.

The system’s proposal included $68.5 million for workforce sector funding to prioritize high-demand career fields, $24.4 million for base funding to support student success and operational stability, and $6 million for an enrollment increase reserve to ensure colleges receive additional funding whenever enrollment grows.

State legislators have been asked to consider funding Propel NC during the current long legislative session as part of biennial budget discussions. If approved, PCC would receive a $1.6 million increase in workforce education funding and an additional $683,377 in base allotment funding.

For PCC President Maria Pharr, Propel NC is a “sustainable, long-term investment in North Carolina’s economic future” that would ensure Pitt and other community colleges receive resources supporting workforce-focused programming. If state legislators approve funding for the plan, she said it would help PCC expand workforce programs, hire expert instructors, upgrade training facilities, and offer more flexible class options for students.

“We are asking for your support in modernizing workforce education funding,” Pharr told the visiting legislative group, including State Senators Buck Newton and Kandie Smith, State Representatives Gloristine Brown and Tim Reader, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Ted Budd and Tom Tillis, as well as U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy. “Your investment in North Carolina community colleges, like Pitt, will directly impact economic growth, student success, and the strength of North Carolina’s workforce.”

Pharr explained that the current community college funding model is outdated and hinders PCC’s ability to scale programs that are in high demand — such as nursing, emergency medical services and skilled trades.

“We cannot meet employer needs or support North Carolina’s workforce development goals without proper investment,” she said. “The current funding system creates several challenges that limit our ability to serve students effectively. Right now, many of our high-cost programs in key workforce sectors do not generate enough FTE revenue to cover the operational needs, limiting our ability to expand offerings, upgrade facilities and hire additional instructors.”

Pharr said Propel NC would make curriculum and continuing education funding more efficient by replacing the state’s full-time enrollment (FTE) tiers with “workforce sectors” consisting of similarly-focused curriculum and continuing education courses. The courses would be ranked and valued every three years through statewide salary and job demand data.

“The current model divides curriculum and continuing education funding and at different levels, which creates inefficiencies,” Pharr said. “The Propel NC plan consolidates curriculum and continuing education funding streams and adds resources for customized training and small business development.

“It’s a transformative funding formula that makes certain our funding keeps pace with enrollment growth and acknowledges the importance of continuing education and customized training, which are critical to workforce development.”

The General Assembly convened in January for the first time in 2025, marking the beginning of the long legislative session, which occurs in odd-numbered years and includes developing a new two-year budget for the state.

02/28/2025