Our multi-step college pathway is customized to fit your interests and career goals:

There isn't just one pathway to college and career. Your life as a student with The ROC means you get hands-on experience, field training, college credits and a world of opportunity in a valuable industry.

1. Explore: Sophomore Year

Meet with your high school Career Development Coordinator (CDC) or complete the Interest Survey in the fall so we can help map out your individual pathway, at no cost. ROC will be in your school to recruit in early spring, so you may express interest there as well. Then, schedule a tour with your school to our state-of-the-art facility!

2. Engage: Junior and Senior Years

Take a two-year sequence of construction technology courses where you can earn dual high school and college credits. Spend 1st and 2nd periods at your home high school and lunch, 3rd, and 4th period at The ROC. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools transports students from their home high school to our facility.

3. Earn: Summer Paid Internships

Participate in a paid internship program in Charlotte with local construction companies. You could be paid minimum $15 per hour during this eight-week internship, earning college credits and gaining valuable experience with top commercial and residential construction firms.

4. Expand: Your Year After High School

Right after high school, you may have access to an Opportunity Scholarship or a Career & Technical Scholarship to finish an associate degree at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). Or, you can move directly into a paying job in the construction industry.

5. Extend: Beyond an Associate Degree

The ROC students can continue onward to a four-year university degree after completing an associate degree from CPCC. Here are some common pathways beyond an associate degree:

• “2 plus 2” Transfer: A “2 plus 2” agreement between CPCC and select North Carolina state colleges permits ROC students to use their two years in the ROC as a block of credits towards achieving a bachelors degree in construction management in just two years beyond the ROC.

• Direct entrance to the industry: The ROC students can go directly into the construction industry with an associate degree and earn over $50,000 plus benefits in the construction management field.

• North Carolina electrical license: If the ROC participant has chosen the electrical track, and, has earned an associate degree while also earning one year of secondary work experience, they can then sit for the North Carolina electrical license exam. They will then need to complete one additional year as a lead electrician and take the state exam for full licensure.

• HVAC Certification: If The ROC student has chosen the HVAC track and has earned an associate degree, they automatically earn the state certification as a part of that associate degree.

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