ROC College- Our Multistep Dual Enrollment (Career College Promise) Pathway
The ROC is here to serve Charlotte students. Our mission is to educate and mentor high school students for technical education and career opportunities in the construction industry.
Our accredited program provides a dual enrollment “Career & College Promise Pathway” where selected students receive dual high school and college credits through Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). Our juniors and seniors receive skills training in advanced carpentry, electrical, HVAC and construction management through a combination of structured classroom and applied learning on the job with local professional mentors.
During their senior year, our students pick a concentration pathway:
Construction Management
Electrical and HVAC
After graduation the students will either complete their associate’s degree at CPCC, continue onto a four-year university degree or join the construction industry directly.
Students attend their home school in the morning and complete core high school classes. In the afternoon, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) provides all transportation after 2nd block between the student’s home school and The ROC facility.
ROC College- Dual Enrollment Advantage:
In our program, you’ll learn about everything from construction management and advanced carpentry to electrical technology, and heating and air. But more than that, you’ll get tools and experience you can take anywhere.
Immediate Benefits:
- Dual high school and college credits
- Paid internships with construction firms
- Mentoring from local experts
- Professional certifications
Long-term benefits:
- Head start on college and technical training with free CPCC college credits transferable to 2 and 4-year programs
- Ability to attend college without debt
- High earning potential if you choose a construction-related career
- Proven ability, communications skills and confidence for any career
YOUR LIFE AT THE ROC
Our multi-step college pathway is specialized to fit your interests and career goals:
There isn't just one pathway to college and career. Your life as a student with The ROC means you get hands-on experience, field training, college credits and a world of opportunity in a valuable industry.
1. Explore: Sophomore Year
Meet with your high school Career Development Coordinator (CDC) or complete the Prospective Student Survey in the fall so we can help map out your individual pathway, at no cost. Then, schedule a tour of our state-of-the-art facility! Applications are accepted starting in January.
2. Engage: Junior and Senior Years
Take a two-year sequence of construction technology courses where you can earn dual high school and college credits. Spend 1st and 2nd periods at your home high school and 3rd and 4th periods at The ROC. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools transports students from their home high school to our facility with time for lunch.
3. Earn: Summer Paid Internships
Participate in a paid youth internship program in Charlotte with local construction companies. You could be paid around $15 per hour during this eight-week internship, earning college credits and gaining valuable experience with top commercial and residential construction firms.
4. Expand: Your Year After High School
Right after high school, you may have access to an Opportunity Scholarship or a Career & Technical Scholarship to finish an associate degree at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). Or, you can move directly into a paying job in the construction industry.
5. Extend: Beyond an Associate Degree
The ROC students can continue onward to a four-year university degree after completing an associate degree from CPCC. Here are some common pathways beyond an associate degree:
“2 plus 2” Transfer: A “2 plus 2” agreement between CPCC and select North Carolina state colleges permits ROC students to use their two years in the ROC as a block of credits towards achieving a bachelors degree in construction management in just two years beyond the ROC.
Direct entrance to the industry: The ROC students can go directly into the construction industry with an associate degree and earn over $50,000 plus benefits in the construction management field.
North Carolina electrical license: If the ROC participant has chosen the electrical track, and, has earned an associate degree while also earning one year of secondary work experience, they can then sit for the North Carolina electrical license exam. They will then need to complete one additional year as a lead electrician and take the state exam for full licensure.
HVAC Certification: If The ROC student has chosen the HVAC track and has earned an associate degree, they automatically earn the state certification as a part of that associate degree.
Contact us
ROC Leadership:
Darren Ash
Executive Director
The ROC
Email: dash@roccharlotte.org
M: 704-651-0137
Margaret Thornton
Associate Director/CTE Coordinator
The ROC
Email: mthornton@roccharlotte.org
M: 980-339-6909
Hailey Brown
Career Pathway Coordinator
The ROC
Email: hbrown@roccharlotte.org
M: 980-221-7097
Career Development Coordinator (CDC) for participating schools:
Terrence Daniels
West Mecklenburg High School
Email: terrence.daniels@cms.k12.nc.us
O: 980-343-6080
Deepal Patel
Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology
Email: deepal.patel@cms.k12.nc.us
O: 980-343-5992
Kim Williamson
Harding University High School
Email: kim.williamson@cms.k12.nc.us
O: 980-343-6007
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