Investment in the Future - BIPOC/Adult Education, Skills Training, and North Carolina’s Economy

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah

Investment in the Future examines the economic impact of building an equitably skilled workforce in North Carolina, with emphasis on Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and other people of color (BIPOC) and adult learners. The brief discusses how education programming—such as Gear Up, TRIO, and Native American Student Affairs—helps remove barriers and improves educational success. It also highlights the role of representative workforces, community colleges, and persistent inequities tied to racial wealth gaps and access to post-secondary pathways.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Unlocking Success with Programs Committed to a Positive Impact

BIPOC Contributions to the North Carolina Economy

Positive Social and Economic Impact of BIPOC Education, Training, and Success

Summary

References

Investment in the Future: BIPOC/Adult Education, Skills Training, and North Carolina’s Economy Dr. Denise Henning, Equity Champion Consultant North Carolina Ivana Hanson, Equity Champion Consultant North Carolina TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Unlocking Success with Programs Committed toa Positive Impact 4 BIPOC Contributions to the North Carolina Economy 6 Positive Social and Economic Impact of BIPOC Education, Training, and Success 7 Summary 8 References 1 Acknowledgements: This material and work is supported by Lumina Foundation, Grant No. 2102-1113647. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations do not necessarily reflect the views of Lumina Foundation. Comments or inquiries about this publication or the REACH Collaborative are welcomed and should [be directed to](be directed to info@reachcollab.org)[ info@reachcollab.org](be directed to info@reachcollab.org). This material and work is supported by Lumina Foundation, Grant No. 2102-1113647. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations do not necessarily reflect the views of Lumina Foundation. Comments or inquiries about this publication or the REACH Collaborative are welcomed and should [be directed to info@reachcollab.org](be directed to info@reachcollab.org). Should you want to learn more about the REACH Collaborative and its partners ( Education Strategy Group (ESG), the Office of Community College Research and Leadership (OCCRL) at the University of Illinois, University of Pittsburgh School of Education, and evaluation consulting firm DVPPRAXIS LTD), please visit [reachcollab.org](reachcollab.org). 2 Unlocking Success with Programs Committed to a Positive Impact Steps taken to address racial inequality in the private sector and higher education are not always altruistic. This brief examines the economic impact of having a representative workforce, focusing on the state of North Carolina (NC) . We discuss the importance of successful education programming designed to address issues related to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and people of color (BIPOC) and adult learners through the lens of an equitably skilled workforce, creating a stronger state and nation. It is important to note that there was little economic impact information specific to Tribal and Indigenous people in the data or scholarly works, emphasizing the worst type of racism,“invisibility.” Particularly in higher education, many programs have been established and continue to address the multiple barriers that BIPOC experience accessing and attending post-secondary education. These programs are vital to the success ofBIPOCand adult learners and greatly impact educational success, such as Gear Up, TRIO, Native American Student Affairs programs, etc. One factor largely ignored in the critical conversation on systemic racism from the broader economic discussion is the disparity in access to post-secondary education and the corresponding economic impact (Losavio, 2020) . To rectify this, we must have BIPOC adult members of society with training and development that produces a talented and skilled workforce. To provide sustainability in an increasingly diverse country, advocates note that businesses have little choice but to hire and promote diversity, not because it is socially responsible, but because it impacts their bottom line (Diamond, 2021) . However, the success of business and industry is tied to BIPOC and adult learners’ access and pathways to higher education. Though the attainment rate in North Carolina is increasing (9.5% from 2020 to 2021) the increase has not been equitable to the BIPOC population growth and the number of adult learners that need training or reskilling (National Equity Atlas, 2022) . Community colleges are a unique part of the American higher education system that profess to promote access and opportunities for those who might not otherwise attend a college or university. In a stratified higher education system

FAQs

What is the central purpose of this brief?

It analyzes the economic impact of having an equitably skilled workforce, focusing on education programming for BIPOC and adult learners in North Carolina.

Which education and support programs are highlighted as examples of successful approaches?

It mentions programs such as Gear Up, TRIO, Native American Student Affairs programs, and also references initiatives including the TRIO program and the North Carolina Promise.

How does the brief connect BIPOC education access to economic outcomes in North Carolina?

It argues that improved access and success in higher education and training pathways strengthen the state’s economy, while inequities such as racial wealth gaps limit economic growth.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah