UNC Charlotte Joins Forces With Wake Tech to Support State’s Workforce Needs

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UNC Charlotte Joins Forces With Wake Tech to Support State’s Workforce Needs

UNC Charlotte and Wake Technical Community College have entered into two academic agreements, 49erNext and a 2+2 Transfer Program in Data Science, that are aimed to educate and develop the region’s most robust talent pipeline. These partnerships with Wake Tech, North Carolina’s largest community college, allow UNC Charlotte to meet Triangle-area students’ academic, financial aid and career planning needs by creating a seamless pathway for individuals who want to start their degree at Wake Tech and complete their degree at UNC Charlotte.

“UNC Charlotte is proud to partner with Wake Tech to provide accessible, affordable, quality higher education to meet North Carolina’s evolving employment needs,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “The unique partnerships with Wake Tech are designed to produce a greater number of qualified, work-force ready graduates at a significant cost savings to them.”

SLIDER - 49erNext-SDS - 1800x750_graphic_01.jpgWake Tech is the newest community college partner to enroll a 49erNext cohort, expanding the pipeline of opportunity to five community colleges throughout the state, joining Central Piedmont Community College, Gaston College, Mitchell Community College and Catawba Valley Community College, which will launch in the fall 2021 semester.

Introduced in October 2019 in partnership with Central Piedmont Community College, the state’s second-largest community college, 49erNext is a co-admission program that maximizes transfer credit through the use of degree plans and regular data exchange, ensuring students’ progress toward timely completion of a baccalaureate degree. All participating institutions commit to creating academic success by putting students first by enabling them to earn a quality degree in a timely manner, fostering student potential and ensuring equity among all students. As participants in the 49erNext program, students are eligible to transfer into more than 75 undergraduate degree programs (130+ majors) at UNC Charlotte, as long as they earn an associate degree and meet minimum GPA requirements.

For spring 2021, more than 275 students are enrolled in the 49erNext program, including 30 in the inaugural cohort from Wake Tech.

“Wake Tech students who are accepted into the 49erNext program will feel like they are already part of the UNC Charlotte community,” said Anthony Almanzar, Wake Tech academic advisor. “They will have access to several services at the university and can even participate in student events. The partnership will ensure that Wake Tech students have a smooth transition after they graduate and transfer to UNC Charlotte.”

Discussions of the 49erNext partnership led directly to an agreement of a new 2+2 Transfer Program with the UNC Charlotte School of Data Science. This agreement allows graduates of Wake Tech’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming, Data Science and Programming and Business Analytics to earn a Bachelor of Science in Data Science from UNC Charlotte. Through the partnership, students may transfer up to 64 semester credit hours toward a Bachelor of Science in Data Science – the only such degree offered in North Carolina.

This past year, roughly 3,500 transfer students enrolled at UNC Charlotte, the most in all of the UNC System. Of all UNC Charlotte transfer students, 64% came from a North Carolina community college. For the 2020-21 academic year, UNC Charlotte welcomed more than 200 transfer students from Wake Tech.

South Carolina Signs New Act Outlawing Abortion After Heartbeat Is Detected

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South Carolina Signs New Act Outlawing Abortion After Heartbeat Is Detected

The State of South Carolina has just signed into law a new act that outlaws abortions after a heartbeat is detected.

It’s called the “South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act“, and it requires that all doctors in the state perform an ultrasound on anyone requesting an abortion. If a heartbeat can be detected, then the abortion can only be performed if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, or the life of the mother is in danger.

The bill was approved by the SC Senate on January 28th with a vote of 30-13, by the House on February 18th with a vote of 74-39, and was signed by Governor McMaster yesterday.

Moments after the bill was signed by the Governor, Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit against the new act, arguing it is unconstitutional. The new lawsuit effectively stalls all new restrictions set forth by the act.

The act is similar to other acts passed by several other states over the past year, which have all also been stalled by lawsuits. Pro-life advocates are hoping that the issue will eventually go before the US Supreme Court and possibly overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

The Supreme Court has previously ruled that abortion is legal until a fetus is viable outside the womb.

What do you think about South Carolina’s act? 

Winter Storm Glazes Over Roads and Knocks Out Power For Thousands of North Carolinians

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Winter Storm Glazes Over Roads and Knocks Out Power For Thousands of North Carolinians

Last night’s winter storm is now wreaking havoc all across the Carolinas, with strong winds, freezing rain, and icy roads causing power outages and accidents all across our state.

According to Duke Energy, there are now over 16,000 households in the Carolinas without power.

The ice accumulation caused a heavy buildup on power lines and tree lines which knocked out power in many areas around the Charlotte region.

 

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Most of the ice is expected to melt today, but tonight we will likely see more rain and sub-freezing temperatures across our state.

