RALEIGH (February 12, 2026) – North Carolina is making progress toward the post-secondary attainment goal it adopted in 2019. But it still has a ways to go.

“Preparing people for work is central to North Carolina’s future,” John Fraley, the chair of a collaboration called myFutureNC that oversees the effort, said during an update Thursday.

State leaders adopted a goal of 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 with degrees or industry-recognized credentials by 2030. By the end of 2025, it had reached 1.72 million – 272,000 more than when the goal was adopted, and 57,000 more in 2025 alone.

“That represents real progress,” said Cecilia Holden, myFutureNC’s CEO and President. “But it’s also a warning light.”

Because that means the state remains 277,000 short of its goal. Nearly 40% of the 1.2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 still don’t have a degree or credential.

Speakers emphasized that education programs must align with what employers say they need in their workforce.

“When learning connects directly to employer needs, outcomes change,” said Holden.

MyFutureNC proposes a “Workforce Act of 2026” that would expand apprenticeships, career exploration, seamless pathways for students and employer-backed credentials. Support for adult learners to connect or re-connect with higher education will be critical, Holden said.

She also emphasized that North Carolina needs to build its corps of K-12 teachers.

“Without a skilled educator workforce, North Carolina’s education pipeline breaks down,” she said.

Our state legislature needs to wake up to that.