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

  • Illinois State University Breaks Ground on College of Fine Arts Transformation

    Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project, according to university news. The series of new constructions and renovations will upgrade spaces in Centennial East, the Center for the Visual Arts, and the Center for the Performing Arts, as well as replace the existing Centennial West facility with a new Commons Building.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • Utah Valley University Opens New Engineering Building

    Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, recently held a grand-opening ceremony for the new Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, according to a news release. The facility is one of the largest engineering buildings in the state at almost 200,000 square feet, and it plays home to the university’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET).

  • Minnesota Middle School Finishes $23.5M Addition and Modernization

    Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $23.5-million addition and remodel project, according to a news release. Saint Paul Public Schools partnered with ATS&R Planners, Architects & Engineers for its design and Kraus-Anderson for its construction.