FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August, 7, 2025

Contact: Jennifer Pearce, 614-562-7449

 

 

(Pinehurst, NC)—Today was one for the record books as 66 students in Moore County Schools entered the halls at Sandhills Community College as the first early college focused on trades in the state of North Carolina. The collaboration was made possible with funds from the General Assembly and the belief and persistence of Senator Tom McInnis and Neal Jackson, State Representative, to see a focus on a skilled-trades education to build the talent pipeline in North Carolina.

 

“This is red letter day for our state and the future of public education here in Moore County,” said McInnis. “This is a big deal. We lost over 300 students in the last five years of students dropping out in the public school system of Moore County and we just have to stop it. This new school sets a record as the fastest in the state to go from concept to execution and will offer the students a chance to experience something they never had been offered before – a chance to use their hands and their minds to get a quality education that is workforce ready. Keep in mind, they are choosing this path – this is a volunteer opportunity to try this unique experience.”

 

In collaboration between the two educational institutions and funding from the State General Assembly, students will earn both a high school diploma and earn as many workforce credentials in the skilled trades or something similar during their four years on campus.

 

“This is a great example of folks coming together to help build the workforce in North Carolina alongside students and their families who see the value in skilled trades and hands on learning,” said Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, president of Sandhills Community College. “Being creative and innovative, this model blurs the line of high school and college education for our state and enhances workforce development opportunities and economic development in the region. We’re pleased to lead the pack, especially with Principal Ashlee Ciccone who is a force of nature. What she has done with the staff at the high school and the college is remarkable and has been delivered in record time - less than two years since the funds were appropriated. We couldn’t be more excited.”

 

McInnis credits President Stewart for his wholistic thinking and looking at the long-term outcomes by creating a collaborative and welcoming partnership. “Today is a day of intentional partnerships coming together in such a short time to make this vision come to life. When we put our students first, everyone wins.”

 

Students were greeted today by Senator Tom McInnis, President of Sandhills Community College Sandy Stewart; Superintendent of Moore County Schools Tim Locklair; and Principal of MIHS Ashlee Ciccone. Staff from both groups wore MIHS T-Shirts and applauded the students into the building. Photos here:

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