Number 10

21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 18 Grant Competition

NCDPI's Office of Federal Programs announces the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 18 Grant Competition. This opportunity provides federal funding to establish or expand community learning centers. These centers operate during out-of-school hours and offer three key services:

1. Provide opportunities during non-school hours for academic enrichment, including providing tutorial services to help students (particularly students in high poverty areas and those who attend low-performing schools) meet state and local student performance standards in core academic subjects such as reading and math.
2. Offer students a broad array of additional services, programs and activities that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students.
3. Offer families of students served by 21st CCLCs opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

For additional information, interested applicants can view the RFP, Webinars, PowerPoints and a FAQ document on the NCDPI 21st CCLC website.

Number 9

Governor's Page Program Accepting Applications

North Carolina high school students interested in learning about public and community service are encouraged to apply for the week-long Governor’s Page Program.

Established in 1973, the program works to inspire a new generation of leaders by giving students the opportunity to come to Raleigh for hands-on participation in their state government.

Learn more about the program and find the application here.

Number 8

Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) Impact Grant Request for Proposals

The Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) Impact Grant offers an inclusive, supportive and sustainable opportunity for Public School Units (PSUs) to prioritize North Carolina Digital Learning Competencies and Digital Learning Standards for Students. This grant cycle supports a range of innovative and impactful practices, including:

• Blended Learning
• Innovative Digital Teaching and Learning Practices
• Coaching
• Data-Informed Instructional Practices
• Emerging Technologies
• Personalized Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Library Renovation, Programming, Collection Development and Community Support for areas affected by Hurricane Helene

To support applicants throughout the process, a series of webinars and office hours will be offered.

Grant submissions will close on April 11, 2025. For additional information or questions, contact Lindsey Sipe, Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant.

Learn more and find additional details here.

Number 7

Resource: Office of Teaching and Learning's External Implementation Guide

Check out our Office of Teaching and Learning's External Implementation Guide. This repository is a one-stop shop for each content area related to the NC Standard Course of Study and includes standards and support resources.

Find the implementation guide here. 

Number 6

Sign Up for NCDPI's Digital Accessibility Newsletter

NCDPI has a new Digital Accessibility Newsletter! See the last edition here.

Each issue will bring news, resources and insights on accessibility, along with topics like understanding WCAG standards, user experiences and upcoming events. Whether you are just starting to learn about digital accessibility or you are looking to deepen your knowledge, this newsletter has something for everyone.

Anyone is welcome to subscribe to the newsletter here.

Number 5

District Highlight: Cumberland County Schools - "Meet The Fayetteville Observer's Future Black History Makers of 2025"

"I want to introduce you to some very special young people here in Cumberland County: The Fayetteville Observer’s Future Black History Makers Class of 2025.

For three years now, the Observer has partnered with Cumberland County Schools to spotlight 28 outstanding elementary and middle school students during Black History Month. The children we’ll be celebrating this month are all very different, but one thing they have in common is a bright future."

Congratulations to 28 elementary and middle school students from Cumberland County Schools who are featured in The Fayetteville Observer as the Future Black History Makers Class of 2025! Check out the profiles for each honoree here.

Number 4

2025 Growing Success for Multilingual Learners (ML) Summer Conference Call for Proposals

NCDPI's ML/Title III team invites Dual Language Immersion (DL/I) educators to submit proposals for the 2025 Growing Success for MLs Conference, June 24-26 in western North Carolina and July 22-24 in eastern North Carolina.

Share your "boots on the ground" expertise and inspire fellow educators to create more effective learning environments for multilingual learners. This is a great opportunity to share your practical strategies, innovative ideas and proven methods for enhancing the educational experience of ML students.

The deadline to submit a proposal is March 1. Learn more and submit a proposal here.

Number 3

North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) 2025-26 Enrollment Now Open

NCVPS has opened registration early to support schools and districts as they prepare for the transition to the new statewide student information system. Schools and students can now explore our updated course catalog and plan for summer, fall, and spring enrollment. NCVPS recently added Honors 1 and 2 options for French, Latin and Spanish, and have a new filtering feature in the registration system to make finding courses easier. As you register, consider Early Start vs. Standard Start options to align with your school’s academic calendar. Don’t wait—secure your enrollments today!

See all the details in the latest NCVPS E-lert.

Number 2

Golden LEAF Schools Initiative Accepting Applications

The application period for the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is now open through March 21. The $25 million initiative, funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, is a five-year program aimed at improving school performance through effective educational strategies. The program was unveiled at January's State Board of Education meeting.

Schools in persistently Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties are eligible to apply. View the list of eligible counties, review the application and explore dates and times for upcoming grant overview webinars and support sessions here.

Number 1

Superintendent Green, State Board of Education Unveil Joint Legislative Priorities

"Superintendent Maurice 'Mo' Green shared the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) legislative priorities and budgetary asks for North Carolina’s public schools at the February State Board of Education (SBE) meeting. During this meeting, the SBE officially adopted the NCDPI’s legislative agenda, marking the first time in several years that the two have shared a joint set of legislative priorities.

These shared priorities for the 2025-26 fiscal year align with Green’s vision for North Carolina public schools, Achieving Educational Excellence, and the six pillars he has laid out to guide this work:

1.  Prepare each student for their next phase of life.
2. Invest in public schools by fully funding public education.
3. Revere public school educators.
4. Enhance parent and community support.
5. Ensure safe, secure learning environments.
6. Celebrate the good in public education."

Read the full press release here.