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Community Spotlight: Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County connects the dots for student success

Educational Attainment

Headshots of IEI Director Sarah Hall and myFutureNC President and CEO Cecilia Holden; text reads “The Connector, Closing the Gap: Educational Attainment in North Carolina, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”

Apr 7, 2025

Closing the Gap: Educational Attainment in North Carolina

How is North Carolina tackling its educational attainment gap? What's the story behind the "2 million by 2030" goal? In this episode of The Connector, IEI Director Sarah Hall and myFutureNC President and CEO Cecilia Holden break it down. They explore the latest insights from the 2025 State of Educational Attainment Report and outline next steps to achieve this goal. 
An adult interviews a high schooler at a table in a library

Aug 8, 2023

Wilson Education Partnership builds relationships between students and community

Over the past year, Wilson Education Partnership has focused on one impactful program called “Communicating with Confidence,” which aims to support students and teachers through the development of soft skills and community relationships.  
A group of high school students stand at the front of a classroom in front of a crowd, being celebrated.

Jul 18, 2023

Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County provides pathway to higher education

Over the past year, the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County has returned to pre-pandemic levels of engagement, serving more than 1,000 young people in western North Carolina. The Club helps students as young as elementary school envision a future that includes higher education.  
Two representatives from Isothermal Community College stand in front of a promotional tent for the college

Jul 6, 2023

Isothermal Community College strives for student success

Isothermal Community College is not only committed to improving its students' lives through learning—it strives to improve its own processes by learning about the needs of the community. 
An elementary school student reads a book alongside a high school student.

Jun 20, 2023

Communities Supporting Schools expands its reach in Wayne County

Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County has spent the past year expanding its current efforts to serve students and taking critical steps to ensure its long-term sustainability. Through the collaborative efforts of its staff, volunteers and community partners, CSS has deepened its impact for students in Wayne County. 
A family of four stands together. The teenage son is holding a certificate for completing a college prep program.

Jun 5, 2023

College prep programs at Wake Forest University empower students for college and community

Over the past year, Wake Forest University’s Pre-College Programs have seen continued success preparing students for higher education and civic engagement. Since their return to in-person, on-campus operations last summer, the programs have seen a rise in applications and student engagement.  
A woman speaking at the front of a room full of people sitting at tables

Jan 25, 2023

Regional Meeting Series Furthers NC Educational Attainment Goal

IEI and myFutureNC convened a series of local leadership meetings during the summer and fall of 2022 to create future opportunities for collaboration among local leaders to increase educational attainment in their communities. 

Jul 28, 2022

Interim Director’s Log | July 2022

State Budgets, Summer Camp, Students and More! The dog days of summer have arrived in North Carolina, bringing with them a newly passed state budget, planning for IEI’s third year… 
Four adult students in a culinary arts class watch the instructor at the head of the class.

May 10, 2022

Community Spotlight: Isothermal Community College improves lives in Rutherford and Polk counties

Isothermal Community College (ICC) doesn’t stop at providing nearly free higher education for students in western North Carolina. Its mission is to improve lives through learning. 
An older woman reads a book with a young child

May 2, 2022

Community Spotlight: Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County connects the dots for student success

Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County understands that to increase postsecondary educational attainment, you have to start working with students as early as elementary school.