Access to Achievement expands statewide, serves 800+ with IDD; State Board greenlights report and more

The State Board of Community Colleges has approved a new legislative report showing that Access to Achievement—a first-of-its-kind initiative for North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)—is already reaching more than 800 students across 15 colleges since its spring 2024 launch.

Backed by nearly $4 million in recurring funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, the program is expanding access to workforce training and credentials for students with IDD, helping them build skills, earn meaningful credentials, and transition into competitive employment. 

“The program really demonstrates the importance of a significant, robust investment in establishing infrastructure. This program serves as a model not only for our state but the nation in terms of building stronger vocational training and intellectual development and employment opportunities for IDD students,” said Sarah West, Chair of the Programs and Student Success Committee.  

The program builds on the success of pilot projects at Catawba Valley and Brunswick Community Colleges and now includes 15 participating colleges across the state. 

Key outcomes from the 2024–25 report include: 

• 809 total students served, including 316 receiving high-intensity services with a customized Person-Centered Plan
• 493 students received individualized advising
• 78 students with Person-Centered Plans have already earned a certificate, diploma, or degree
• 73% of program funds directly allocated to colleges for local implementation
• Robust technical assistance provided through 54 documented support encounters
• Ongoing development of professional training, career exploration curriculum, and statewide resource sharing 

In addition to vocational training and credential pathways, the program supports students through benefits counseling, assistive technology, and strategies for campus integration. The System Office has also launched a data tracking platform, online resource hub, and a branded suite of outreach materials to build awareness across campuses and communities.  

“What we’re seeing is more than just numbers—it’s transformation,” said Nancye Gaj, Program Director for Access to Achievement. “Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities are accessing real pathways to employment and independence, and colleges are stepping up in extraordinary ways to meet their needs. The early results reflect a deep commitment across our state to access, innovation, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed.”  

The program is being externally evaluated by Higher Education Insight to assess impact, fidelity to legislative goals, and potential to serve as a national model. 

Other Business 

• ERP Modernization Project Update: The System is in Phase 4 of a five-phase ERP modernization effort begun in 2016. The goal is to replace outdated, unsustainable ERP systems across all 58 colleges with a unified Ellucian Banner SaaS platform.
• The Board approved contracts for current LMS platforms: Moodle and Blackboard.
• The Board approved reappointments for 6 college presidents.
• The Board approved updates to the North Carolina High School to Community College CTE Articulation Agreement and a pilot waiver for 9th–10th graders at participating colleges to enroll in CTE dual enrollment pathways through August 2026.
• Longtime Board member, Ann Whitford, was recognized for receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for her 30+ years of service at a surprise ceremony at Carteret Community College.
• Several Board member terms expire June 30; replacements or reappointments are pending General Assembly action.
• The Board approved 5 new proprietary schools and renewals for 121 existing ones.
• The N4CSGA report highlighted where student board members were transferring to after graduating this month:
  • Joshua Davidson, Mitchell Community College, Transferring to High Point University
  • Zachary Taylor, Randolph Community College, Transferring to Appalachian State University
  • Johanna Angeles-Vargas, Beaufort County Community College, Transferring to NC State University
  • Keionnee Wiggins, Pitt Community College, Transferring to UNC-Greensboro
  • Benjamin Lacey, Johnston Community College, Transferring to UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Autumn Queen, Gaston College, Transferring to UNC-Chapel Hill 

The next board meeting is July 17.