Who We Are
K-64 brings education, business, and government together to connect people of all ages with the skills needed to fill jobs and build careers in Catawba County.
- Increase student and employer engagement in educational programs proven to prepare a qualified workforce.
- Collaborate with employers to align courses of study with workforce needs.
- Connect students to real-world careers and related curriculum choices.
- Empower adults to enhance employability in a dynamic work environment.
History. Mission. Vision.
Mission and Vision:
K-64 is dedicated to fostering collaboration between education, government, and business to develop, attract, and retain a future-ready talent pool to meet growing workforce demands and ensure a bright economic future for Catawba County, NC.
History:
K-64 Learning was born out of a 2016 population study of Catawba County which indicated an ongoing gradual decline in the local working-age population. With efforts to proactively drive economic and population growth, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners identified education as one of eight critical growth sectors in their strategic plan and commissioned K-64 Learning to lead the way. On January 17, 2017, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution to form K-64 and approved its bylaws. The Board also voted to approve seed-funding to help kick-start the initiative.
In March 2017, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed to formalize the K-64 partnership among the initiative’s founding partners: Catawba County, Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, Catawba County Economic Development Corp., Catawba County Schools, Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory Public Schools, and Newton-Conover City Schools. We have continued to collaborate and establish best practices to meet growing workforce demands.
Accomplishments:
- Over $6 million raised locally in less than 2 years.
- 16,000 devices placed in the hands of K-12 students.
- Invested more than $300,000 in teacher training.
- Invested in character education programs for three public school districts.
- Engaged more than 300 businesses to visit and partner with the CVCC Workforce Solutions Center.
Areas of Work
One-to-World Technology
Accelerating learning inside and outside the classroom by connecting students with access to relevant technologies.
Character Development
Teaching critical soft skills, such as goal-setting, interpersonal communication and team building, to ensure students are well-prepared to engage in work and in life.
Tech-Savvy Educators
Continually equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate leading-edge technologies into lesson plans and classroom environments.
Work-Based Learning
Facilitating job shadowing, internships, co-ops, work-study programs and apprenticeships to connect students with real-world careers and local employers.
Employer Engagement
Cultivating collaborative partnerships with businesses to invest in the development of a well-prepared and highly engaged workforce of tomorrow.
Career Adaptability
Ensuring access to relevant educational services to help adults develop nimble skill sets and assure career longevity.
Our Team
Mark Story
Founder
Mark Story was the passionate visionary behind K-64 who brought all the stakeholders to the table to open doors for students to achieve their educational and career goals. We tragically lost him in February 2020 but are committed to carry his vision forward with the same passion with which he paved the way.
Chris Reese
Executive Director
As Executive Director of K-64, Chris Reese is responsible for managing our internal and external stakeholders as well as connecting businesses to K-12 and adult populations within Catawba County.
Christie Sims
Business Liaison
As Business Liaison of K-64, Christie Sims is responsible for connecting businesses to educational and professional organizations, grant research, and sustainability of the K-64 initiative.
Martha Carillo
Business Engagement Coordinator
As Business Engagement Coordinator, Martha Carillo is responsible for engaging businesses in local education programs and connecting students with job opportunities.
Nick Plemmons
Talent Development & Work-based Learning Coordinator
As Talent Development and Work-based Learning Coordinator, Nick Plemmons is responsible for connecting students with work-based learning opportunities and businesses with talent.
Le’Quan McCorkle
College and Career Advocate
As College and Career Advocate, Le’Quan McCorkle is responsible for providing career and college counseling for local high school students and overseeing the K-64 Leadership Institute, Exploring and Mentoring programs.
Natalie Mull
Scholar Advisor and Work-based Learning Faculty Lead
As Scholar Advisor and Work-based Learning Faculty Lead, Natalie Mull is responsible for providing career and college counseling and work-based learning opportunities for local high school students.
Cassidy Collins
Marketing and Resource Development
As Marketing and Resource Development, Cassidy Collins shares the K-64 stories, successes, and events through social media and business-to-business communication.
Joretta Fish
Administrative Assistant
As Administrative Assistant, Joretta Fish organizes our daily activities, manages office communication, and runs the front desk of the Workforce Solutions Complex.
Our Latest News
Communications & Marketing
I’m what you call a “Creative” – Always thinking of the next story to write, the next painting to start, or the next project for my job. When I entered undergrad in 2016, I wanted to pursue a degree in the creative arts – I just wasn’t sure where to focus my ambition....
Emergency Medical Services
EMT, EMS, or Paramedic? These questions circulate the minds of students considering a degree in Emergency Medical Science. It can feel tricky to begin the program, but according to a few students enrolled in this summer's Trauma Emergency course, it's definitely worth...
Ridgeview Takes Campus!
K-64 Learning and CVCC had the privilege of hosting Ridgeview Rec's "SummerFlang Camp 2021"! This jam-packed week introduced campers to CVCC faculty, classrooms, and programs. From theater, to robotics, to the medical field, to special visits by the local EMS and fire...
CONTACT US
K-64
Catawba Valley Community College
2550 US Hwy 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
@k64learning
Chris Reese, Executive Director
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4635
creese147@cvcc.edu
Christie Sims, Business Liaison
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4135
csims345@cvcc.edu
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