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Commissioners expand Chatham Promise to include nontraditional learners; no new county dollars requested
Summary
The board approved an amendment to the Chatham Promise agreement with Central Carolina Community College to allow county funds to support eligible residents beyond the two‑year post‑high‑school window; the change extends eligibility but does not increase the county allocation.
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted May 19 to amend the county’s Chatham Promise agreement with Central Carolina Community College to allow funding eligibility for nontraditional (adult) learners beyond the existing two‑year post‑high‑school window.
Mark Hall of Central Carolina Community College told commissioners that the program has served more than 500 students over six years and that in the last academic year it enrolled roughly 80 additional students. Hall said about 74% of participating students return for a second year and that 55–60% of Promise participants receive Pell assistance — indicators the college offered as evidence the program is reaching lower‑income and first‑generation students.
What the amendment does: the county and college agreed to allow Chatham Promise funds to cover eligible Chatham residents who are beyond the program’s prior two‑year window after high‑school graduation. The amendment keeps the program’s existing funding limit approach: tuition support remains last‑dollar and the MOU adds a cap for adult learners equivalent to the two‑year tuition amount (five semesters’ worth of tuition as calculated when a student first enrolls). The amended language also preserves residency verification procedures and narrows coverage for residents who already hold college degrees unless they pursue a credential in a high‑demand occupation.
Funding and oversight: the county did not add new dollars. The amendment repurposes existing Chatham Promise allocations to make them available to more eligible adults; the college invoices the county for actual usage. Hall and college staff said the amendment is intended to expand pathways to family‑sustaining jobs for adults who need retraining or new credentials.
Vote and next steps: the board approved the amended agreement by voice vote. Staff will finalize the amended MOU documents and continue program administration with Central Carolina Community College under the amended terms.
Ending: Commissioners and college leaders described the change as a way to broaden workforce pathways without increasing the county’s financial commitment.
