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South Piedmont AHEC Regional
Workforce in Motion Newsletter
January 2026
Recruit, Train, and Retain:
Developing the Workforce for a Healthy North Carolina

Collaborative Corner

Dear Collaborative Partners,

As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to send warm wishes your way! While we didn’t meet in December, the spirit of collaboration we’ve built together continues to shine bright. Your dedication and energy throughout the year have laid the groundwork for meaningful progress in strengthening our healthcare workforce, and that’s something worth celebrating.

This season is all about joy, gratitude, and looking ahead with hope. I’m grateful for each of you and the important work we’ve started together. In the New Year, we’ll pick up right where we left off, launching workgroups, turning ideas into action, and making a measurable impact for the South Piedmont region.
Until then, may your holidays be filled with peace, laughter, and time with those who matter most. Here’s to a fresh start in January and a year of continued collaboration and success!

Best wishes to you and yours, I am looking forward to seeing you in 2026!

With warm regards,
Kimberly Schnitzler, RN, MSN
Project Manager, South Piedmont AHEC Regional Workforce Development

In This Issue:
  • Workforce Pulse: NC STATE NEWS:
    • Governor Stein Urges Federal Action to Protect Health Care  Education Access
    • NC Community College System Workforce Pell Toolkit
  • Workforce Pulse: SOUTH PIEDMONT REGIONAL NEWS: 
    • Building the Future of Healthcare Workforce: Join Us at the Healthcare Accelerator!
    • Mentorship Matters at Advocate Health:
      Fostering professional development and a culture of excellence.
    • Charlotte Region: Growing by 157 Residents Dail
  • Pathway Spotlight: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: 
    • Loan Repayment Funds Available through the North Carolina Nurse Initiative (NCNI)
  • On The Horizon:
    • South Piedmont AHEC Regional Workforce Collaborative January Meeting: January 22, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    • 2026 Geriatric Symposium: Advancing Geriatrics Through Age-Friendly Care 
    • 2026 Leadership at Lunch Series – Register Now!
    • 2026 NC AHEC Academic Progression Conference
    • IPE in Action: Navigating with Limited Resources
    • 16th Annual Beyond the Manikin: Best Practices in Advanced Simulation Conference
    • NC Nursing Workforce Research Spring 2026 Conference: Understanding the Current Nursing Workforce Data Landscape
    • Spring 2026 Upcoming Nursing Certification Review Classes
Workforce Pulse: NC STATE NEWS
Governor Stein Urges Federal Action to Protect
Health Care Education Access

Governor Josh Stein has called on U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reverse a recent federal decision that could make it harder for students to pursue advanced health care degrees. Stein emphasized that North Carolina is already facing one of the nation’s most severe nursing shortages, and additional barriers would worsen the crisis.

Currently, North Carolina reports a 13% vacancy rate for registered nurses statewide, climbing to 15% in rural areas—well above the national average of 10%. Licensed practical nurse vacancies hover around one-third, and projections show the state will need 17,500 more nursing professionals by 2033 to meet growing demand.

The Governor highlighted bipartisan efforts to strengthen the health care workforce pipeline, including $55 million allocated by the General Assembly in 2023 to expand nursing programs at community colleges and $29 million invested by the UNC System to grow nursing education at public universities. Stein has also proposed additional funding for independent colleges and Area Health Education Centers, alongside innovative pathways such as apprenticeships that allow students to earn credentials while still in high school.

In his letter to Secretary McMahon, Governor Stein underscores the urgency of reversing this decision and calls for collaborative solutions to ensure North Carolina—and the nation—can meet critical health care workforce needs. Below is the full text of Governor Stein’s letter.

Read Full Letter Here: December 9, 2025: Letter from Governor Stein to Secretary Linda McMahon | NC Governor
 
NC Community College System Workforce Pell Toolkit

The North Carolina Community College System has released the Workforce Pell Toolkit, a resource designed to help colleges prepare for the upcoming expansion of Pell Grant eligibility to short-term workforce training programs starting July 1, 2026. This change, authorized by federal legislation, will allow students enrolled in high-quality, job-focused programs to access Pell Grants for the first time, making fast, affordable training for in-demand careers more accessible.

The toolkit offers practical guidance on compliance, program alignment, financial aid processes, and operational planning. It also details federal performance benchmarks such as completion rates, job placement outcomes, and economic return requirements. Organized into sections covering eligibility rules, best practices, and pending federal clarifications, the toolkit will be updated as new guidance becomes available.

