The Hunt Institute Launched Seventh ElevateNC Cohort

The leadership program aims to support North Carolina's goal of reaching 2 million credentialed residents by 2030.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Jobs — General

Isometric editorial illustration of geometric paths converging toward a central rising volume, representing systemic workforce development. — The Hunt Institute launched the seventh cohort of its ElevateNC program in Asheville, focusing on aligning North Carolina's regional workforce training with state economic goals. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Hunt Institute officially launched the seventh cohort of its ElevateNC program on September 23, 2026, during a leadership session in Asheville. Participants are focusing on building regional talent pipelines to help the state meet its workforce development goal.

Why it matters

ElevateNC facilitates collaboration between legislators, educators, and workforce boards to align regional career training with local economic needs. This approach is intended to help North Carolina reach a target of 2 million residents holding degrees or professional credentials by 2030.

The initiative targets a statewide goal of 2 million credentialed residents by 2030. The seventh cohort includes 3 state legislators who will participate in 3 scheduled meetings to develop regional action plans.

The players

The Hunt Institute

This organization focuses on education policy and leadership development to improve academic and career outcomes.

Woodson Bradley

She is a member of the North Carolina state legislature participating in the leadership cohort.

Brian Turner

He serves as a member of the North Carolina state legislature and is part of the current leadership cohort.

Heather Rhyne

She is a state legislator currently engaged in the ElevateNC program to address workforce development.

Gaston College

This educational institution partners with industry and university entities to provide technical training.

The details

Legislators Woodson Bradley, Brian Turner, and Heather Rhyne are among those working to address skilled worker shortages. By surveying students and regional employers, participating institutions hope to bridge the gap between educational outcomes and industry demand.

The Textile Technology Center opened in 1943.
Gaston College began its textile associate degree program in 2021.
The seventh ElevateNC cohort launched on September 23, 2026.
Cohort members will participate in three meetings between September 2026 and March 2027.
North Carolina aims to have 2 million credentialed residents by 2030.

Market Landscape

This program aligns with the broader state-level focus on regional talent pipeline development to ensure local labor markets remain competitive. It follows the pattern set by existing workforce development strategies to address shifting industrial demands in North Carolina.

Residents can expect future improvements in localized job training opportunities and educational programs tailored to regional employer needs. These initiatives aim to increase the availability of career-ready pathways for students and working adults across the state.

The takeaway

North Carolina continues to prioritize the alignment of community college curricula with specific industry shortages to boost the state economy. Participants in professional development programs can expect to play a key role in drafting policies that bridge the credential gap.