There are 24,274 children enrolled in the Public Schools of Robeson County, four private schools, and home school programs. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with student enrollment of over 3,000 is located in Pembroke and Robeson Community College is located in Lumberton. The staff of the Robeson County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is committed to using existing resources to best address the issues and needs of the citizens within the county. Because of the rapid expansion of confinement animal operations within the county, there is a pressing need to provide assistance to these producers to deal with environmental issues, government regulations, and labor management. Continuing educational programs and individual assistance are needed to help these producers adopt proven practices and adhere to established regulations.
Tobacco is the major cash crop in the county.
With the uncertainty of the continuation of the tobacco program, many producers are looking for suitable ways to diversify their operations. Many producers are choosing more traditional crops for these alternatives such as cotton, swine, poultry, beef, and forages. Other producers are considering nontraditional alternatives such as fruits, vegetables or small animals. There is tremendous potential for expansion of vegetable production within the county. All youth should be provided opportunities to develop skills that will help them deal with the pressures they face and help them become supportive and contributing members of society.