In place of Charlotte College, came the Central Industrial Education Center (CIEC), which was established in 1959. The school was part of the larger Industrial Education Center System, which addressed the educational needs of adults throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The schools provided technical and business training, pre-employment training, hobby and leisure classes, and opportunities to improve occupational skills. The artifacts on display are reflections of daily life for students, staff, and administrators during this era.

The CIEC was housed in the Central High building. It was directed by Dean B. Davis from 1959 to 1962 and by Dr. Richard H. Hagemeyer in 1963. Dr. Hagemeyer also served as the assistant superintendent of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System.

The CIEC was merged with Mecklenburg College in 1963 to form Central Piedmont Community College.