To prepare your car, top off all your fluids, especially your oil, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. You’ll also want to check your tires and make sure your air pressure is over 32 PSI.

To prepare your home, make sure to drain all fountains and exterior water fixtures. Always let at least one of your faucets drip to avoid freezing pipes. Consider buying a humidifier if you’re sensitive to dry air. If you have an older home with older windows, investing in some shrink film insulation will save you a ton on your heating bill.

To prepare yourself, buy some thermal gloves, a warm hat, and a winter jacket. If you’re going to spend any length of time outside, you may even want to consider buying an electric heating jacket.

If you have a pet – make sure to read our article about how to keep your furry friend warm!

South Carolina Ranked The 2nd Least State During COVID-19 – Updated

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South Carolina Ranked The 2nd Least State During COVID-19 – Updated

With only 5% of the population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of February 17, and vaccination being an essential component for full reopening of the economy, WalletHub today released its report on the Safest States During COVID-19.

In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. Our data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations, and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.

According to their report, South Carolina ranks as the second least safe state in America, and North Carolina comes in the bottom half at #36 (down 3 spots from 2 weeks ago).

Safest States During COVID

Overall Rank* State Total Score
1 Alaska 86.52
2 Hawaii 79.22
3 Maine 78.42
4 North Dakota 77.71
5 Wyoming 75.93
6 Wisconsin 74.95
7 Oregon 73.79
8 Washington 73.39
9 Montana 71.87
10 Minnesota 71.07
11 West Virginia 70.67
12 Colorado 70.31
13 New Mexico 69.71
14 Iowa 69.52
15 Vermont 69.52
16 Michigan 68.73
17 Connecticut 68.43
18 Illinois 67.98
19 Idaho 67.69
20 South Dakota 67.09
21 Indiana 66.47
22 Louisiana 64.98
23 New Hampshire 64.54
24 Utah 64.44
25 Oklahoma 63.84
26 Arkansas 63.38
27 Massachusetts 62.55
28 Maryland 62.43
29 District of Columbia 62.22
30 Virginia 62.17
31 California 62.16
32 Missouri 61.92
33 Kansas 59.82
34 Pennsylvania 59.66
35 Arizona 59.08
36 North Carolina 58.62
37 Kentucky 58.15
38 Nebraska 57.73
39 Nevada 57.37
40 Florida 56.76
41 Mississippi 56.47
42 Tennessee 55.43
43 Delaware 54.82
44 New Jersey 54.47
45 Texas 54.35
46 Alabama 49.81
47 Georgia 49.11
48 Rhode Island 48.00
49 New York 44.84
50 South Carolina 43.99
51 Ohio 29.71

Note: *No. 1 = Safest
Rankings are based on data available as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.

South Carolina also now has the highest testing positive rate in America, and North Carolina has the 5th highest.

What do you think about the Covid safety of the Carolinas? 

Puppy Scams Have Increased by Over 280% During Pandemic – NC Ranks As 4th Worst State

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Puppy Scams Have Increased by Over 280% During Pandemic – NC Ranks As 4th Worst State

A new study done by Honest Paws found that puppy scam complaints with the BBB increased by over 280% during the pandemic.

The environment in the wake of COVID-19 has unfortunately created a prime breeding ground for internet scams, especially for those forced to isolate and wanting a new furry friend.

Scammers have been increasingly conning their victims by demanding payment for climate-controlled crates for puppies needing to be shipped to their new home, fraudulent transportation services, and non-existent, corona-related vaccinations.

Honest Paws results indicated that New York was the #1 worst state to buy a puppy online during the pandemic, followed by Pennsylvania (#2), California (#3), and North Carolina (#4). Buyers most commonly used the Zelle app to complete the payment, and people from the top states lost an average of $923, $900, $890, and $791, respectively.

Have you ever bought a puppy online? How was your experience? 

Major Winter Storm Bringing Heavy Winds, Icy Roads, and Possible Widespread Power Outages

Charlotte Stories
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Major Winter Storm Bringing Heavy Winds, Icy Roads, and Possible Widespread Power Outages

The National Weather Service has just issued a major winter storm warning for the greater Charlotte region.

* WHAT…For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy mixed precipitation
expected. Total snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice
accumulations of around three tenths of an inch. For the
Winter Weather Advisory, mixed precipitation expected. Total
snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of
around two tenths of an inch.

* WHEN…From 7 PM this evening to 7 PM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

According to Weather Underground, the freezing rain will begin accumulating sometime around 1am tonight.

The National Weather Service notes that “a Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also
possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep a flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an
emergency. Prepare for possible power outages.”

To prepare your car, top off all your fluids, especially your oil, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. You’ll also want to check your tires and make sure your air pressure is over 32 PSI.

