NCCU Awarded $660,000 Department of Education Grant

North Carolina Central University's (NCCU) School of Education has been awarded a major grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program.

This grant starts with $122,000 in the first year and totals $660,000 over the next five years. NCCU is one of only four historically Black colleges and universities to secure this funding.

The award will launch an initiative called Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Educators to Teach, or ReD-E 2 Teach (pronounced 'Ready to Teach'). The program aims to enhance the teacher workforce through financial support and by leveraging NCCU's strong partnerships with Durham Public Schools and Durham Technical Community College.

Jeffrey Warren, Ph.D., professor and associate dean of the School of Education, and program lead, says the program is all about removing barriers and preparing a teaching workforce that reflects the varied backgrounds of today's students.

"K-12 student bodies across the country are more diverse than ever. It's crucial for our teacher workforce to reflect that diversity. This grant will help remove barriers for our students as they work towards graduation and their own classrooms," said Warren.

The dean of the School of Education, Audrey Beard, Ed.D., expressed her enthusiasm for the program.

"I am thrilled that NCCU was selected for this award. This funding will bolster our efforts to recruit and support students equipped with the skills and knowledge to positively impact their students and the profession," she said.

The ReD-E 2 Teach program includes two vital support mechanisms: extracurricular support and targeted academic assistance. Eligible students will receive financial aid to cover tuition and fees, as well as stipends during student teaching. Additionally, students will participate in orientations to foster a sense of belonging and understanding of university policies and procedures. Students will also be connected with university resources for counseling, advising, tutoring, advocacy and career services.

Furthermore, the program aims to enhance field experiences both in and outside the classroom. It will train mentor teachers to effectively support pre-service teachers and intentionally place students in schools that promote collaboration and positive working environments. The field experience components of several courses will be revised to prioritize student engagement and hands-on learning.

"We are excited to receive this funding, which will transform student teaching experiences. Our goal is to implement innovative strategies that prepare future educators to meet the unique needs of their students, ensuring a lasting impact on our educational community," said Freda Hicks, clinical experiences and partnership coordinator and co-principal investigator on this grant.

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