This initiative is a major step toward expanding access to short-term training and strengthening North Carolina’s workforce pipeline.

Explore the full Workforce Pell Toolkit here: Workforce Pell - NCCCS
 
Workforce Pulse: SOUTH PIEDMONT REGIONAL NEWS
 
Building the Future of Healthcare Workforce:
Join Us at the Healthcare Accelerator!

We’re excited to invite you to an innovative event designed to strengthen North Carolina’s healthcare talent pipeline. The Healthcare Accelerator, hosted in collaboration with NCBCE, MyFutureNC, Northwest, South Piedmont and Piedmont AHECs Regional Collaboratives, and ApprenticeshipNC, will take
place on:

Date & Time
February 4, 2026 | 9 AM – 2 PM
Registration opens at 9 AM; Program begins at 9:30 AM

Location
Davidson Davie Community College
Mary E. Rittling Conference Center
297 DCC Road, Thomasville, NC 27360
Lunch will be provided.

For more information and to RSVP to this event, please click here.

Can’t make it in February?
We’ve got you covered! A second Healthcare Accelerator event will be hosted at South Piedmont Community College in April 2026. Stay tuned for details coming soon.
 
Mentorship Matters at Advocate Health
Fostering professional development and a culture of excellence.

At Advocate Health, we define mentoring as a relationship of mutual learning between two people with the goal of professional and personal development. Mentoring focuses on offering guidance; using one’s advice, insight, and experience. The guidance takes into account the mentee’s interests, skills, motivations, and aspirations.  

We are passionate about mentoring because we are passionate about people as we: lift everyone up, lead the way, think boldly together and embrace the unknown. 

Across the enterprise, we offer a variety of formal and informal mentoring opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs of our teammates, their roles, and specialties. 

Research consistently demonstrates that mentorship is invaluable, not only for individual growth but also for organizational success. It plays a critical role in recruitment and retention, with reports showing that 94% of employees who participate in mentoring programs remain with their organization for at least two years. Beyond retention, mentorship fosters job satisfaction, professional development, and leadership skills, while cultivating a culture of inclusion and diversity.
 
From a nursing perspective, mentoring is a cornerstone of our Practice Transition Accreditation Program and supports our Magnet and Pathway to Excellence designations; affirming our commitment to delivering exemplary care for our patients and for one another.

In short, mentorship is more than a program; it is a strategic investment in our people, our culture, and the future of healthcare excellence. 

To learn more about mentoring at Advocate Health click here.
 
Charlotte Region: Growing by 157 Residents Daily

Every day, 157 new residents choose the Charlotte Region as home, that’s more than 57,000 people in just one year, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. This surge isn’t just growth; it’s proof that Charlotte is one of the most attractive and competitive markets in the country.

The trend mirrors a broader migration to the South, with Charlotte ranking among the top U.S. metro areas for population gains, outpacing major cities like Boston, Nashville, and Los Angeles. Every county in the region is growing, with Mecklenburg leading in total numbers and Iredell posting the highest percentage increase.

Why Charlotte? A strong economy, diverse job opportunities, and a balance of urban energy and rural charm make this region a destination of choice. Nearly half of newcomers are arriving from outside the U.S., underscoring Charlotte’s global appeal.

But growth brings challenges. Infrastructure, housing, and healthcare systems are under pressure. That’s why initiatives like Yes for Meck, tied to the P.A.V.E. Act, are critical. This transportation referendum would fund safer roads, better transit, and improved mobility, which is essential for sustaining quality of life as the region expands.

As Shawn Cummins of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance notes, Charlotte’s story is one of opportunity, and smart planning will determine how well we manage this momentum.

What Does 157 New Residents a Day Mean for Our Future?
Rapid growth drives economic vitality, but it also raises important questions:
  • Jobs & Wages: Will job creation keep pace, or will competition suppress wages?
  • Healthcare Capacity: How do we expand facilities and support the workforce to prevent burnout?
  • Immigrant Integration: What policies will help internationally trained professionals contribute fully?
  • Transportation & Housing: Are current plans enough to keep mobility and affordability in check?
  • Public Health: How will we manage increased risks tied to density and global migration
​​​​​​Bottom line: Growth is a sign of success, but without strategic investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and workforce development, it can strain the very systems that make Charlotte attractive. Planning now ensures this surge becomes long-term prosperity.

Read the full article here.
 
