Have you ever wanted to learn new skills, play fun games, or start a business? Wake Tech is the place to do it! Wake Tech is a big community college in Raleigh, North Carolina, where people of all ages can study, work, and have fun. This guide will tell you all about Wake Tech, so even 4th graders can understand. From online classes to esports teams, Wake Tech has something for everyone. Let’s explore what makes Wake Tech so special!
What Is Wake Tech?
Wake Tech is North Carolina’s biggest community college, helping over 70,000 students yearly. It’s a school where you can learn new things, get ready for a job, or even transfer to a bigger university. Wake Tech started in 1963 and has grown to have many campuses in Raleigh and nearby areas. It’s part of the North Carolina Community College System and is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
At Wake Tech, you can study for a short time to learn a skill or spend two years to get a degree. The college also has fun activities like sports and clubs. Whether you’re a kid, a teen, or an adult, Wake Tech is a place to grow and have fun. Let’s look at all the cool things you can do at Wake Tech!
Community College: Learning for Everyone
As a community college, Wake Tech welcomes everyone. You don’t need perfect grades or a lot of money to join. Wake Tech offers classes for high school students, adults, and even people who want to learn just for fun. It’s called a community college because it helps the people in Wake County and beyond.
Wake Tech has programs to help you get a high school diploma, learn English, or start a career. It’s affordable, with low tuition (about $2,768 yearly for North Carolina students in 2020-2021). The college also gives scholarships and financial aid to make school easier. Wake Tech is all about giving everyone a chance to learn and succeed.
Raleigh Campuses: Where the Fun Happens
Wake Tech has six main campuses in Raleigh and Wake County, plus other locations for learning. These Raleigh campuses are spread out, so you can find one nearby. Here’s a quick look at some of them:
- Southern Wake Campus: The first Wake Tech campus, opened in 1963. It’s on 139 acres at 9101 Fayetteville Road in Raleigh and has a gym, cooking labs, and the college’s main offices.
- Scott Northern Wake Campus: This 125-acre campus at 6600 Louisburg Road is super green. All its buildings are LEED-certified, which means they’re good for the planet. It also has a car repair centre and a performance hall.
- Perry Health Sciences Campus: This campus, near WakeMed Hospital at 2901 Holston Lane, trains nurses and other health workers. It has cool tools, like a nursing simulation lab.
- Western Wake Campus: At 3434 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary, this campus is great for students who want to transfer to a university.
- Public Safety Education Campus: At 321 Chapanoke Road, this campus teaches police and firefighter skills with a pretend courtroom and jail.
- Wake Tech East: This new campus in Wendell, opened in 2024 at 5401 Rolesville Road, has high-tech labs and a public safety training area.
These Raleigh campuses make it easy to go to Wake Tech no matter where you live. Each one has special classes and tools to help you learnರ
Online Learning: Study from Anywhere
Wake Tech is a leader in online learning, which means you can take classes on your computer at home. Almost 100 of Wake Tech’s programs, including over 25 degrees and certificates, can be done online. You can study business, information technology, or liberal arts without visiting campus.
Online learning at Wake Tech is excellent because you can work at your speed. The college uses a Blackboard system to share lessons, videos, and tests. Teachers are there to help through email or video calls. Wake Tech ranks high among community colleges for online classes, so it’s good. Whether you’re busy with a job or live far away, online learning at Wake Tech makes school easy.
Associate Degrees: Your Path to Success
Wake Tech offers over 250 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. An associate degree is a two-year program that can help you get a job or transfer to a four-year university. Popular associate degrees at Wake Tech include:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: Great for transferring to a university.
- Information Technology: Learn about computers and coding.
- Business Administration: Get ready to run a company.
- Nursing: Train to help people in hospitals.
These associate degrees prepare you for careers or further education. Wake Tech works with prominent universities like NC State, so your credits count when you transfer. With Wake Tech, you can start small and dream big!
Workforce Training: Get Job Skills Fast
Wake Tech is excellent for workforce training, which means short classes that teach you job skills quickly. These non-degree programs help you learn things like:
- Carpentry or HVAC: Fix houses or air conditioners.
- BioWork: Work in science labs.
- Cosmetology: Cut hair at a salon.
- Emergency Medical Science: Help people as an EMT.
