Charlotte, North Carolina has a workforce crisis that intersects with four critical community issues — and one initiative has been quietly addressing all four for six years.

Workforce Development. Skilled trades, certifications, apprenticeships, and nontraditional career pathways are in high demand across our region, yet thousands of youth and adults have no awareness of or access to these opportunities. Momma I Don't Want to Go to College, Inc. was founded in 2020 specifically to close that gap — connecting residents to community colleges, Associate Degree programs, trade certifications, on-the-job training, unions, and companies offering thrivable starting wages.

Crime Prevention. For too many disconnected youth and adults, the first introduction to skilled trades happens inside a correctional facility. This initiative works to change that — reaching young people before the system does, by exposing them to viable career options early enough to make a difference.

Economic Mobility. Families across Charlotte — particularly in low-income communities — are choosing college by default because they don't know what else exists. This initiative expands that awareness so that every family can make an informed decision about the most affordable, sustainable path to a thrivable wage.

Mental Health. The pressure to attend a four-year college is contributing to anxiety, depression, and disengagement among youth across this city. This initiative was born directly from that reality — a mother watching her own daughter suffer under that pressure — and works to restore hope by showing young people that there is more than one path to a meaningful future.

Over six consecutive years the initiative has served 1,000+ Charlotte-area residents and was identified by the United Negro College Fund as the only program in the country aligned with their workforce development mission.

In recognition of the Final and 6th Annual Skills and Trade Career Expo on April 18, 2026, Founder Layla F. Bluefort submitted a formal proclamation request to the Office of Mayor Vi Lyles requesting that April 18, 2026 be declared "Momma I Don't Want to Go to College Day" in Charlotte, NC.

The Mayor's Office responded in writing offering a Letter of Recognition in place of a proclamation. After the founder followed up in a second written letter clarifying that this initiative represents a six-year community workforce awareness movement — not simply an event — the Mayor's Office responded again in writing confirming it would not be moving forward with a proclamation.

The founder received the Letter of Recognition graciously and then proclaimed the day herself.

We are asking the Charlotte community to stand in support of this proclamation and the six years of impact it represents — impact that has addressed workforce development, crime prevention, economic mobility, and youth mental health right here in Charlotte.

"Founded in Charlotte. Built for the Nation."