Partnership East
Project Focus Area:
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Approved by Board of Directors: July 2013
SECU Foundation awarded East Carolina University (ECU) Foundation a grant in support of its rural teacher education scholarship program, Partnership East, which is a collaboration between ECU, North Carolina Community Colleges and the public school systems. The program focuses on recruiting teacher assistants and public school employees in rural Northeastern North Carolina to become certified teachers. Under the direction of ECU’s College of Education, selected students have access to high-quality degree programs close to home that they might remain in their communities to teach after graduation. Students graduate with a 4-year degree from ECU by completing the first two years at a participating community college, then transferring to ECU to take online courses. Upon graduation, students have obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, middle grades education, or special education.
SECU Foundation funding supports scholarships to assist Partnership East students in their senior year, when teaching internship requirements make it difficult to remain working their regular job.