Workforce training at Wake Tech is perfect if you want a job soon. Classes are held at the Beltline Education Centre or Wake Tech East. Some programs give you certificates that bosses love. Wake Tech also works with companies to ensure you learn what they need.
Student Activities: Have Fun at School
Wake Tech isn’t just about studying—there are many student activities to enjoy! You can join clubs like the Art Club, Gaming Club, or International Student Association. These groups help you make friends and have fun.
Wake Tech also has events like movie nights, talent shows, and cultural festivals. The Student Government Association plans cool activities, and you can hang out at the gym or student lounge. Student activities at Wake Tech make school exciting and help you feel part of a big family.
Esports Program: Play Video Games to Win
Love video games? Wake Tech has an esports program where you can play games like Rocket League, Overwatch, or League of Legends as part of a team. Started in 2020, the esports program lets you compete against other colleges. The team, called the Wake Tech Eagles, plays in a special gaming room with fast computers.
Being in the esports program at Wake Tech teaches teamwork and strategy. You might even win prizes or scholarships! It’s a fun way to show your gaming skills and be part of Wake Tech’s sports scene.
Career Services: Find Your Dream Job
Wake Tech’s career services help you get a job after school. They offer:
- Job Fairs: Meet companies looking to hire.
- Resume Help: Make your job application shine.
- Workshops: Learn how to do great interviews.
- Job Board: Find part-time or full-time jobs online.
Career services at Wake Tech are free for students and those not in school. You can talk to a career coach at places like the Southern Wake Campus. Wake Tech works with big companies to find health, tech, and more jobs. With career services, you’re ready to start working!
Small Business Centre: Start Your Own Company
Dream of owning a business? The Small Business Centre at Wake Tech can help! Located at the Western Wake Campus, it offers free classes and advice for starting a company. You can learn about:
- Writing a business plan.
- Getting money to start your business.
- Selling your products online.
The Small Business Centre at Wake Tech also has one-on-one meetings with experts who know all about business. Whether you want to open a bakery or a tech company, Wake Tech gives you the tools to succeed.
Why Choose Wake Tech?
Wake Tech is an excellent choice because it’s affordable, flexible, and full of opportunities. The Raleigh campuses are easy to access, and online learning lets you study from anywhere. With associate degrees and workforce training, you can get a job or go to a university. Plus, student activities, the esports program, career services, and the Small Business Centre make Wake Tech more than just a school—it’s a place to grow and have fun.
How to Get Started at Wake Tech
Ready to join Wake Tech? Here’s what to do:
- Apply: Fill out a free application at www.waketech.edu. It’s easy!
- Talk to Advisors: Meet with Wake Tech’s academic advisors to pick classes.
- Find Money: Check for scholarships or financial aid to pay for school.
- Join In: Sign up for student activities or the esports program to have fun.
You can start classes in fall, spring, or summer. Wake Tech has open admissions so that everyone can join. Visit a campus or call 919-866-5000 to learn more.
Wake Tech for Everyone
This college is excellent for all kinds of people. High school students can take classes through programs like Wake Early College of Health and Sciences. Adults can learn new skills with workforce training or start a company with the Small Business Centre. Wake Tech has classes for you, even if you’re learning English or need a high school diploma. It’s a school where anyone can find their path.
Facts About Wake Tech
- Wake Tech’s mascot is an eagle named Talon; the school colours are navy blue and gold.
- The Scott Northern Wake Campus is the first college campus in the U.S. with all buildings LEED-certified.
- Over 1,500 students graduate from Wake Tech each spring, ready for jobs or university.
- The esports program competes in national tournaments, and players can earn scholarships.
Conclusion
This is a fantastic community college where you can learn, grow, and have fun. With Raleigh campuses, online learning, and many associate degrees, This college helps you prepare for a job or more school. Try workforce training for quick skills, join student activities for fun, or play in the esports program. Career services and the Small Business Centre make your dreams come true. Start your journey at Wake Tech today—visit www.waketech.edu and see how awesome it is!
References
- Wake Tech Official Website: www.waketech.edu
- North Carolina Community College System: www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
- Wake Technical Community College Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Wake County Economic Development: raleigh-wake.org
- Workforce Training at Wake Tech: www.waketech.edu
- U.S. News Education: www.usnews.com
- Wake Tech LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com
- Niche College Reviews: www.niche.com
- BigFuture College Search: bigfuture.collegeboard.org
- American Association of Community Colleges: www.aacc.nche.edu