GTCC's POWER Pathways is a specific career training program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities that lead to meaningful career or volunteer opportunities. GTCC currently offers Food Service and Customer Service pathways.

Students may choose from two career tracks for POWER Pathways. POWER Pathways programs are yearlong, offered each fall and spring semester. Tuition for the Food Service Program is $133 per semester; the Customer Service Program is $188 per year. Limited scholarships are available.

The Food Service Program prepares students to work or volunteer in the culinary and food supply industry. Graduates will have the option to take a fee-based examination to earn a North Carolina ServSafe Food Handler certification.

The Customer Service Program prepares students to work or volunteer in the retail or other customer service industry. Students in this program will have the opportunity to earn certificates in digital literacy and customer service skills.

Classes may be offered on the Greensboro or High Point campus depending on student interest and availability. 

Download and complete the application packet. If needed, download a scholarship application. Email your completed documents to: adulted@gtcc.edu.

To be admitted to the POWER Pathways Program, students must:

  • complete a POWER Pathways Program application;
  • schedule an interview;
  • complete a Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) or Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment.

Prospective students are most likely to benefit from this program if they score approximately at third-grade reading and math level on a CASAS or TABE assessment to be admitted to the program.

For more information about the POWER Pathways Program, please complete our information form.

Important dates for the 2024-2025 program year:

  • Aug. 9: Application packets and scholarship applications due
  • Sept. 4: Orientation for students and caregivers
  • Sept. 9: Classes start
  • Dec. 12: Last day of classes for fall 2024
  • Jan. 13: First day of classes for spring 2025
  • May 8: End of program/graduation

Dates for the 2025-2026 program will be available soon.

Career development instruction is included in all POWER Pathway courses to help with:

  • employment strategies, such as resume preparation and interviewing techniques;
  • goal setting and career pathway development.

Students also will have instruction in soft skills needed to retain employment.

Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday

For more information, see the frequently asked questions below.

GTCC Power Pathways Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Our courses are designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and open to anyone in the community.

If you are under 18 years old and wish to enroll in this or any other Adult Education course, you must complete a minor release form. Please contact your desired GTCC campus to obtain the form, or click the link below. This form must be filled out completely.

Minor Release Form

Although most Adult Education classes are free, there is a registration fee for the Food Service and Customer Service programs, which include occupational training courses. Students will be expected to purchase some items.

Food Service costs:

  • program registration fee of $133 (a per year charge);
  • two (2) aprons, nonslip shoes, and a textbook for about $50;
  • ServSafe® exam fee of $16.

Customer Service costs:

  • program registration fee of $188 (a per semester charge).

Limited scholarships funds are available for those who demonstrate financial need. 

If you are in need of a scholarship to cover the cost of this program, please download a scholarship application.

You are required to attend the Adult Education program classes that you register for regularly. Students are expected to commit to attend at least 80% of your assigned class meeting times and to take periodic progress tests as required by the program for continued participation.

Once registered, students who do not meet our minimum attendance requirements and/or remain absent for 90 consecutive days will have to wait until the following July 1 in order to re-enter the program.

Students also must abide by the GTCC Code of Conduct to maintain good standing in our program.

  1. Download the application packet and complete pages 3-6. Applicants should send their application via email to adulted@gtcc.edu.
  2. Download the Adaptive Behavior Checklist and return two copies completed by individuals who have worked with the applicant in a professional capacity to the Adult Education offices on the Greensboro or High Point campuses.

 

Class locations

Greensboro Campus:
3505 E Wendover Ave
Greensboro, NC 27405
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday
(336) 334-4822, ext. 53107