To ignite career potential in underrepresented youth by accelerating access to workforce-ready training, certifications, and real-world experience — creating pathways to livable-wage careers and long-term economic mobility across North Carolina.
The Workforce Accelerator is a year-round career-readiness and pre-apprenticeship initiative that sits at the intersection of education, workforce development, and economic mobility. Focused on youth aged 16–24, the program connects students to high-demand industries and livable-wage careers through hands-on learning, wraparound support, and intentional partnerships with employers.
To ignite career potential in under‑represented youth by accelerating access to workforce‑ready training, certifications and real‑world experience — creating pathways to livable‑wage careers and long‑term economic mobility across North Carolina
In Mecklenburg County, nearly 10% of youth ages 16–24—over 13,000 young people—are neither in school nor employed.
Statewide, 10.3% of youth fall into this “opportunity youth” category, putting them at significant risk for lifelong economic and social challenges.
Among this group, 20% live in poverty, only one-third are employed,
and many face additional barriers such as justice involvement, foster
care transitions, or teen parenthood.
Skilled trades, especially plumbing, are facing a critical shortage.
North Carolina will need thousands of additional licensed plumbers in
the next decade. With a retiring workforce and fewer young people
entering the field, employers are already struggling to meet demand.
Current education and workforce systems aren’t closing the gap:
This creates pipeline leakage from high school to sustainable careers, leaving employers—especially in high-demand sectors like plumbing— without the skilled workers they need.
Too many young people are leaving high school without a clear, supported path into postsecondary credentials or workforce opportunities. At the same time, employers across North Carolina are searching for reliable, work-ready talent.
The Workforce Accelerator is designed to close this distance between youth potential and market demand.
The Workforce Accelerator is a year-round career-readiness and pre-apprenticeship initiative designed to bridge the gap between high school, postsecondary credentials, and meaningful employment.
Focused on youth aged 16–24, we equip students with technical skills, soft skills, and hands-on exposure to high-demand industries, including plumbing and other trades.
Focused intensives in trades, healthcare, IT and entrepreneurship.
Industry certifications and direct connections to apprenticeship programs in fields like plumbing, HVAC and electrical.
Paid internships, job shadowing and employer site visits.
Academic advising, trauma‑informed mentoring, transportation assistance and family engagement.
OSHA‑10, NCRC, Google IT Support, Forklift, CNA Prep, Customer Service Gold and trade‑specific credentials.
Participants also develop essential professional skills—communication, problem-solving, and teamwork —and receive support in navigating applications, interviews, and long-term career planning.
Re-engaging disconnected youth is both a moral and economic imperative. Those who complete a degree or credential can earn $1 million more over their lifetime than those who do not.
By aligning with NCWorks, WIOA, and ApprenticeshipNC priorities, the Workforce Accelerator directly supports the state’s workforce pipeline while addressing critical trade shortages, including plumbing.
Increase credential attainment and career placement for youth ages 16–24.
Build a ready-to-hire talent pipeline for NC employers, including plumbing
contractors and trade unions.
Strengthen public-private partnerships aligned with state workforce goals.
Support schools and districts in meeting Work-Based Learning and Career &
College Promise targets.
We seek funding to expand programming in high-demand trades, hire certified instructors, provide stipends for participants, cover certification costs, and strengthen employer partnerships.
Every dollar invested helps close the gap between untapped potential and sustainable employment, fueling both individual transformation and regional economic growth.
Sponsorships and philanthropic support allow Hughes Elite Scholars to scale proven programming, deepen employer relationships, and serve more youth who are ready to work but disconnected from opportunity.
Together, we can build a diverse, work-ready talent pipeline that benefits families, communities, and North Carolina’s economy.
Feel free to contact us for more information or for sponsorship
opportunities:
Whether you represent a school, an employer, or a community organization,
we welcome the opportunity to explore how the Workforce Accelerator can
support your goals while opening doors for young people across North
Carolina.
