Officials from Currituck County Schools and the College of the Albemarle told commissioners on April 29 that growing partnerships and career-technical offerings are creating more post‑graduation pathways—dual enrollment, credentials and internships—that the district hopes will reduce the number of young residents who are neither enrolled nor employed.

Why it matters: District leaders said expanding College of the Albemarle (COA) access and aligning CTE pathways to local labor-market needs help students earn credentials and obtain jobs without completing a four‑year degree. Staff said credentialing has risen: the district reported an increase of 749 credentials in one recent year and a total of 1,371 credentials awarded over a multi‑year span.

What officials described:
- Pathways and dual enrollment: The district described CCHS student pathways and career-technical education “concentrator” requirements used to move students toward completion in areas such as welding, HVAC and culinary arts. Assistant Superintendent Renee Davie said the system’s strategic goal is that students be prepared to “enroll, enlist, or employ” after graduation.

- Tuition and credential support: Staff said College of the Albemarle waives tuition for College and Career Promise students and that the district covers textbooks; staff also said the state funds many high‑school credential exams so students can leave high school with a workforce credential at no direct cost to families.

- Internships and employer links: The presenters described building internships across sectors — health care, HVAC, veterinary services and other local businesses — and said Chambers of Commerce and local employers are partnering to host students. The district estimates about 30 internships in the current year and said the program is expanding.

- Graduation credit changes: Presenters discussed the state’s move to a 22‑credit minimum high‑school diploma (down from local district practice of 28 credits) and said that while the new minimum adds scheduling flexibility, it also creates a reporting issue: the district said in some situations it appears to be penalized in state graduation-rate formulas for students who pursue CTE pathways instead of additional traditional academic credits. District leaders urged state policymakers to correct the reporting discrepancy.

Discussion, direction and decisions:
- Discussion: Board and county officials asked how COA and district programs can expand locally, and staff described discussions about aligning program locations with labor-market needs and potential mobile/modular program delivery (for example, for HVAC).

- Direction: District leaders said they will continue discussions with the College of the Albemarle about program placement, and pursue expanded internship relationships with employers and the Chamber.

- Decisions: No formal adoption of new programs or funding occurred during the joint session; presenters said COA and district officials meet regularly and will continue collaboration.

Ending note: Presenters framed the work as regional and iterative: local CTE and dual-enrollment collaboration with College of the Albemarle aims to give students multiple career entry points while keeping more credentialing and workforce training accessible inside Currituck County.