NC colleges embark on quest to increase graduation, retention rates

By: Caitlin Lockerbie
News14 Carolina

May 26, 2011

JAMESTOWN, N.C. – A selection of North Carolina community colleges is among an elite national group chosen to help more people obtain a degree.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a $495,000 planning grant Thursday morning, that will launch the state's involvement in the foundation's project, Completion by Design.

The effort looks to increase graduation and retention rates at schools across the country.

"We realize that the open door of access in terms of registration and application is not the only door that's important. It's the door that's provided as students walk across our graduation stages and opportunities to either further their education or go into the workplace,” said President of the North Carolina Community College System Dr. Scott Ralls.

North Carolina is one of four states selected to participate in the five-year program. Guilford Technical Community College will lead the partnership with Central Piedmont, Davidson County, Martin and Wake Technical Community Colleges.

"I will assure you that you're going to see graduation rates increase. You're going to see retention rates increase and you're going to see more student success occurring in North Carolina,” said Dr. Donald Cameron, President of Guilford Technical Community College.

The grant will cover the first phase of the project, also known as the planning period. The North Carolina group of schools is expected to present its plans and budget needs to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in April.