Weekly Top Ten - September 17, 2026

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/17/2026 05:00 PM EDT

Number 10

It's Arts in Education Week!

NCDPI celebrated Arts in Education Week with performances by two outstanding North Carolina high school marching bands on the Halifax Mall lawn!

Grimsley Senior High School (Guilford County Schools), the 2025-26 High School OT Marching Band of the Year, showcased a program grounded in musical excellence, community and discipline. Scotland High School (Scotland County Schools), whose band tradition dates to the 1950s, proudly celebrated its Scottish heritage and history of performing at prominent parades and competitions nationwide.

Watch recordings of the performances on the NCDPI YouTube channel.

Superintendent Green also shared a special message celebrating Arts in Our Schools Week and the important role of arts education in North Carolina’s public schools. Watch Superintendent Green's video message here. 

Number 9

United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Accepting Applications

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) gives high school juniors and seniors interested in studying history or political science an opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. meeting legislators, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices and officials from federal agencies and the White House.

The program will select two North Carolina students as delegates. Each delegate will receive a $12,500 scholarship and attend a week-long educational program in Washington, D.C. from March 6-13.

Learn more about the program, including eligibility information, and find the application here. The deadline to apply is Oct. 4.

Number 8

Register for 2026 NCED Connect Symposium

Registration is now open for the 2026 NCED Connect Symposium, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

Educators, technology leaders, school library media coordinators, student information systems professionals and education partners from across North Carolina will explore digital learning, artificial intelligence, instructional technology, leadership and more. Attendees will discover new ideas, connect with colleagues and expand their professional networks.

Learn more and register for the 2026 NCED Connect Symposium here.

Number 7

ABC11: "NC Educators Navigate AI's Role in Education While They Ensure Students Develop Critical Thinking"

"As students return to the classrooms in North Carolina, how they learn is rapidly changing.

State leaders, teachers and schools are increasingly exploring how AI can support learning while ensuring students continue to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

'We're thinking about what could best practice look like in the classroom,' said Meredith Ward Hill, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's emerging technologies consultant.

North Carolina was among the first states in the nation to release AI guidance for schools in 2024. The recommendations serve as a resource for local districts as they develop their own policies and classroom practices.

'We really want to develop AI awareness starting in elementary school, moving to AI literacy in middle school,' Ward Hill said. 'And then the ultimate goal is AI fluency in high school.'"

Read the full article and watch the accompanying news video clip here.

Number 6

Bright Spot Schools Are Improving Student Attendance - Presentation State Board of Education

September is Attendance Awareness Month! As part of an Attendance Bright Spots presentation to the State Board of Education during its September meeting, three principals: Torry Hines, Washington County High School (Washington County Schools NC); Elena Riddick, Hertford County Middle School (Hertford County Public Schools); and Taimak Willis, Northwest Elementary (Pitt County Schools) shared how their schools are reducing chronic absenteeism by building relationships, identifying concerns early and responding to the needs of students and families.

Watch the full presentation to the State Board of Education here.

Number 5

NCSSA: "North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) Announces the Selection of Dr. Rob Jackson as Assistant Executive Director"

"The North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Rob Jackson as the Assistant Executive Director. In this new role in the organization, the Assistant Executive Director will be working in the areas of Policy, Advocacy, and Leadership Support; Professional Development, Coaching, and Program Leadership; Corporate Partnerships, Grants, and Resource Development; and Communications and Member Engagement.

Dr. Rob Jackson is a native North Carolinian and a proud Public School Graduate. He served for twelve years as a School Superintendent in three North Carolina School Systems, Edenton-Chowan, Carteret County, and Buncombe County.

During his 34-year career in education, Dr. Jackson has served as a School Secretary, Bus Driver, Summer Custodian, After-School Associate, Teacher, Assistant Principal, Elementary School Principal, High School Principal, Chief Communications Officer, and Superintendent of a small, medium, and large school system. Dr. Jackson also served in the US Navy onboard the USS Iwo Jima."

Read the full press release here. 