To prepare your home, make sure to drain all fountains and exterior water fixtures. Always let at least one of your faucets drip to avoid freezing pipes. Consider buying a humidifier if you’re sensitive to dry air. If you have an older home with older windows, investing in some shrink film insulation will save you a ton on your heating bill.

To prepare yourself, buy some thermal gloves, a warm hat, and a winter jacket. If you’re going to spend any length of time outside, you may even want to consider buying an electric heating jacket.

If you have a pet – make sure to read our article about how to keep your furry friend warm!

Lincoln Harris Unveils Large-Scale Art Installation, A Nod to North Carolina “Makers,” in Uptown

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Lincoln Harris Unveils Large-Scale Art Installation, A Nod to North Carolina “Makers,” in Uptown

Uptown Charlotte is excited to announce the opening of Waterfalls, a large-scale, site-specific painting by Brooklyn-based artist Summer Wheat. Commissioned by developer Lincoln Harris, Waterfalls covers two prominent walls in the central lobby of Legacy Union’s 650 S. Tryon building, an 18-story tower that is anchored by Deloitte’s Charlotte headquarters. Wheat’s work, standing nearly 21 feet tall and approximately 20 feet wide, offers a dynamic art experience for both the occupants of the tower and the public at large.

Waterfalls is an ode to North Carolina’s history of makers in industries including ceramics, basket weaving, quilting, furniture and textile production. It also celebrates North Carolina’s female creators, including an abstracted figure inspired by Abigail Carter, a Clinton, N.C., native who became the first manufacturer of overalls in the United States. The depiction of strawberries is a nod to the region’s agriculture, while the piggybank commemorates the city’s banking history that dates back to the first branch of the U.S. Mint in 1835. The painting’s title is a reference to the renewal and transformation of industry in the Old North State.

“My work projects history through a contemporary lens and recalls our collective past,” said Wheat, whose work appears in permanent collections of the Dallas Museum of Art, the de Young Museum in San Francisco and the Peréz Art Museum Miami, to name a few. “This painting is colorful, textured and vibrant, just like the city of Charlotte, a destination for artists and designers, and home to multitudes of significant public art.”

Wheat combines traditional art forms and mediums to create her large-scale paintings that could be considered equal parts painting, sculpture and textile. Her innovative technique involves physically pushing acrylic paint through a fine wire mesh to achieve densely textured surfaces. The vibrant color palette — fluorescent oranges, pinks, reds, blues, and greens — is a signature of Wheat’s, where the narrative holds equal significance to the color, line and form. She also brings together varied art historical references that range from Egyptian relief sculpture, Medieval art history, French Post Impressionism and Modernist painting, and Indigenous art traditions.                     

Waterfalls is the second large-scale commission by Lincoln Harris at Legacy Union, the city’s gateway project connecting Uptown Charlotte to the thriving South End corridor. The first, Unify, a generative audio-visual piece that boasts the largest native 4K LED display in the world, was installed in fall 2019 in the lobby of Bank of America Tower.

“We are grateful to Chandra Johnson and the team at SOCO Gallery for introducing Summer who brought her vision and art medium not only to Legacy Union but to the extended community — especially one with such meaningful ties to our great city and state,” –said Lincoln Harris President Johno Harris. “At its core, art brings people together. Much like what we do in our business, public art encourages people to explore, connect and build community, and we hope this piece will draw residents and visitors alike to Charlotte’s dynamic and artistic Uptown.”

Wheat’s piece Foragers appears just a few blocks away in the atrium of the Mint Museum Uptown, and she has held solo exhibitions at SOCO Gallery in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood. Other recent solo exhibitions include the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City (2020); KMAC Museum in Louisville (2019); and Shulamit Nazarian in Los Angeles (2018). She is the recipient of the 2016 New York NADA Artadia Award and the 2019 Northern Trust Purchase Prize at EXPO Chicago.

Charlotte’s Johnson C. Smith University Selected As Affiliate of American Slavery Network

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Charlotte’s Johnson C. Smith University Selected As Affiliate of American Slavery Network

Johnson C. Smith University is one of a dozen colleges and universities named by the Council of Independent Colleges to serve as an Institutional Affiliate for the multiyear project, “Legacies of American Slavery: Reckoning with the Past.” This initiative is designed to help CIC member institutions, their students, and their communities explore the continuing impact of slavery on American life and culture. The project will support campus-based research, teaching, and learning as well as community-based programs about the multiple legacies of slavery.