Pathway Spotlight: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Loan Repayment Funds Available through
the North Carolina Nurse Initiative (NCNI)

For the first time in NC’s history, NC has appropriated funding to support nurse loan repayment. The NC NCNI offers qualifying registered nurses and clinical nurse specialists repayment for student (educational) loans in exchange for providing comprehensive primary care services in outpatient settings at eligible sites serving those with the highest need. The Initiative, administered by the NC DHHS’ Office of Rural Health, is still accepting applications from nurses in Medicaid Standard Plan Regions 1-6, with a goal of having all funds committed by June 30, 2026.  

For application and guidelines, click here.

On the Horizon: UPCOMING EVENTS
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South Piedmont AHEC Regional Healthcare Workforce Collaborative Meeting

January 22, 2026 | 2 PM–3:30 PM

Sponsored by South Piedmont AHEC and UNC Charlotte, this FREE event will provide prospective health careers high school students with the opportunity to explore a variety of health careers pathways. The event will feature campus tours, key impact speakers and an interactive expo packed with healthcare professionals and health science programs.

Register Now
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2026 Geriatric Symposium: Advancing Geriatrics Through Age-Friendly Care

January 29, 2026 | 8 AM–1 PM

Join this dynamic gerontologic symposium designed for clinicians, educators, and healthcare leaders who are committed to transforming care for older adults. Through interactive presentations and real-world case discussions, this event dives into the essential pillars of age-friendly care—helping you sharpen your skills in eliciting patient goals, managing medications responsibly, and identifying frailty with proven screening tools.

Register Now
Leadership at Lunch Series: Bite-Sized Learning for Big Impact
 
Level up your leadership skills in just 60 minutes with our exciting and convenient Leadership at Lunch classes! Delivering powerful solutions to today’s leadership pitfalls in a way that fits your schedule, our virtual webinars are just what new (and not so-new) healthcare leaders need to thrive! 
 
Legal and Ethical Foundations of AI in Healthcare
January 15, 2026 | 12 PM–1 PM
  
Leading with Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare: Fostering Psychological Safety Across Various Roles and Teams
January 27, 2026 | 12 PM–1 PM
  
Back to the Future: Communication Strategies Across Generations
February 4, 2026 | 12 PM–1 PM
   
Cultural Competence: Cross-Cultural Communication in Healthcare
February 10, 2026 | 12 PM–1 PM
 
For more information on the Leadership at Lunch Series, click here.

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NC AHEC Academic Progression Conference

February 6, 2026 | 8:30 AM–1 PM

The 2026 NC AHEC Academic Progression Conference brings together nursing educators, faculty, and academic leaders to address the critical challenges shaping nursing education today. This conference will explore how we can better support student success, foster educator wellness, navigate regulatory requirements, and embrace emerging technologies – all while building a foundation of confident, healthy, and clinically competent nurses.

Register Now
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IPE in Action: Navigating with Limited Resources

February 13, 2026 | 8:30 AM–1 PM

The NC IPE Leaders Collaborative Series continues as a dynamic professional development opportunity for faculty and staff across North Carolina’s health professions programs. The 2026 series will include a virtual half-day conference on February 13, 2026, centered on the theme “IPE in Action: Navigating with Limited Resources.”

Register Now
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16th Annual Beyond the Manikin: Best Practices in Advanced Simulation Conference

March 5, 2026 | 8 AM–2 PM

Whether you're just getting started in simulation or you're a seasoned expert, this conference offers something for everyone. You'll discover new strategies to strengthen your simulation lab capabilities, explore emerging technologies, and connect with colleagues who share your passion for transformative healthcare education.

Register Now
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NC Nursing Workforce Research Spring 2026 Conference: Understanding the Current Nursing Workforce Data Landscape

February 13, 2026 | 8:30 AM–1 PM

The strength and stability of North Carolina’s nursing workforce continue to shape discussions on healthcare access, education, and sustainability. The NC Nursing Workforce Research Conferences - Spring and Fall 2026 - offer a collaborative, data-driven exploration of where we stand today and how research can inform the path ahead.

Register Now
Spring 2026 Upcoming Nursing Certification Review Classes

Wound Care Certification Prep Course
February 26th & 27th, 2026 | 8 AM–4:30 PM
  
Oncology Nursing Certification Review Course
April 25, 2026 | 8 AM–4:30 PM
  
Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) and Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE-cl®) Preparation Course
May 28, 2026 | 8 AM–5 PM
   
Case Management Certification Review Course
June 4, 2026 | 8 AM–4:30 PM
   
Medical Surgical Nursing Certification Review Course
June 11th & 12th, 2026 | 8 AM–3:30 PM
 
For more information or to register, click here.

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