The mission of Golden LEAF is to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, economically-distressed, and tobacco-dependent communities. The strategic plan lays out the following priority areas:
Golden LEAF seeks to improve workforce preparedness in communities by increasing the number of qualified individuals with skills aligned with current and future needs of local business and industry. We fund projects that demonstrate a market demand for skilled workers and aim at developing skill sets required by businesses looking to locate or expand in rural communities. Golden LEAF invests in projects that prepare students with the technical and life skills necessary to enter work.
Some of the ways Golden LEAF measures the success of a workforce preparedness program is through tracking the number of students who complete courses, earn third party credentials, and participate in work-based learning. Other outcomes of workforce preparedness projects include students employed, incumbent workers trained, and employer satisfaction with trained students.
Learn about some of the workforce preparedness projects support by Golden LEAF in Davie, Moore, Duplin and Surry counties below:
Davie County Schools career and CTE labs
Davie County Schools purchased equipment for science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art career and CTE labs to support students’ technical skills in the high demand areas of agriculture, health sciences, and culinary careers at the new Davie County High School.
Sandhills Community College construction center
Sandhills Community College built a 3,600-square-foot multi-disciplinary center with three classrooms, two labs, and an open training space at the Larry Caddell Training Center in Carthage to teach plumbing, HVAC, and construction classes.
James Sprunt Community College nursing center
James Sprunt Community College purchased simulation and technology equipment for its new nursing facility and nursing programs, including high-tech virtual reality and simulation manikins to help prepare nursing students to be ready for patients and medical scenarios.
Surry County Schools career academy
Surry County Schools established a college and career academy to serve Surry County High School students in career pathways targeting advanced manufacturing, health sciences, agriculture, and other in-demand industry employment sectors focused on internships and job placements.