Number 4

EdNC: "Rural Health Transformation Program Announces $1.25 Million to Expand School-Based Health Centers"

"Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced $1.25 million in federal funding on Monday toward the expansion of preventive and acute healthcare, nutrition supports, and behavioral health needs addressed by school-based health centers.

'This investment will bring critical health care directly to students in rural North Carolina,' said Stein. 'For many young people struggling with their mental health, having these resources at school can make all the difference.'

According to the press release, when mental health services are available at schools, nearly 20% of public school students use those services. Approximately 30,000 children and youth receive healthcare from about 90 school-based health centers in North Carolina."

Five organizations will receive the funding: the Appalachian District Health Department, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, First Health of the Carolinas, Mountain Community Health Partnership, and Wilson County Health Department.

To be eligible, applicants had to have an active grant agreement with NCDHHS’ Department of Child and Family Well-being, provide a school-based health center program, and serve areas with limited access to local behavioral or physical health providers."

Read the full article here. 

Number 3

Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (NBPSCF) FY26-27 Grant Applications Open, Office Hours Hosted through September

The application period for the FY26-27 Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (NBPSCF) is now open. The deadline for submitting applications and supporting materials is Oct. 2.

NCDPI's Office of School Facilities has scheduled online Q&A Office Hours to answer questions from districts and counties that are considering a NBPSCF Grant Application in the current grant cycle.

These live Q&A sessions will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28. Register for Office Hours here. 

Program guidance and application materials are available on the Capital Funding page of the School Planning website. Questions about the NBPSCF Grant program should be directed to SchoolPlanning-NBPSCF@dpi.nc.gov.

Number 2

College is Within Reach for Every Senior Graduating from North Carolina Public Schools

"NC College Connect is changing the trajectory of North Carolina public school students' lives. Beginning today, every North Carolina public school senior on track to graduate with a diploma will receive direct admission to one or more of the more than 90 North Carolina colleges and universities participating in NC College Connect. That is 105,036 seniors, every one of them, with at least one college seat already waiting in fall 2027.

Sixty-four percent of those seniors, 67,607 students, are also admitted today to at least 30 four-year colleges and universities, in addition to their local community college, with no application, essay, test score or recommendation letter required. Students with the strongest academic records will open a letter listing as many as 41 schools where they already have a seat. The remaining 36 percent, 37,429 students, are directly admitted to their local community college, a clear signal that college is within reach for every graduate.

Last year, in the program's second year, 62 percent of seniors were eligible, and more than 70,000 received offers. This year, every senior on track to graduate is eligible, and more than 95 percent of all current 12th graders in North Carolina public schools are receiving an offer."

Read the full press release here. 

Number 1

NCDPI Awarded Nearly $4 Million to Help Students Show the Skills That Matter After Graduation

"Thousands more North Carolina students will soon be able to show colleges, employers and the military not just what they scored on standardized tests, but the personal and collaborative skills they bring to these settings. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has been awarded nearly $4 million from the U.S. Department of Education to expand Skills for the Future, a statewide initiative that helps students demonstrate durable skills like critical thinking, collaboration and communication through real classroom work.

The $3,990,756 Competitive Grants for State Assessments award, one of only four funded nationally in this year's competition, will support Skills for the Future 2.0: Creating Connections over three years, from October 2026 through September 2029. The U.S. Department of Education notified NCDPI of its selection in September, citing the department's 'thoughtful approach,' while federal peer-reviewers praised the project's design, professional learning strategy and sustainability plan. It is North Carolina's fourth award under this program since 2013, with the two most recent awards supporting Skills for the Future and bringing the state’s combined federal investment in the initiative to nearly $8 million."

Read the full press release here. 

Weekly Top Ten - September 10, 2026

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/10/2026 05:00 PM EDT

September 10, 2026

Number 10

2026-27 Purple Star Award Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Purple Star Award, which recognizes North Carolina schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a strong commitment to military-connected students and families.

Virtual office hours for guidance and support will be offered on the following dates:

• Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

• Nov. 17 at 4 p.m.

• Dec. 10 at 9 a.m.

• Jan. 7 at 12 p.m. noon

• Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. 

