During the recent Sampson County Board of Commissioners Budget Workshop held on June 13, 2025, discussions highlighted the pressing need for the county to adapt to the competitive labor market, particularly in the fields of education and public safety. The meeting underscored the challenges faced by Sampson Community College in attracting qualified faculty, such as welders and electricians, which are critical to meeting the educational demands of the region.

The college's leadership expressed optimism about its growing enrollment, noting an increasing number of students from neighboring counties, including Cumberland and Duplin. This trend is attributed to the college's commitment to providing high-quality faculty and advanced technologies in its programs. The college aims to enhance its offerings further by developing a public safety training campus, which would serve first responders and volunteers in the community. This initiative is seen as a vital step toward strengthening the volunteer workforce and contributing to the local economy.

The college representatives emphasized the importance of stable funding from the county, which would allow them to plan effectively without the fear of unexpected facility issues. They framed the college as a key player in the county's economic development, urging the commissioners to view their financial support as an investment in the broader community.

In conclusion, the discussions at the budget workshop reflect a critical moment for Sampson Community College as it seeks to navigate workforce challenges and expand its role in regional economic development. The college's initiatives, particularly in public safety training, could have significant implications for both educational outcomes and community resilience in Sampson County.