JCC Seeks $15 Million in Bond Referendum
Published: October 23, 2018
Funds will support construction of new engineering building.
Johnston Community College is seeking $15 million in bond funds to design and construct a state-of-the-art 35,000-square-foot building to support the college’s expanding Associate in Engineering (AE) program and STEM-related disciplines.
The building will include 10 engineering labs including a virtual reality studio for engineering and the natural sciences, interactive classrooms, a large lecture hall, a student lounge and faculty offices, and flexible collaborative space.
JCC launched its associate in engineering program in fall 2015. In three years, enrollment in the program has increased 163%.
The engineering program serves as a transfer pathway for students seeking a bachelor’s degree at neighboring four-year universities. Program graduates have an 85% acceptance rate at UNC system engineering schools receiving over $120,000 in merit-based scholarships through the Goodnight Scholars Program.
Residual bond funds will be used for college renovation and expansion needs.
In addition to JCC’s bond request, the Nov. 6 ballot also includes $61 million for Johnston County Public Schools to build and enhance schools in the county. Neither referendum will require a tax increase for Johnston County residents.
Early voting started Oct. 17.
Cut line: JCC is seeking $15 million in local bond funds to build a state-of-the-art engineering building to support its associate degree engineering program.