RALEIGH, NC – More than 2,450 leaders from across North Carolina convened virtually today for myFutureNC’s State of Educational Attainment event. During the event, myFutureNC shared new state-level data on North Carolina’s progress toward achieving the state's educational attainment goal of two million degrees or industry-valued credentials by 2030.
Although the state has made significant strides in closing the gap between workforce needs and educational attainment since efforts were first launched in 2019, the convening reinforced the urgent need to equip even more North Carolinians with the skills and credentials necessary for a strong workforce and thriving economy.
Since 2019, North Carolina has added nearly 215,000 credentialed workers, bringing the total to 1.7 million residents aged 25 to 44 who hold a degree or high-quality credential.
When efforts were first launched, the state was projected to fall 400,000 short of its goal, but that gap has now been reduced to 55,000.
Despite the progress made, challenges remain in the areas of strengthening early education pathways, increasing adult education and completion, and ensuring degrees or credentials align with actual workforce needs.
“North Carolina’s economic growth presents tremendous opportunities, but only if our workforce is prepared to meet the demand,” said John Fraley, myFutureNC board chair. “It’s our mission to ensure every North Carolinian has the education and training needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.”
To tackle these challenges and create a more skilled workforce, myFutureNC and its partners have developed evidence-based solutions and outlined five key policy recommendations to increase educational attainment across the state:
- Expand scholarships for high-demand jobs that don’t require a college degree
- Enhance support and completion grants
- Improve college transfer transparency
- Invest in community-driven solutions to increase educational attainment on the local level
- Support existing legislative priorities that will help to increase attainment
“By implementing these strategies, North Carolina can build on its progress, close remaining gaps, and ensure that every resident has access to the education and training needed for economic success,” said Cecilia Holden, President and CEO of myFutureNC.
As part of this commitment to progress, myFutureNC recognized the following as 2025 Champions for Attainment for their dedication to expanding access, success, and completion for adult learners across North Carolina:
- Aspire Appalachian Program at Appalachian State University
- Gregory Singleton
- Second Chance Initiative at Campbell University
- Volt Center
- Wayne County Reentry Council at Wayne Community College
Additionally, several state leaders were honored as 2025 Education & Workforce Attainment Policy Champions for their dedication and leadership in shaping North Carolina’s future through policies and initiatives that support the state’s attainment goal:
- Senator Jay Chaudhuri
- Senator Amy Galey
- Senator Michael Lee
- Former Representative Ashton Wheeler Clemmons
- Former Representative Jeffrey Elmore
- Representative Donny Lambeth
- Geoff Coltrane
“North Carolina has made great strides toward closing the educational attainment gap, but now is the time for bold action. By investing in proven solutions, we can ensure every North Carolinian is equipped for success and ready to contribute to a strong, competitive workforce,” said Holden.
Watch the full event recording.
Download the full State of Educational Attainment report.
About myFutureNC
myFutureNC is a statewide nonprofit organization focused on educational attainment and is the result of cross-sector collaboration between North Carolina leaders in education, business, and government. myFutureNC’s mission is to prepare North Carolina for the future by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and ensuring our economic viability in a global economy. myFutureNC is working across sectors and in communities throughout the state to close gaps in postsecondary attainment, promote alignment between educational programming and business/industry needs, and improve the quality of educational opportunities for all North Carolinians. On February 20, 2019, myFutureNC unveiled its goal and bold vision for the future of education in our state: We will work to ensure that by 2030, 2 million North Carolinians have a high-quality credential or postsecondary degree.