Nicole Stumbling Bear

I learned universities will fall all over themselves to get that community college associate degree holder to come to their university.

Fayetteville Tech Community College Grad

Bio Research Assistant at UNCP’s Comtech Biotechnology and Training Center

Nicole chose to go back to school after her son passed, as a way of honoring his memory and the education he’d never be able to get. But as the first in her family to go to college, she worried about finding the support she needed and ways to fund her education. Fayetteville Tech Community College (FTCC) was there to help—not only with grant and scholarship suggestions but also a job as a staff member supporting students with disabilities.

Her experience seeing the challenges those students face in gaining particular skills, along with a biology course that led her to tutor students from Ghana, helped Nicole figure out her end game. Her long-term goal is now to marry her love of science with her passion for education to help students with disabilities pursue careers in science and technology.

Not only did Nicole’s time at FTCC shape her future plans—it also taught her how to find and take advantage of the resources to help her achieve her goals. Her newly developed expertise translated into a fully funded associate degree and by the time Nicole graduated, she had several scholarship offers to continue her education. “The reason I chose UNC Pembroke was because they gave the biggest scholarship,” she explained.

Nicole now works in a lab studying Alzheimer’s and certain proteins while working toward a bachelor’s degree in education. Even though she’s the first in her family to hold a degree, she won’t be the last. Throughout her journey, Nicole hasn’t just made studying a priority for herself, she’s made it a nightly activity for her kids too. And leading by example has paid off. Nicole’s oldest daughter has followed in her footsteps, taking classes at FTCC in high school and becoming an education major at UNCP.

Let’s find the right path for you.

Answer a few questions to see what your best route to getting hired might be.

Have you completed high school or an equivalent?

Nope. I’ve got a few years left.

Do you want to work toward earning a degree?

Yep.

All signs point to you getting a head start on your higher education while you’re still in high school.

That’s because the Career & College Promise program allows you to have duel enrollment, so you can work on both at the same time. And since this program is also tuition free, it’s a real money-saver.

Maybe.

All signs point to you getting a head start on your higher education while you’re still in high school.

Nope.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

This type of training combines hands-on learning with related classroom instruction. Apprentices earn money while learning a highly-skilled trade from an employer. State and federal certificates as well as other credentials can also be completed through an apprenticeship.

No.

How do you see community college benefitting you?

By helping me grow my skills.

Looks like your top priority is getting the skills you need fast—so you can land a good job quickly.

Short-term training, sometimes called continuing education, comes in various forms and are all focused on helping you gain the real-world skills you need to get into—or move up in—a number of fields. These courses often lead to state licensure or a certificate upon completion.

By preparing me to start a new career.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Yes. (Or at least, I will soon.)

Are you interested in earning college credit?

Yes, definitely.

Which way do you prefer to learn?

Virtually or physically, being part of a class works for me.

How much time are you willing to spend getting an education?

Two years, tops. I’m trying to get done and get a job ASAP.

Seems like you want the opportunities that come with a degree, but in half the time of a bachelor’s.

Associate degrees are perfect for that. They can give you a big advantage over many non-degree holders in the job market—and open up even more potential positions that were previously out of reach. You’ll have relevant skills employers want in about two years.

I could do four—or more.

Great! Sounds like you plan on using community college as a stepping stone to a four-year university.

Like any associate degree, transfer degrees take about two years to complete—but this one includes general education credits that are easily transferable. It counts the same as having completed two years toward a bachelor’s degree.

I learn best by being hands-on. Just show me how to do it.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Nope, I don’t need it.

How do you see community college benefitting you?

By helping me grow my skills.

Looks like your top priority is getting the skills you need fast—so you can land a good job quickly.

By preparing me to start a new career.

Looks like your top priority is gaining real-world skills—either through on-the-job learning or continuing education.

Short-term training or an apprenticeship can help you gain the specific skills you need to get into—or move up in—a number of fields. Certificates, licensure and other credentials can be completed through these programs via hands-on learning and/or classroom instruction.

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