The act of signing on the dotted line is no longer reserved for high-profile athletes or big business deals. On April 16, new students committed to career technical programs from business to building construction will sign their own "letters of intent" at Lawson State Community College.
The event is part of NC3 National Signing Day, which highlights college students who plan to pursue a range of career and technical education (CTE) programs. The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) was established to help build a workforce prepared to meet industry needs by connecting employers and educational institutions in partnerships that foster effective training, elevation of skilled careers, and employment opportunities.
"It's a great day because it's modeled after an athletic signing, but we are celebrating the dignity of work," Lawson State Associate Dean Erika McAlpine recently told ABC 33/40. "A lot of times, our career and tech students are the 'unsung heroes.' They are the ones that are out there doing the work, but they don't always get that same kind of recognition. This is a day where we can put them on a pedestal and let them know that we're proud of them and we're glad that they're coming to Lawson State."
New and prospective CTE students who plan to enroll at Lawson State for the 2026-27 school year are invited to take part in this upcoming signing ceremony, a first for the college's career technical division.
Those students from automotive technology and robotics to cosmetology and culinary arts will be featured on stage signing their commitment to the college. They will be joined by invited family and friends, and by instructors who support their choice. All of this will unfold as dozens of colleges across the country stage their own NC3 signing ceremonies.
"This is about letting students know that what they're doing is important, it's valuable, and it's going to lead to a great career," said Ms. McAlpine.
