Forging Her
Path Early

How CCP Student Deanna Stancill Is Welding Her Path to Success

Through Carteret CC’s Career & College Promise program, Deanna is gaining hands-on experience, confidence, and a head start on a career she’s passionate about.

At Carteret Community College, high school students don’t just imagine their futures — they start building them.
For Deanna Stancill, a Croatan High School student and proud participant in Carteret CC’s Career & College Promise (CCP) program, that future is already taking shape in sparks, steel, and possibility.

Discovering Her Path & Gaining Real Experience

Deanna knew as early as her freshman year that she wanted to try welding. Something about the precision, the creativity, and the challenge of the trade called to her — and when she learned CCP would allow her to explore that interest while still in high school, she jumped at the opportunity.

“Taking college courses in high school has given me experience with what it would be like in the trade,” she said. “Having this experience and eventually getting my credentials will make it easier for me to get employed and start my career sooner.”

Through CCP, she stepped into a real welding shop, used real tools, and practiced real techniques — long before receiving her high school diploma.
Her instructors have made all the difference, offering hands-on time, guidance, and opportunities to grow.

“My CCP instructor gives us lots of class time to work on hands-on projects and lets us see our mistakes and fix them.”

This early exposure helped Deanna not only confirm her interest in welding but also develop practical skills she’ll carry into the workforce.

Building Skills, Confidence, and a Clear Direction

Many students Deanna’s age aren’t yet sure what path they want to take — and that’s exactly why CCP is so powerful.

“Some students my age don’t know what they want to do,” she said. “But joining a pathway can help you experiment and know for sure what you want to do.”

CCP gave her the chance to explore welding, discover what she enjoys, and develop confidence through trial and practice.

“CCP has helped me build skills related to my future career by letting me work in the shop and fix my mistakes.”

With her sights set on the future, Deanna plans to earn her welding certifications after graduation and go straight into the workforce. And her dreams don’t stop there.

If she could design her dream career, she’d start her own welding business repairing farm equipment and vehicles — and then pursue her passion for racing.

Eventually?

She wants to make it to NASCAR and “be the best driver in racing history.”

When she’s not welding or in school, you’ll find her behind the wheel at Carteret County Speedway — because yes, she’s already a racecar driver.

Motivation, Support & Advice for Future CCP Students

Behind Deanna’s work ethic is someone she admires deeply: her dad.

“He’s my biggest supporter in everything I do,” she said. “He pushes me to work hard and get to where I want to be. My biggest goal is to make him proud.”

And just as her dad supports her, Deanna hopes other students will support themselves by taking advantage of the opportunities CCP provides.

Her advice is simple and honest:

“CCP lets you experiment without fully committing to a career — and without dropping a ton of money on college after high school.”

A Future Full of Possibility

Whether Deanna becomes a certified welder, a business owner, or a NASCAR legend, one thing is certain: the CCP program has put her miles ahead.

With college credits, hands-on training, and real-world skills already on her résumé, she’s accelerating toward a future she’s excited to build — and Carteret Community College is proud to be part of her journey.

For more information about our Career & College Promise (CCP)  program contact Kathy Bernstein for Carteret County Public School students. For Homeschool/Private School students Heather Robbins.