Investing in the Future Workforce of Robeson County: The Robeson County Career and Technical Education Center
The Robeson County Career and Technical Education Center project is more than a new building—it's a transformative investment in the future of our students and the economic vitality of our region. Currently under construction, this state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for innovation, skill-building, and career readiness, aligning educational opportunities with the evolving demands of the workforce in Robeson County and beyond.
Future-Focused Facilities and Programs
The project was split into two phases.
Phase 1, with a $72 million budget, is made possible through robust community and state support. Phase 1 came in slightly under budget at $72 million, funded through a combination of sources: $62 million from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, $2.5 million from the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, $2.5 million from PSRC and $5 million allocated by state legislators, including Senator Danny Britt, specifically for the planetarium and science center which was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.
This phase lays the foundation for high-demand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs such as Culinary Arts, Mechatronics, Welding, Automotive Technology, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. The new Robeson Planetarium and Science Center will also become a cornerstone for STEM education in our region.
Phase 2 will enhance the facility further with four business labs, two Mechatronics labs, and a full-scale culinary center—bringing the total investment to approximately $87.2 million. This phase, estimated at $15.2 million, will be jointly funded by the county and the school district, each covering half.
Building Pathways to Success
Spanning nearly 110,000 square feet, the new Career and Technology Center will offer dynamic learning environments, including collaborative workspaces and a Learning Commons area. These modern spaces are designed to simulate real-world work settings, helping students develop the technical and soft skills that employers are seeking.
The center will directly prepare students for in-demand careers in fields such as:
Advanced Manufacturing & Mechatronics
Health & Emergency Services
Culinary Arts & Hospitality
Automotive Technology
Drone & Emerging Technologies
Business & Entrepreneurship
By equipping students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and pathways to certifications, this facility will serve as a critical talent pipeline for local industries—attracting new businesses and supporting economic growth in Robeson County for decades to come.
A Beacon of Opportunity
“This project is a critical part of our efforts to champion student success. We are certain that this facility will serve as a beacon of hope as we continue on the pathway to a better and brighter future for Robeson County students and residents,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
By equipping students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and pathways to certifications, this facility, which replaces the current Robeson County Career Center, will serve as a critical talent pipeline for local industries—attracting new businesses and supporting economic growth in Robeson County for decades to come.
As we build for today, we are also building for tomorrow—ensuring our students are not only college- and career-ready but also empowered to shape the future of Robeson County.
The rendering above, provided by SfL+a Architects, captures a vision of what’s to come: a bold step toward a stronger, smarter and more skilled future.
Selected Architect: SfL+a Architects
Construction Company: Metcon
Click this link for renderings, photos, video footage and additional details.