Nominate a 2026 Champion for Attainment

North Carolina continues to make progress toward our statewide attainment goal: 2 million residents with an industry-valued degree or credential by 2030. Today, 1.7 million North Carolinians aged 25–44 hold a degree or credential—a 15% increase since 2019.

While this is an achievement worth celebrating, we remain 55,000 individuals short of where we need to be at this point to stay on track. The work ahead is clear: we must expand immediate opportunities for adult learners to earn the degrees and credentials that fuel both economic mobility and a thriving workforce.

A comprehensive review by myFutureNC and critical sector partners identified evidence-based strategies to close North Carolina’s educational attainment gap. These strategies emphasize sustained efforts to ensure more adults have access to high-quality education beyond high school. Our work with partners is especially focused on advancing opportunities for justice-involved individuals, military families and veterans, and employer-led attainment strategies, ensuring that North Carolina’s diverse adult learners are fully supported on their path to success.

During the 2026 State of Educational Attainment Event on February 12, 2026, we will celebrate progress, examine opportunities, and recognize the 2026 Champions for Attainment—organizations and leaders making extraordinary contributions to help North Carolinians succeed.

We invite you to nominate your organization—or share this opportunity with a partner doing impactful work to advance attainment.

Submit a 2026 Champions for Attainment Nomination. Nominations close Friday, October 10, 2025. Together, we will accelerate progress toward a more prosperous North Carolina for all.