Record Enrollment for 6th Cohort
This fall, IGNITE DAVIE welcomed the 6th and largest class of students since its launch in 2020. A record 111 students are enrolled in programs at Davidson-Davie Community College and Forsyth Technical Community College, compared to an average of the mid-80s in previous years.
A Growing Impact Since 2020
Since its beginning, IGNITE DAVIE has made a powerful impact on students and the community:
- Over 500 students have taken advantage of the program.
- Students have earned hundreds of certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
- Each student volunteers at least five hours per semester in Davie County, resulting in more than 1,200 volunteer hours last school year alone.
These numbers demonstrate the program’s success in preparing students for the future while strengthening the community. By investing in students, IGNITE DAVIE is investing in Davie County — creating a stronger workforce, increasing community engagement, and building brighter futures.
“We are excited to see so many Davie County students taking advantage of IGNITE DAVIE. We are providing our students with the opportunity for more education and training as well as developing our own talent pipeline to meet the needs of our business and industry, which is a win-win for our students and our community,” said Carolyn McManamy, director of DavieCONNECT and IGNITE DAVIE partner.
More Opportunities for Students to Gain In-Demand Skills
IGNITE DAVIE covers in-state tuition, fees, and a stipend for books. Students can pursue associate degrees, transfer pathways, diplomas, certificates, or some short-term training programs that prepare them for high-demand careers.
Starting this fall, IGNITE DAVIE now includes ten short-term training programs at Davidson-Davie Community College.
Students can now choose from:
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Nursing Assistant I
- Phlebotomy
- Central Sterile Processing
- EMT
- Cosmetology
- Welding
- Carpentry
- Truck Driver Training
Meeting Students Where They Are
These flexible programs allow students to gain valuable, marketable skills in less time—helping them enter the workforce quickly or take the first step toward advanced certification.
McManamy views the decision to include more short-term training programs as both an educational and community investment. “Short-term training programs are not covered by traditional financial aid, so including them in the IGNITE DAVIE program allows us to help more students secure a solid career path, especially those students who aren’t considering college because they want or need to join the workforce right after graduation.”
Announcing New Fall 2026 Application Deadlines
Students interested in taking advantage of IGNITE DAVIE are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the two-step application process and the deadlines to apply.
The Spring 2026 application is now open. The Step One deadline is November 1st, and the Step Two deadline is December 15th.
There are new deadlines for the Fall 2026 Application. The application opens Nov. 15, 2025. The new Step One Deadline is April 15, 2026, and the Step Two Deadline is May 31, 2026.
Learn more and apply online at IGNITEDAVIE.com. Students or parents with IGNITE DAVIE questions can contact Carolyn McManamy: 336.753.6670 or admin@ignitedavie.com.
IGNITE DAVIE’s record enrollment and expanded opportunities highlight the program’s growing role in shaping the future of Davie County. By opening doors to higher education and in-demand career training, IGNITE DAVIE is empowering students to reach their goals while fueling the community’s long-term success. With more students than ever before taking advantage of this unique opportunity, the future of Davie County looks brighter than ever.