NC Career Coach Program Sees 57% Growth, Connecting More Than 31,000 Students to Career Pathways

A record 31,583 high school students across North Carolina received direct career guidance from community college–employed Career Coaches last year—a 57% increase that underscores the growing reach of the state’s Career Coach Program. The 2024–25 Annual Report, approved by the State Board of Community Colleges on September 19, highlights how these partnerships are helping more students chart clear, attainable paths to college and career success. 

The NC Career Coach Program, overseen by the North Carolina Community College System, was established in 2015 to place community college–employed advisors directly in high schools. Career Coaches meet one-on-one with students to discuss career interests, identify opportunities for deeper exploration, and develop guided pathways toward appropriate course selections aligned with their goals. 

The program’s footprint now includes 92 Career Coaches across 45 community colleges, serving 64 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state. Over the past year, Career Coaches: 

• Guided 31,583 students, a 57% increase over 2023–2024 
• Conducted 39,052 one-on-one advising sessions 
• Facilitated 2,063 group sessions 
• Collaborated on 701 workforce engagement activities, connecting education with local industry needs 

“At the heart of our mission is the belief that every North Carolina high school student deserves a clear path to success,” said Dr. Jennifer McLean, State Director of Advising and Coaching at the System. “We’re dedicated to empowering students with career exploration, knowledge of academic pathways, and confidence to navigate their educational journey and future workforce aspirations and achieve their goals.”  

This growth has translated into more students enrolling in dual enrollment opportunities, Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and work-based learning experiences—directly advancing North Carolina’s statewide goals for educational attainment and workforce preparedness. 

The General Assembly has shown commitment to the program since its inception, increasing their support from $500,000 in 2015 to $5.6 million in 2022. 

“The Career Coach Program helps thousands of high school students each year connect their education to real career opportunities in critical workforce sectors in North Carolina,” said Dr. Brian Merritt, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at the System. “We are grateful to the General Assembly for their sustained investment over the past decade, which has made it possible to bring career coaches to high schools statewide and help students access pathways and plan for successful futures.” 

The report also outlined barriers, including local match requirements for rural counties; high turnover due to workload across multiple schools and employer partnerships; and limited data access, which complicates data collection efficiencies. 

The following four strategic priorities will address these barriers and help strengthen the program: 

1. Expand Career Coach Capacity: Ensure every LEA has at least one Career Coach (115 total statewide). Currently, 64 LEAs are served. 
2. Address Rural Funding Barriers: Explore state or public-private support to ease local match requirements, which disproportionately affect rural and Tier 2 counties. 
3. Improve Data Access and Reporting: Enhance integration with systems like PowerSchool and Infinite Campus to streamline data collection and reporting. 
4. Develop a Retention Strategy: Focus on manageable caseloads, professional development, recognition, and competitive pay to reduce turnover. 

By aligning student career goals with workforce needs, the Career Coach Program is helping North Carolina prepare the next generation of skilled workers while giving students clear and attainable pathways to success. 

The program continues to demonstrate its impact as a vital bridge between education and workforce readiness. By expanding access, addressing barriers, and strengthening support for coaches, North Carolina is building stronger pathways for students while preparing the skilled workforce employers need.  

With questions about the NC Career Coach Program, contact Jennifer McLean.