N.C. District Receives $62M Grant to Build New K–12 Innovation Center

Edgecombe County Public Schools in Edgecombe, N.C., recently announced that it has received government funding to go toward the development of the new North Edgecombe School of Innovation, according to a news release. The $62-million Needs-Based Grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) will help the district create a new facility that “foster[s] innovation, creativity, and academic excellence” for students in grades PreK through 12.

The project involves renovating North Edgecombe High School, building a new Career and Technical Education facility, building a new PreK–8 facility, and renovating grounds and athletic fields to consolidate three district schools—Coker-Wimberly Elementary School, Phillips Middle School, and North Edgecombe High School.

“We are thrilled to be able to share this good news with our community,” said Edgecombe County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andy Bryan. “This grant will enable us to create an environment where students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. We are committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all our students, and this new school is a significant step towards that goal.”

The facility will include academic space, upgraded technology, and built-in collaborative spaces to foster creativity and engagement, according to the news release.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Edgecombe County,” said Edgecombe County Manager Eric Evans. “This investment in the North Edgecombe School of Innovation will create a transformative educational environment, helping to prepare our young citizens for the job opportunities of tomorrow while strengthening our community today.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • concentric silhouettes of a human head

    How Physical Space Shapes the Mind: Designing for Better Learning Outcomes

    Research in environmental psychology and neuroscience increasingly suggests that the way a room is designed can influence memory, focus, or even a student's sense of belonging.

  • El Paso District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Canutillo Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, recently announced that construction has begun on a 119,000-square-foot elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects, Carl Daniel Architects, and LDCM Solutions on the new Davenport Elementary School, which has an expected completion date of 2027.

  • University of Kentucky Receives $150M Gift Toward New Arts District

    The University of Kentucky’s Board of Trustees recently received a $150-million gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation, according to a university news release, to build a new arts district on the campus in Lexington, Ky. The new district will feature a new College of Fine Arts building and a multi-hundred-seat theater, among other amenities.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.

Digital Edition