Community Engagement and Outreach
Mission Statement
The Office of Community Engagement and Outreach advances Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s mission by fostering strategic partnerships, expanding educational access, and promoting student success. Through collaboration with local businesses, schools, non-profits, and government agencies, the office strengthens community impact, supports enrollment growth, and enhances the college’s reputation. Dedicated to serving veterans, adult learners, and youth, the office provides responsive support services that empower academic achievement, persistence, and lifelong learning.
The office’s purpose and expectations are organized into three primary areas: Adult Learner Initiative, Special Populations (Youth Programs) and Veteran Support Services.
Adult Learner Success
To support non-traditional students (over 25 years of age) in achieving their educational and career goals by providing tailored resources, guidance, and programs designed to accommodate the unique challenges adult learners often face, such as balancing work, family, and education.
- Strengthen collaboration with college divisions to develop targeted strategies for recruiting adult learners.
- Increase awareness of credit and non-credit programs through workshops, presentations, and outreach events.
- Identify adult learners at-risk academically and implement proactive retention strategies.
- Monitor and track adult learner progress to ensure timely goal attainment and program completion.
- Offer personalized advising, career guidance, and one-on-one support to help students make informed educational and career decisions.
- Coordinate efforts across marketing, recruitment, scheduling, and advising teams to create seamless support for adult learners.
- Provide credit for prior learning (CPL) for college-level learning obtained through documented military education and training.
Special Populations (Youth Programs)
To expand access to higher education by promoting CCC&TI’s programs to area middle and high school students, supporting Dream Award recipients, connecting families to resources, and partnering with Appalachian State University’s GEAR UP program to prepare students for college success.
- Increase awareness of CCC&TI programs and college access opportunities among Dream Scholars, GEAR UP participants, and local students through outreach, presentations, and early career exploration.
- Provide students and families with information on Career and College Promise and other academic or workforce programs; assist with applications, registration, tours, and educational planning for smooth college transitions.
- Collaborate with schools, transition advisors, and community partners such as TRIO, CIS, and CFNC to expand postsecondary participation and align college access initiatives.
- Prioritize outreach to underrepresented populations, connecting students with career guidance, academic support, and campus resources that promote persistence and success.
- Track participation data, review outcomes with partners, and model sustainable practices to strengthen and extend CCC&TI’s college access efforts beyond the GEAR UP grant.
Veteran Support Services
To assist student military veterans and their families in making a successful transition from the military to academic life by providing information, accessibility, counseling, and other comprehensive resources that increase academic success and educational goal completion.
- Provide high quality student-centered veteran services to student veterans and their families to ease their transition from military service to college.
- Recruit student veterans and their families and improve overall student enrollment, progression, academic success and retention.
- Offer an environment that is welcoming and supportive of our student veterans and their families.
- Connect student veterans and their families to various campus resources and collaborate with community organizations to help support veterans.
- Provide credit for prior learning (CPL) for college-level learning obtained through documented military education and training.