NCCU Welcomes Surge of Adult Learners Thanks to Project Kitty Hawk

By Ashley Brown

Project Kitty Hawk, an initiative founded by the state of North Carolina, is making significant strides in increasing adult learner enrollment at North Carolina Central University. Launched by the General Assembly in 2021, the project aims to assist public universities in recruiting and supporting individuals aged 25 and older who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

Since beginning its partnership with NCCU in October 2023, Project Kitty Hawk has experienced remarkable growth. The program started with just ten students and has expanded to 221 adult learners this fall.

“There might be people who want an education but have work, family and elderly parents,” said Kimberly Phifer-McGhee, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor for NCCU Extended Studies and Student Support.

Andrew Kelly, president and CEO of Project Kitty Hawk, emphasized the critical factor of time in higher education for adult learners. “We hear a lot about higher education affordability, but the biggest thing adult students lack is time,” said Kelly. “Adult learners are not thinking of traditional fall and winter semesters and December break. How can I enroll and complete a degree in the quickest way possible?”

Project Kitty Hawk: Designed for Adult Learners

Despite low in-state tuition rates at North Carolina public universities, many adult learners are enrolling in out-of-state online programs, often paying two to three times more than in-state tuition. Project Kitty Hawk addresses this challenge by offering fully online courses taught by NCCU faculty, providing the flexibility that adult students require.

Marquita Lyons-Smith, DNP, director of the RN to BSN program, reported a dramatic rise from five students in the initial course to over 50 currently enrolled. “That is the most we’ve ever had in the RN to BSN program,” she noted.

In addition to facilitating online courses, Project Kitty Hawk supports NCCU by condensing academic terms from 16 weeks to eight and assigning “success coaches” for continuous support. The introduction of these measures has led to a notable increase in adult enrollment, particularly within the RN-BSN program in the Department of Nursing.

With NCCU’s existing 37 online programs—including bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate options—the university is determined to enhance its offerings further to avoid being left behind in the evolving educational landscape.

Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon highlighted the transformative potential of Project Kitty Hawk. “Through initiatives like Project Kitty Hawk, North Carolina Central University is creating new pathways to success for learners of all ages, including adult students seeking to advance their careers,” she said.