In 2019, with bipartisan support in the North Carolina General Assembly and a signature from the Governor, North Carolina adopted one of the most ambitious goals in the nation – to have 2 million North Carolinians aged 25-44 hold an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030. They did this to ensure the State of North Carolina remains economically competitive, believing that a better educated North Carolina is the key to economic prosperity and upward mobility for all citizens.

Each of North Carolina’s 100 counties plays a role in the initiative, with independent goals and milestones. Montgomery County’s 2030 goal is to have 2,792 residents with an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree. We already have 2,326, with 466 additional residents to gain their degree or credential; we are 83% of the way there with four years left to go! Montgomery County is going to meet its goal!

Dr. Robert Locklear is Montgomery County’s Regional Impact Manager, hosting periodic meetings and check-ins for the local organizations involved in shepherding this initiative. Montgomery Community College contributes to the county’s goal in addition to other partners such as municipal governments, Montgomery County schools, workforce development boards and area employers. Representatives from each group are working to improve academic readiness, increase access to career and college learning and maintain alignment with workforce needs.

“As the local community college, MCC is proud to play a major role in helping Montgomery County reach its MyFutureNC goals,” said MCC President Dr. Chad Bledsoe. “Hand in hand with our community partners, we will continue to work to expand career pathways, strengthen workforce readiness and increase access to industry-valued credentials.”

For more information about the team’s progress toward it goal, please visit https://dashboard.myfuturenc.org/county-explorer/  and click on Montgomery County.