Initiatives
The NCBCE AI Fellows program, in partnership with Google.org, will generate a network of exceptional NC educators to serve as artificial intelligence (AI) leaders and mentors in their school communities. Fellows will implement ethical AI pedagogical strategies, introduce the latest in technological resources, develop innovative curriculum, and enhance AI leadership skills. Collectively, these methods are poised to elevate ethical AI education in NC while creating expanded learning opportunities for students, sparking interest and engagement with AI, and preparing them for an AI-enabled world.
Bringing together statewide government, education, and industry partners, NCBCE’s Building Bright Futures is a grant initiative designed to strengthen the early child care workforce through pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. This program offers technical assistance, resources, and financial support to students with opportunities for paid work-based learning experiences, professional development, and mentorship as they progress toward a career in early childhood education.
NCBCE leads North Carolina’s participation in the National Governors Association Work-Based Learning Policy Academy as a Leader State. Through this multi-system initiative, NC Career Launch was developed. Career Launch programs provide students with work-based learning and education or credential attainment to prepare them for the workforce. NCBCE works with partners to expand youth pre-apprenticeship programs and launch innovative pilots that provide learn and earn opportunities for students and a pipeline of future team members for employers.
2027 Summer Academy Applications
Careers Electric™ is a national initiative to expand access to high quality electrical training and create clear pathways into well-paying, in demand electrical careers. Led by the Siemens Foundation, the work will begin in North Carolina by supporting high school and community college students. NCBCE will focus on engaging with high school students through pre-apprenticeships, foundational coursework, and career awareness activities.
Join North Carolina’s clean energy movement with our newly launched website! Explore the latest news, upcoming events, and learn about clean energy initiatives in the state. Connect through our Talent Hub to find job opportunities, post openings, and discover featured employers in the clean energy sector. Dive into resources on apprenticeships, training programs, and more to advance your career and contribute to a sustainable future in North Carolina.
Coming Soon! NCBCE was selected as an inaugural funded partner in the Siemens Foundation's EVeryone Charging Forward program, aligning with the state's commitment to a clean energy future. This collaboration addresses the growing demand for skilled workers in the expanding EV charging sector, particularly focusing on underserved communities. For more insights, visit the Siemens Foundation's official website.
Professional development is critical to supporting educators. The Governor’s Educator Discovery Award recognizes exemplary and innovative teachers by covering the costs associated with professional development opportunities. This allows educators to pursue professional development opportunities outside of what their school can offer, getting the chance to engage in content that suits their interests and the unique needs of their classroom.
LiNC-IT (Linking North Carolina with Innovative Talent) addresses the high unemployment rate (86%) of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and employers’ need for educated, loyal, and detail-oriented workers. LiNC-IT provides job coaching for participants and their managers to support success. To date, this program has had over 100 successful placements.
The Navigator is a tool designed to connect classroom learning to career pathways and is provided at no cost to employers and educators. Employers post work-based learning engagement and information opportunities like career profiles, guest speakers, internships, and pre-apprenticeships through this platform. Educators can search for, request, and track their engagement through the platform. The Navigator was developed through a generous partnership with Fidelity Investments and supported through funding from NCBCE and the state of North Carolina. Engage with the Navigator at go.wblnavigator.org/about.
NC Tech Works is a statewide work-based learning initiative that advances digital citizenship while preparing high school students for careers in information technology and related fields. With two innovative programs, Tech Team and Digital Ambassadors, NC Tech Works gives students meaningful paid work experience while addressing critical technology and workforce needs across North Carolina.
The Ready, Set, App! Competition, sponsored by Lenovo, is an initiative that challenges NC high school students to create a mobile app that addresses a problem in their school or community. Ready, Set, App! focuses on three primary pillars: mobile app development, professional and personal development, and interpersonal and soft skills development.
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, NCBCE convened representatives from business, education, government, and non-profits to develop short-term connectivity strategies for remote learning. Through this work, NCBCE raised grant funding to support remote learning in rural districts and assisted in the development of NC Student Connect, which has connected over 83,000 students with high-speed internet. The work continues to address the student digital divide in NC.
Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) is an NCBCE initiative sponsored by Smithfield Foods. SEED is focused on growing NC’s advanced manufacturing and agriculture workforce through work-based learning and apprenticeships. This initiative will create youth pre-apprenticeship programs to create great careers in southeastern NC. Students in this learn and earn program will participate in paid on the job training while earning an Associate’s degree.
STEPs4GROWTH is a comprehensive clean energy workforce development project funded by a grant from the US Department of Commerce. It is led by NC A&T State University with support from NCBCE and other partners. STEPs4GROWTH works with employers to train students and adults to fill well-paying jobs in energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean vehicles, and grid & resiliency.
Students@Work℠, a career awareness program held by Gubernatorial Proclamation, introduces NC middle school students to businesses and careers. Students are hosted by employers (on-site or virtually) and learn about career pathways in real-world business environments. Career awareness is a critical first step in adding relevancy to academics and positioning students to successfully navigate career pathways. Many students are unaware of the multitude of careers available within their state and Students@Work helps bridge this gap.
Teachers@Work is a teacher-externship model designed in partnership by NCBCE and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The program provides educators from across the state with unique, hands-on learning experiences inside local businesses, non-profit organizations, and state entities. Through these experiences, educators gain a more robust understanding of the technical skills, behaviors, and mindsets students need to be successful in today’s professional environments.
Since 2017, NCBCE has been leading the state’s efforts to expand, pilot, and promote work-based learning and to provide technical assistance to employers and local education and workforce partners. The Experience More site provides toolkits, information, examples, and strategies to support work-based learning.
As part of the NC Student Connect program, NCBCE hosted a series of remote learning professional development conferences for educators: Remote Education and Learning (REAL), REAL 2.0, STEM Connect, and Cultural Arts LIVE. All sessions were recorded and can be found on the website.
