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Education leaders urge internships and partnerships as A&T nears R1 research status
Summary
At the State of the City, three higher-education leaders told Mayor Mary Kay Abuzalaf that boosting internships, reviving cross-sector partnerships and improving transportation would help retain graduates; Chancellor James R. Martin said North Carolina A&T has met R1 criteria and expects an announcement in about a year.
A panel of education leaders at Greensboro’s 2026 State of the City urged city government and employers to strengthen ties with colleges and universities to keep graduates in the city.
Chancellor James R. Martin of North Carolina A&T emphasized the economic impact of research universities and said A&T has “passed all the criteria” for R1 status, with an official announcement expected in about a year. Martin said R1 classification — part of a tiering system for U.S. universities — tends to increase state support, graduate enrollments and research partnerships that can attract federal agencies and major companies. “When you become an R1 university, it means that you have done enough to really show your ability to do impactful research,” Martin said.
Panelists identified internships and early-career work experience as central to retention. Guilford College’s president said ensuring students graduate with paid or credited work experience would help them find local employment and stay. Greensboro College President Dr. Lawrence Zarda said his college now requires an internship for all graduates and noted donor-funded scholarships for unpaid placements.
The panel recommended reviving a cross-sector coalition similar to a past group called Opportunity Greensboro — a forum of K‑12, higher-education, corporate and elected leaders — to coordinate internships, workforce pipelines and strategic projects. Panelists also raised transportation gaps between campuses and downtown, the need to better inform employers about CPT/OPT rules for international students and programs to cultivate lifelong learning and alumni connections.
What’s next: the mayor said staff are taking notes; panelists urged concrete collaboration between city staff, institutions and employers to build programs that link students to local work and long-term opportunity.
