Workforce Preparedness Archives - Golden LEAF Foundation

All in NC: Investing in Rural Schools is Investing in North Carolina’s Future Workforce

Jenny Tinklepaugh on August 13, 2025

In rural North Carolina, the future workforce is cultivated in classrooms where middle school students are wrestling with math problems and exploring the first ideas of what their careers might one day be.

That’s why the Golden LEAF Foundation launched the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a $25 million commitment over five years to strengthen middle school math instruction and career development in 15 North Carolina rural schools.

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green

Jenny Tinklepaugh on August 13, 2025

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.

Superintendent Green has served as the North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction since January 1, 2025.

Persistence and public-private partnerships net new industrial park, satellite campus in Aurora

Jenny Tinklepaugh on July 23, 2025

What started as a vision to boost the economy in the rural town of Aurora has resulted in a new industrial park with jobs on the way.

On June 19, the Town of Aurora and Beaufort County Community College broke ground on the Aurora Industrial Park and the college’s only satellite campus, which will be located within the park.

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, featuring Ted Lord, Golden LEAF Senior Vice President/General Counsel

Jenny Tinklepaugh on July 9, 2025

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Ted Lord, Golden LEAF Senior Vice President/General Counsel, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.

LevelUp Rockingham initiative builds talent pipeline for key industries

Jenny Tinklepaugh on May 21, 2025

At a time when North Carolina’s employers are facing critical workforce shortages, Rockingham County is rising to the challenge. Golden LEAF is backing a powerful, community-led solution that connects students to career pathways and strengthens the region’s economy by building strong local roots.

Building a healthcare workforce pipeline in Cleveland County through powerful partnership

Jenny Tinklepaugh on May 21, 2025

In February 2025, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded more than $1.2 million in total funding to Cleveland County Schools, Cleveland Community College, and Gardner-Webb University to establish a new Healthcare Educational Pathway to expand access to the field, build local talent, and strengthen the healthcare workforce in the region.

Surry and Yadkin counties invest in local workforce through partnerships, work-based learning

Jenny Tinklepaugh on February 25, 2025

Surry and Yadkin counties are building a strong workforce through partnerships and work-based learning experiences through Surry-Yadkin Works.

On January 31, 2025, Surry-Yadkin Works held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for Surry-Yadkin Works FLEET program. The Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades (FLEET) program is the newest program offered through Surry-Yadkin Works.

Golden LEAF’s Workforce Preparedness Priority Area

Jenny Tinklepaugh on February 25, 2025

Golden LEAF supports workforce preparedness projects that increase the number of qualified individuals with skills aligned with current and future needs of North Carolina businesses and prepare students with the technical and life skills necessary to enter work.

Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application due March 1, 2025

Jenny Tinklepaugh on February 12, 2025

The March 1, 2025 deadline is fast approaching for the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship. Information and the application for the 2025-2026 school year is available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to high school seniors and community college transfer students from qualifying rural North Carolina counties attending participating North Carolina colleges and universities.

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring Executive Director of the State Employees Credit Union Foundation Jama Campbell

Jenny Tinklepaugh on February 12, 2025

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Jama Campbell, Executive Director of the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Foundation, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.