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Climbing the Benefits Cliff in North Carolina

Institute for Emerging Issues

Video thumbnail featuring photos of IEI Digital Opportunities Lead Jess Epsten with Friday Institute's Director of Digital Learning Emma Braaten, Friday Institute's Digital Literacy Coordinator Becky Evans-Wilson, and NCDIT Office of Digital Opportunity Director Maggie Woods; text reads “Exploring NC's Digital Skills Standards.”

Oct 14, 2025

Exploring NC’s New Digital Skills Standards

IEI Digital Opportunities Initiative Lead Jess Epsten sits down with digital opportunity experts from the Friday Institute and the NC Department of Information Technology to explore the newly released NC Digital Skills Standards, a framework designed to connect North Carolinians across the digital divide.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, September 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Sep 24, 2025

Director’s Message | September 2025

With September marking one year since Hurricane Helene, IEI Director Sarah Hall reflects on the remarkable progress made in Western North Carolina, noting how communities across the state came together to rebuild, fortify infrastructure and reopen key transit ways. Hall also highlights IEI’s contributions to recovery efforts and how these experiences have informed the Future Forward Infrastructure series.
A group of people in a conference room sitting at tables in a U-shape. Everyone is facing a person who is standing in the front of the room in front of a projector.

Sep 22, 2025

IEI Releases Recommended Strategies for Strengthening NC’s Energy Infrastructure

IEI is pleased to present the final recommended strategies for strengthening North Carolina's Energy Infrastructure. These recommended strategies were developed by the Energy Infrastructure Advisory Council as part of the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Energy.
Headshot of IEI's 2025-26 Hunt Intern Rosie Thyne.

Sep 9, 2025

Meet Rosie, IEI’s New Hunt Intern

Get to know IEI's new Hunt Intern, Rosie! The Hunt Internship is a program for NC State undergraduates interested in a career in public policy and public service.
Video thumbnail featuring photos of IEI Director Sarah Hall with Kenan Fellows Program Director Dr. Vance Kite and Associate Director Mark Townley; text reads “The Kenan Fellows Legacy.”

Sep 8, 2025

The Kenan Fellows Legacy: Celebrating 25 Years of Teacher Leadership

This episode explores how the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership gives educators firsthand experience in local industries through unique immersion fellowships, helping them equip students with the skills needed for future careers.

A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, August 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Aug 29, 2025

Director’s Message | August 2025

As the 2025-26 academic year begins, IEI Director Sarah Hall notes the release of the final Recommended Strategies for Strengthening Our Energy Infrastructure in the coming weeks. This fall, the Water Infrastructure Advisory Council will also start convening, carrying this momentum forward for the 2026 program of work on water.

Aug 25, 2025

Fall 2025 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative Accepting Applications

Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2025 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative cohort, taking place Oct. 28-31. Only 25 spots are available. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until Sept. 26, or until all spots are filled.
Video thumbnail featuring photos of IEI Director Sarah Hall with District C CEO and Co-founder Dan Gonzalez and SparkNC President Dr. Lynn Moody; text reads “Igniting Tomorrow's Workforce.”

Aug 19, 2025

Igniting Tomorrow’s Workforce

Today’s youth are the workforce of tomorrow. In this episode of "The Connector," IEI Director Sarah Hall sits down with two leaders who are revolutionizing high school education and workforce development: SparkNC President Dr. Lynn Moody and District C CEO Dan Gonzalez.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, July 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Jul 30, 2025

Director’s Message | July 2025

IEI Director Sarah Hall underscores the Institute’s unwavering dedication to statewide infrastructure conversations following the devastation of Tropical Storm Chantal, including hosting focus groups this fall to help shape the 2026 forum, “Future Forward Water.” She also shares how IEI continues to drive and remain proactive in other programmatic work beyond forum planning.
Video thumbnail featuring photos of IEI Communications Director Jenn Heiss with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont Stakeholder Engagement Manager Justin Taylor; text reads “Climbing the Benefits Cliff in NC.”

Jul 14, 2025

Climbing the Benefits Cliff in North Carolina

Are pay raises always a good thing? IEI Communications Director Jennifer Heiss sits down with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont's Stakeholder Engagement Manager Justin Taylor to explain the benefits cliff, the effect it has on a family's financial well-being and practical strategies that help address this issue.