“I am very proud of the work that Dr. Keri Petersen, assistant professor of History has done to spearhead this project for Johnson C. Smith University,” said Dr. Matthew DeForrest, interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters. “Originally, there was not an Institutional Affiliate category planned for this grant. Keri and others made such compelling presentations that the organizers created a space for more participants. Keri deserves all the credit for this and I am looking forward to seeing what she and other JCSU faculty can accomplish within this framework.”

In addition, CIC announced the selection of seven colleges and universities to serve as Regional Collaboration Partners. The Partners will serve as the primary hubs of a national network that will expand to embrace many additional CIC member colleges and universities and community organizations across the United States. Each Partner will focus on a specific theme that has both local and national significance, organizing regional activities while contributing to a national conversation about race, equity, freedom, political power, and cultural resilience.

Richard Ekman, president of CIC, said it was very difficult to choose just seven Regional Collaboration Partners from a pool of strong institutional applicants. “The selection process highlighted the depth and breadth of scholarship, teaching, and public engagement that many CIC members have already devoted to exploring the pervasive legacies of slavery,” says Ekman. “This augurs well for the success of the national initiative.”

The Partners and Affiliates selected to represent a diversity of institutional types and sizes, including two women’s colleges and five HBCUs. Several of the institutions located in Confederate states have historical links to slavery as former sites of plantations; others were founded or influenced by abolitionists.

Programmatic activities will begin this spring and build toward a series of regional conferences hosted by the Regional Collaboration Partners during the 2021–2022 academic year.

Charlotte Joedance Film Festival Donates $50,000 to Levine Children’s Hospital

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Charlotte Joedance Film Festival Donates $50,000 to Levine Children’s Hospital

Joedance Film Festival has donated $50,000 for 2020 to Atrium Health Foundation, which represents the largest annual check in the Festival’s 11-year history. Joedance’s annual donation is earmarked for Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.

The 12th Annual Joedance Film Festival will be held August 5-7, 2021, once again with a virtual format. Film submissions for the 2021 Joedance Film Festival remain open until June 1, 2021.  Joedance accepts films that have a connection to North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

Last year, Joedance made a strategic – and successful – pivot in wake of COVID-19 to present a virtual festival, showing 24 films August 6-8, 2020. This year, Joedance will be a hybrid festival of virtual and an in person at the Charlotte Ballet.

Joedance, which includes the annual film festival during the first full weekend in August and related events year-round, honors the memory of Joe Restaino by raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. The family chose a film festival to honor Joe Restaino because of his love of movies. Joedance supports research and clinical trials for pediatric sarcomas, blastomas and brain tumors.

The organization rode a wave of expansion in 2020, in its 11th year, including adding Georgia and Tennessee to the list of the Festival’s film eligibility list, and adding a student film category, which was showcased Saturday afternoon on Festival weekend.

To date, Joedance has donated more than $255,000 to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in 11 years, including $50,000 in 2020.

The $255,000 for Levine Children’s Hospital has done much, including:

*funding a Lab Technician to operate a very specialized piece of equipment, a CyToF machine, which will speed up the process of studying effects of inflammation on cancer cells as it relates treatment outcomes.

*helping fund cancer research and clinical trials, including the Healios Project to prevent mouth sores in cancer patients.

*assisting in funding a clinical trial for recurrent osteosarcoma.

*funding multiple cancer research internships, which have provided critical support to the hospital, such as collecting data on integrative medicine, with Joedance Film Festival named as the underwriter for the project.

Joedance Film Festival Submissions  

Submit films at https://filmfreeway.com/JoedanceFilmFestival

Joedance Film Festival annually showcases short and feature-length films. Eligible filmmakers have to:

*reside in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia or Tennessee;

*be originally from North, Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia or Tennessee;

or

*be connected to North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia or Tennessee (films, cast or crew).

Pike Nurseries to Hire 70 Charlotte Seasonal Employees This Spring

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Pike Nurseries to Hire 70 Charlotte Seasonal Employees This Spring

Spring can signal a new beginning, and Pike Nurseries is gearing up to expand its team.

In anticipation of the spring planting season, the nation’s largest independent garden retailer is seeking approximately 70 seasonal employees across all four Charlotte-area retail stores – including cashiers, sales associates and loaders who provide operations assistance. Applicants of all experience levels are encouraged to apply, from veteran and hobby gardeners to plant newbies. Horticultural knowledge or gardening experience is a plus, but not required for cashiers and loaders. Pike Nurseries is also looking to fill a full-time landscape designer and two full-time delivery driver positions.

The garden retailer offers flexible day, night and weekend hours suitable for first job seekers, students and experienced professionals in sales, retail, hospitality and customer service. Pike Nurseries has a position for any applicant who loves plants, people and playing in the dirt. Multiple positions are available at all locations. To learn more about job openings, Charlotte-area residents can apply in person at their local Pike Nurseries store or online at pikenursery.com/careers.

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