Guilford Technical Community College, Guilford County Schools launching five new workforce pathways for high school students

JAMESTOWN, N.C. (Nov. 4, 2025) – Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) and Guilford County Schools (GCS) are partnering to launch new five, short term, workforce pathways for Guilford County high school students through the college’s Career and College Promise (CCP) program.

GSC high school rising juniors and seniors can apply now for fall 2026 for Career and College Promise workforce pathway programs that include: Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer, Aviation Manufacturing Quick Careers, Fire Academy, Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Pharmacy Technology. The application deadline for the new cohorts is January 30, 2026.

Career and College Promise offers high school students the chance to earn college credits at a GTCC, tuition-free. To be eligible students need a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.8 or higher or passing test scores. These new CCP pathways are built in a cohort model specifically for GCS students. 

“Our goal with these programs is to provide short-term pathways to assist GCS high school students in getting a jump in their careers for in demand jobs here in the Triad,” said GTCC President Anthony Clarke, Ph.D. “All programs will lead to a credential within one year from high school graduation.

“Employers in the region are looking to hire high school students as soon as they graduate. The goal of these pathways is to have students’ job ready, now. They also have the ability to transfer to a four-year college or university if they choose.”

This partnership is in conjunction with the Guilford County School’s Guilford Guarantee which promises that the district will align its work and programming so that every student has the opportunity to: 

• Earn at least a semester’s worth of college credits up to an associate’s degree; or
• Obtain an industry-recognized credential; or
• Participate in workplace learning experiences like an internship, apprenticeship or job shadowing. 

“Our commitment through the Guilford Guarantee is to ensure every graduate leaves GCS with a plan and real options for their future,” said GCS Superintendent, Dr. Whitney Oakley. “Our partnership with GTCC gives students the opportunity to explore their interests, earn college credit, and gain valuable skills and confidence while still in high school, creating a direct bridge from the classroom to college, career, and future success.”

Space in each pathway cohort is limited. Interested students are encouraged to complete the interest form to get a head start on their applications. Visit GCScohortPathways.gtcc.edu to get more information and complete the interest form.