Isothermal Community College Launches “Isothermal Works” Workforce Development Initiative with Support from NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
By: Mike Gavin
Published: December 17, 2025
SPINDALE (May 20, 2025) — Isothermal Community College (ICC), in collaboration with regional employers, school districts, and workforce partners, proudly announces the launch of Isothermal Works, a bold new workforce development initiative funded in part by the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. Inspired by the successful Surry-Yadkin Works model, Isothermal Works will provide structured, work-based learning experiences for students in Rutherford and Polk counties—beginning in high school and continuing through college—across five key industry sectors: healthcare, manufacturing/trades, IT, education, and public safety.
“Isothermal Works is a transformative investment in the future of our students and the vitality of our region,” said Dr. Margaret Annunziata, president of Isothermal Community College. “By building direct pathways from classroom to career, we are helping young people discover their purpose and preparing them to thrive in the workforce while meeting critical talent needs in our local communities.”
The initiative responds to the urgent need for skilled talent in Western North Carolina, where rural populations are shrinking and youth disconnection rates remain high. In 2022, 17% of young people aged 16–24 in Rutherford and Polk counties were neither in school nor working—well above the state average. At the same time, employers across the state reported more than 270,000 job openings as of May 2024.
Isothermal Works will offer students dual enrollment courses, pre-apprenticeships, and registered apprenticeships, paired with wraparound services such as success coaching, transportation stipends, certification support, and wellness resources. High school students will gain early exposure to career fields and, upon graduation, transition into ICC programs aligned with in-demand jobs.
Local employers will play a key role in shaping training, mentoring students, and building a sustainable talent pipeline equipped with real-world experience and industry-aligned credentials.
Initial funding from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation will help launch and scale the program. “The Foundation is proud to support Isothermal Works and its mission to prepare students for successful futures while strengthening the workforce in rural communities,” said a spokesperson for the Foundation. “This initiative will have a lasting impact on both youth opportunity and regional economic health.”
Isothermal Community College will serve as the initiative’s backbone organization, coordinating efforts across stakeholders and ensuring compliance with state and federal workforce guidelines. Partners include **Rutherford County Schools, Polk County Schools, local governments, workforce boards, and a growing network of employers.
The program is designed for sustainability and scalability, with long-term goals of improving postsecondary attainment, reducing opportunity youth rates, and retaining homegrown talent across Western North Carolina.
About Isothermal Community College
Isothermal Community College serves the residents of Rutherford and Polk counties with accessible, affordable, and high-quality education and training. Committed to student success, workforce development, and community enrichment, ICC plays a central role in preparing individuals for lifelong achievement.
About the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent, self-funding nonprofit that supports programs in education, health, and science. With a mission to promote the well-being of North Carolina residents, the Foundation empowers communities through innovative, collaborative initiatives.
Category: Continuing Education