School Registration Handbook » College and Career Readiness

College and Career Readiness

I. Career and College Promise (CCP)

The Career and College Promise program provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take college courses, **tuition-free**, at Wilkes Community College (WCC).

Program Goals:
  • Broaden educational opportunities.
  • Accelerate the process for students to become career ready.
  • Lower the overall cost of a college degree.
Enrollment Requirements:
  • College Transfer Courses: Minimum **2.8 GPA** required.
  • Technical Courses: Minimum **2.8 GPA** or Principal Exception required.
Fee Note: There is a **$30 fee for each course**. Fees must be paid at the time of registration. 

II. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Internships

The CTE Internship program allows selected students to obtain **real-world work experience** in a field related to their career interests, providing exposure to diverse situations and hands-on tasks.

Program Details:
  • Students complete **135 hours** over the course of the semester.
  • Students earn **one academic credit**.
  • All students are thoroughly screened to ensure the "right fit."
  • Students complete meaningful activities (Learning Plan, Resume Writing Workshop).
Process:
  • The program is **application-based**.
  • Many students interview with business partners before securing a placement.
  • Students are monitored throughout the experience by the Career Development Coordinator.

III. CTE Apprenticeships

The CTE Apprenticeship program is run in conjunction with local corporations to provide students with important work skills and a college education.

Timeline and Benefits:
  • Complete **160 paid hours** of on-the-job training during the summer prior to 12th grade.
  • Continue on-the-job training while simultaneously completing high school and WCC courses.
  • Students receive: **Paid** on the job training, a **$350 stipend** for each related, completed college course, and **tuition paid by the employer**.
Local Participating Companies:
  • Rodney Shepherd Construction
  • Doug Coffey Construction
  • Randy Shew Electric
  • Atrium Health/Wake Forest Baptist
  • DreamWalls Innovative Glass Products
  • Samaritan's Purse
  • InfusionPoints
  • Wilkes Communications/Riverstreet Production
  • Jimmy McGlamery Construction
  • InterFlex Group

Apprenticeship Application Criteria/Process

  • Submit application prior to the deadline.
  • Have completed their **junior year** in high school.
  • Be eligible to participate in the **Career and College Promise** program.
  • Be in good academic standing and progressing toward high school graduation.
  • Be able to pass any related technical skills test as deemed appropriate by the employer.
  • Pass a background/drug screen (if required).
  • Submit **three (3)** teacher/principal recommendations.
  • Attend two (2) pre-apprenticeship orientations (one parent information session, one business orientation).
  • Participate in the pre-apprenticeship interview process (if necessary).
  • Possess the ultimate goal of being selected as an "**Adult Apprentice**" at the sponsoring agency.