Isothermal Community College Launches Better Skills. Better Jobs. Campaign to Enroll Adult Learners

By: Mike Gavin
Published: May 27, 2025

SPINDALE, NC – Isothermal Community College has launched a new Better Skills. Better Jobs. campaign to help more adults gain the training and skills they need to secure a better paying job and meet the needs of employers in the region. With the state’s new Next NC Scholarship, many adults have the opportunity to attend tuition-free.

“We are dedicated to making Isothermal Community College a place where education ignites opportunity, empowering students with the skills they need to succeed,” said Dr. Margaret H. Annunziata, President of Isothermal Community College.

“Better Skills. Better Jobs. supports an overarching goal of providing accessible learning that prepares our community for in-demand careers. In just a short time, adult learners can gain the knowledge, training, and credentials needed to land better jobs and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”

With Next NC, many adult learners can gain the skills they need for the jobs they want for free. Next NC helps North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any of the state’s community colleges.

Interested adults are encouraged to visit

BetterSkillsBetterJobs.com/Isothermal-Community-College/ to learn more and to sign up to connect directly with the college. 

The Better Skills. Better Jobs. Initiative includes direct outreach to adults who previously earned some college credits, but left without a degree or certification; special community events and earned media promotions; targeted digital marketing and advertising, and customized materials designed to quickly help more adult learners reconnect and re-enroll.   

The vast majority of higher-wage jobs today require more than a high school diploma, but unfortunately, less than half of North Carolinians between the ages 25-44 have the education and training needed to fill these jobs. Meanwhile, employers across the region are frantically looking for the skilled talent needed to fill current jobs. 

That is why Isothermal Community College, the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, and several other state and local partners are working together to launch the special outreach campaign to attract even more adult learners back to college.

“We know that many in our state are looking for new challenges or a fresh start, and we believe our community colleges are where their journey can begin. Our goal is for all North Carolinians to have access to an education that will lead to skills, credentials, and degrees, and ultimately the opportunities to achieve their dreams and to help meet the workforce needs across our state,” said MC Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment.   

For more information about the Better Skills. Better Jobs. initiative, please visit: BetterSkillsBetterJobs.com/Isothermal-Community-College/.