Flexibility That Makes College Possible
Apr 30, 2026Quarter-cent sales tax funds technology for classrooms that meet the needs of students
For Allegra Simpson, flexibility isn’t just a convenience — it’s what makes college possible.
And the quarter-cent sales tax passed by Rockingham County voters in 2018 is what has made flexible college classes possible.
At 27, Simpson is a full-time employee, a single mother to a three-year-old daughter, and a Criminal Justice student at Rockingham Community College. She dropped out of school in 11th grade, and after earning her GED at RCC, she decided to keep moving forward, even though she wasn’t sure how traditional college classes would fit into her already full life.
“I didn’t know what college was going to look like,” Simpson said. “I didn’t know if I’d have to be in a classroom all day, every day. With working full time and raising my daughter, I didn’t think that was something I could realistically do.”
That changed when she learned about HyFlex courses – classes designed to let students attend in person, join live online, or watch later on their own time. Simpson enrolled in a Criminology course taught by Valerie Bowers, program coordinator and faculty member for RCC’s Criminal Justice program.
HyFlex courses were made available through the creation of Zoom Rooms, with technology added to classrooms that allows students in the room and students online to participate together in real time.
Three classrooms were upgraded with this equipment – one in the Advanced Technologies building, and two in the Jerry Owens Health Sciences building.
The overall project cost about $115,000, which was covered by revenue from a quarter-cent sales tax that benefits Rockingham Community College – and is just one of many projects on campus that have increased the capabilities of students to learn and instructors to teach. This particular project helps students learn even if they cannot attend class on campus in person.
“As I’m teaching live with students in the classroom, I also have students online who are interacting with us at the same time,” Bowers explained. “If students are working and can’t attend live, they can go back later and participate that way, too. It really helps students who have different careers and responsibilities but still want that live back-and-forth conversation.”
For Simpson, that flexibility has been essential. Some days she logs in live and follows along from home. Other days, when work is busy or her daughter needs more attention, she watches the class later – often late at night or early in the morning while her daughter is sleeping.
“Sometimes it’s 2 or 3 in the morning when I finally have time,” she said. “I can pause, rewind, and really understand what I missed. I like that I don’t have to choose between being a parent, keeping my job, and staying in school.”
Even when she’s not physically in the classroom, Simpson says the experience still feels personal. Bowers regularly calls on online students, incorporates them into discussions, and uses shared virtual whiteboards so students can participate regardless of how they’re attending.
“We’re all doing the same activities,” Bowers said. “Students in the classroom and students online are engaging in the same discussions, using the same tools, and contributing together. They’re getting the information in multiple modalities, but they’re still having similar learning experiences.”
That sense of inclusion stands out to Simpson. “She makes sure I’m involved,” she said. “She’ll call on me, talk about me being there, and it really makes me feel like I’m part of the class, not just watching from the outside.”
The HyFlex format also means students who would otherwise have to miss class don’t fall behind. Simpson has seen classmates log in when they were sick, had work conflicts, or had obligations at another school.
“It’s really cool to see people still able to show up,” she said. “Even when life happens, you don’t have to completely miss out.”
Simpson works from home for CVS Specialty Pharmacy and was recently promoted to an auditing position. Because of her workload and family responsibilities, she takes two classes per semester instead of a traditional full-time course load — a pace she says is sustainable and realistic.
“It might take me longer to graduate, but that’s okay. What matters is that I can keep going,” she said.
For Simpson, continuing her education is about building stability and a future for her daughter.
“I honestly don’t know how this would work for me without this option,” she said of the HyFlex technology.
Are you considering going to college but hesitating because of your work hours, family commitments or other responsibilities? Come talk to the Admissions team at Rockingham Community College. We can help you register for classes that will fit your schedule. Contact us at 336-342-4261 ext. 2333, Admissions@RockinghamCC.edu, or visit us in the Whitcomb Student Center at 484 County Home Road, Wentworth.
