The New College Institute (NCI) is expanding its educational programs with new additions aimed at improving local opportunities in safety and education. The college now offers Praxis testing and enhanced de-escalation training, both of which are designed to better serve the community.
The new de-escalation training program at NCI mirrors the training used by law enforcement officers at the Piedmont Criminal Justice Academy. Olivia Garrett, director of institutional advancement, explained that the program features advanced simulation technology, including a 45-foot screen and a model firearm. “It’s a highly interactive program,” Garrett said. “The simulation includes various scenarios such as domestic violence and mental health crises, allowing trainees to choose different responses and see how those choices impact the situation.”
Garrett noted that the simulation can increase the level of agitation in the virtual scenario, challenging trainees to de-escalate the situation without resorting to their weapons. “The program is designed to mirror best practices in law enforcement training,” she added. The training, which uses GoPro cameras for 360-degree imaging of real-world environments, is currently available only to public safety personnel but could be expanded in the future.
In addition to the de-escalation training, NCI is now offering the Praxis exam, a critical component for students pursuing degrees in education. Garrett highlighted the logistical challenges that many students faced with the previous testing locations in Roanoke and Greensboro. “Our students often have full-time jobs or family responsibilities that made traveling for the exam difficult,” she said. “By offering the Praxis exam on-site, we provide a more accessible option.”
The Praxis exams will be available at NCI on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., Thursdays at 1 p.m., and the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m., providing flexible scheduling options for students. Garrett also reported that the education program at NCI is thriving, with approximately 20 to 25 students enrolled this year and a retention rate of about 90% for graduates of the Longwood Elementary and Early Childhood Education programs—significantly higher than the national average.
NCI remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of the community and is enthusiastic about the new programs. “We’re dedicated to providing essential training and addressing gaps such as the availability of the Praxis test,” Garrett said. “Our goal is to support students and professionals in overcoming barriers to their success.”
