SANFORD, N.C. - The Central Carolina Community College YouthBuild program recently recognized 30 students for completing various credentials. The event was held Oct. 4 at Oakland Farm.

YouthBuild participants work concurrently to complete their HSE (High School Equivalency) and earn an industry-recognized credential in construction, culinary, or nursing. While enrolled in the program, participants benefit from a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, seeing the immediate results of hard work by participating in constructing low-income housing within their own community.

Along with HSE and career pathway instruction, participants are eligible for numerous support services including advising, leadership training, funding for transportation and child care, stipends, and one year of follow-up support after being connected to either a college program or immediate gainful employment.

There were approximately 30 students celebrated at the awards ceremony. Those recognized included 20 people for their GEDs, one for Adult High School, nine for construction, 15 for culinary, one for certified nursing assistant, 10 for Habitat volunteers, and 25 OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certifications.

Presenting certificates were Anita Green, CCCC Career and College Readiness Coordinator; Regina Minter, CCCC Culinary; Charlie Hickman, Construction Instructor; Kandice Pedley, Habitat representative; and Cameron McNeill, CCCC YouthBuild Student Success Advocate.

Guest speaker was Pamela Glover, who works with the N.C. Dept. of Public Safety, Juvenile Justice Division. She told those being recognized: "It does not matter how your start, nor how many times you may have to start over, it only matters how you finish, so go forward and finish life strong!"

Opening greetings were by Claudia Farnandez, CCCC's Dean of Career & Academic Engagement. CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman presented closing remarks. Also offering remarks was James Thomas, CCCC YouthBuild Director.

Learn more about the CCCC YouthBuild program at www.cccc.edu/youthbuild".