Catawba College Will Host NC Environmental Program
Educators can expect a smooth transition as the certification program shifts to its new home this October.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Administration
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Starting October 1, 2026, the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program will move to Catawba College after state funding was removed from the Department of Environmental Quality. The transition will include the transfer of all staff, resources, and administrative tools to the college.
Why it matters
The shift ensures the continued operation of a professional certification standard for educators following a July 2026 state budget decision that eliminated public funding for the program. This change maintains access to training resources that have supported North Carolina instructors for over three decades.
Since its inception in the early 1990s, the program has certified 1,600 educators across the state. This transition to Catawba College in Salisbury will consolidate all existing staff and calendar resources under the school's Center for the Environment.
The players
Catawba College
A private liberal arts institution in Salisbury that is now assuming control of the statewide certification program through its Center for the Environment.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
The state agency that previously hosted the program for over three decades until funding was removed.
The details
The relocation process involves a direct transfer of the existing listserv, resources, and current program calendar to Catawba College. Participants will see their certification process move from the state-run Department of Environmental Quality to the college's dedicated environmental facility. The transition is designed to be seamless, ensuring those currently working toward certification face no interruption in their progress.
Timeline
The environmental education program began operations in the early 1990s.
State budget legislation removed funding for the program in July 2026.
The administration of the program officially moves to Catawba College on October 1, 2026.
The Home Front
This transition reflects a growing trend of transferring state-managed professional development programs to academic institutions following legislative budget changes. It signals a move toward privatized administration for long-standing public certification frameworks in North Carolina.
If you are an educator currently enrolled in the certification program, ensure you have updated your contact information to receive updates from the new Catawba College administrative team. Keep a record of your progress toward certification in case of any data discrepancies during the October transition.
The takeaway
The certification program will continue under new leadership at Catawba College, preserving a resource that has served North Carolina educators for 30 years. Current participants should watch their email for migration notices to ensure their certification credits remain synced with the new host.
Further reading
For more information on current professional standards, visit the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salisbury Post.
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