New Surry-Yadkin Works Playbook Shines Spotlight on Innovative Work-Based Learning Model

What does it look like when education, government, and workforce leaders join forces to develop a new generation of talent and drive their regional economy? The new Surry-Yadkin Works playbook, developed by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research in partnership with myFutureNC, is full of tips and best practices from a promising model that is changing the game for students, employers, and communities in northwestern North Carolina.  

Made possible by support from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Office of Governor Roy Cooper, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, and Jobs for the Future, the playbook outlines the conditions that primed Surry-Yadkin Works for success and the specific steps leaders took to launch and grow the program. This cross-sector partnership aligns four different school districts, the local community college, and local public and private sector employers across two counties via a streamlined approach to connecting students with pre-apprenticeship opportunities and wraparound support on a clear pathway to success after high school. 

It is our hope that this playbook will guide others in adapting and replicating the Surry-Yadkin Works model to meet their local and regional needs. Download your copy of the playbook today!

About the Belk Center:

The Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research works with educators, researchers, and policymakers to further more equitable community college outcomes in North Carolina and across the nation. We distill knowledge into actionable insights and create opportunities for collaboration as we tackle the most pressing issues facing students and build stronger, more resilient communities. The Belk Center is housed in the College of Education at North Carolina State University, a land-grant university that shares our commitment to community colleges and the critical role these institutions play in creating and expanding opportunities for all North Carolinians. 

For more information, please visit www.belk-center.ced.ncsu.edu.

About myFutureNC:

myFutureNC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that aligns and coordinates local, regional, and state actions to dramatically increase the attainment of valuable credentials and postsecondary degrees. We are committed to the development and sustainability of deep, collaborative relationships as we advance the state’s goal of having 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 hold an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030. 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.
• Ultimately improve the quality of educational opportunities for all North Carolinians.

For more information, please visit www.myfuturenc.org.