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Dear Sea Devil Community,
As 2024 ends, I reflect with gratitude on the remarkable achievements we've celebrated throughout the year. Thanks to our students' and employees' dedication and effort, CFCC continues to thrive, offering meaningful opportunities, shaping career pathways, and fostering strong connections within our community.
This year, we saw continued growth in enrollment, with a 7 percent increase for the Spring 2024 semester and a 3 percent rise in the Summer compared to the previous year. We are proud to have launched new programs, including Simulation and Game Development, the Career Pilot Program, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce innovative new programs such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Aviation Maintenance, and more. These initiatives reflect our commitment to equipping students for the industries of the future and those experiencing significant growth in our region.
We are dedicated to enhancing our students' educational experience. This year, we've doubled the capacity of our free drop-in childcare services, expanded tutoring hours by 18 percent, and provided no-cost bus passes for transportation. Additionally, we've introduced year-round scholarships to help students manage their expenses throughout the academic year.
Our dedication to community service has continued to thrive this year. We expanded our English as a Second Language (ESL) program by 29 percent, celebrated the graduation of our inaugural Culinary Fundamentals cohort in collaboration with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, and delivered nearly $400,000 worth of free care to the community through our Dental Clinic.
This year also marked the launch of our United College initiative, which fosters collaboration across departments to streamline resources and enhance student success. The newly established Career Resource Center already demonstrates its influence by centralizing career development services, work-based learning opportunities, and apprenticeship programs. This strategic integration supports students' holistic development and enhances their preparedness for the workforce.
CFCC experienced a substantial expansion in its reach and reputation in 2024, with applications received from forty-nine states (Wyoming being the exception). Furthermore, we provided educational services to students from forty-three states and eighty-nine of the hundred counties in North Carolina. These developments underscore the increasing impact of CFCC on a national scale.
As we look toward 2025, I am enthusiastic about key facility enhancements, including Phase II of the Dan and Sheila Saklad Health and Human Services Center and the expansion of the Surf City Campus. These initiatives, innovative programs, and strengthened partnerships position us for greater success in the coming year.
Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary year. I wish you a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year!
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