Partnership between Gaston and Lincoln County Schools featured on YouTube
February is Career and Technical Education Appreciation Month and on February 23 Lincoln County Schools superintendent Dr. Aaron Allen met with Joanne Matz, Dean of Lincoln County Partnerships, and Dr. Jennifer Nichols, VP for Educational Partnerships, on the Lincoln campus of Gaston College to celebrate the partnership between Lincoln County Schools and Gaston and discuss all they are doing together to make career planning and readiness a reality for Lincoln County students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Their conversation was featured in a Lincoln County Schools CORE Communication video on YouTube.
Dr. Nichols said that for elementary school students, the focus is on spreading awareness about Gaston College and what it can do for them. Middle school students can visit campus and Gaston College advisors also visit the schools to let students know how they can help them explore career possibilities and meet career goals. High school students can participate in College Now, a dual enrollment program that lets them earn college credits while still in high school, as well as get career guidance and advice.
Matz talked about the associate degree, certificate and diploma programs at Gaston College, as well as our TAG transfer agreements with four-year colleges. Going out into the community is also a priority for her and she communicates with local companies who are eager to learn how they can get involved with the College in supporting Lincoln County students and preparing them for careers through work-based learning, internships and apprenticeships.
Dr. Allen, Dr. Nichols, and Matz discussed the exciting new programs coming for Lincoln County students in the next school year: a Teacher Academy that will start students with Teacher Cadet classes in all four Lincoln County high schools, and a Health Academy for practical nursing, in collaboration with Atrium Health, through which students can get their practical nursing credential while in high school.
