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

  • Secret to Efficient, On-Time School Infrastructure & Modernization Projects is All in the Preparation

    Warmer weather and longer days make summer the ideal time for construction and modernization projects at educational facilities. School boards and construction firms must coordinate effectively to ensure that these projects do not extend even a single day into the school year and impede classroom operation.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • S4L Announces 2026 Education Design Showcase Winners

    Spaces4Learning is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Education Design Showcase! Now in its 27th year, the annual awards program honors innovative solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction across K–12 and higher education.

  • Wenger Names New Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts, Controls

    Wenger Corporation, which provides products and solutions for music and theater education, performing arts and athletic storage, recently announced the hiring of a new Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts and Controls.