Applications close Feb. 1, 2027. Learn more about the Purple Star Award and find additional resources and application materials here. 

Number 9

Specially Priced Tickets Available for University of North Carolina (UNC) Teacher Appreciation Football Game

North Carolina teachers and educators can score specially priced tickets to see the UNC Tar Heels take on East Tennessee State University in their home opener at Kenan Stadium Sept. 12 at noon.

Tickets start at just $25.21, while supplies last. Deadline to purchase tickets is Sept. 11. Educators must verify eligibility through ID.me before purchasing.

Find more details and get tickets here. 

Number 8

Nominate a Summer Meal Sponsor for a Turnip the Beet! Award

Help recognize summer meal program sponsors that go above and beyond to serve nutritious, appetizing and appealing meals to children.

Submit a nomination for the USDA’s Turnip the Beet! Awards and celebrate sponsors helping address summertime hunger, support children’s health and connect families with healthy food.

Learn more about the Turnip the Beet! Awards here. Nominations are due to summernutritionprogram@dpi.nc.gov by Sept. 14. 

Number 7

NCVPS Helps Students Explore What Comes Next with iWork@NCVPS

The iWork@NCVPS Speaker Series connects students with professionals and organizations that can help them better understand career pathways, college options, and the opportunities available after high school. Through live virtual sessions, students gain firsthand insight, hear practical advice, and have the opportunity to ask questions as they consider their next steps.

This fall, iWork@NCVPS is featuring a special College Choice series throughout September. Students can hear directly from representatives from public and private colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina to learn more about the different paths available to them

In October, the series will feature Student Development Coordinator–Fraternity and Sorority Life, giving students another look at the people and roles that shape the college experience.

School leaders and counselors are encouraged to share these free virtual opportunities with students and families.

Number 6

2026–27 Competitive Speech and Debate Grant Program Accepting Applications

NCDPI is helping more high school students find their voice! The new 2026–27 Competitive Speech and Debate Grant Program will provide $250,000 statewide to help North Carolina public schools develop, maintain or expand speech and debate teams for students in grades 9–12. Schools may receive up to $10,000 per participating high school team to support coaching stipends, competition fees and travel.

Teams receiving funding must participate in both the Tarheel Forensic League and National Speech and Debate Association. Grants will be awarded through a competitive process, with consideration given to applications that expand access, support broad geographic representation and include a clear plan for measuring the program’s impact on academic achievement and other student outcomes.

Applications are due Sept. 19 by 5 p.m. Learn more and apply here.

Number 5

CFNC Offers 2026–27 Student and Parent Webinars

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is offering a series of free webinars to help students and families navigate college admissions, scholarships, financial aid and other higher education topics.

Upcoming webinars include:

• NC College Connect: Simple College Admissions Without the Essays - Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.

• How to Pay for College: Find Scholarship Money to Help Pay for College - Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

• How to Pay for College: Three Ways to Pay for College - Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.

• Over 130 Scholarships; Just One Application - Jan. 12 at 6 p.m.

• How to Pay for College: Step-by-Step Guide to the 2027–28 FAFSA - Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.

• HBCU Scholarship Opportunities - Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.
  How to Pay for College: College Financial Award Offers Made

• Simple - Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.

Visit CFNC.org/events to register.

Number 4

Students Can Check NC College Connect Eligibility Beginning Sept. 15

Beginning Sept. 15, students can log in to their CFNC student account to check their NC College Connect eligibility. Eligible students will also receive a letter by mail this fall.

Through the NC College Connect portal, students can:

• View the colleges and universities where they have been directly admitted

• Complete the NC College Connect form to accept an admission offer

• Receive next steps from the college about enrollment, financial aid and more

Learn more about eligibility, the process and participating schools at nccollegeconnect.org.

Number 3

EdNC: "Exponential Scholars Funds Thousands of Teacher Projects Through $2.25 Million Donation"

"As teachers across North Carolina finish setting up their classrooms for the new school year, they often spend their own money to fill in the gaps of what is needed for their students. Some teachers share their classroom needs with the public, adding donation requests to a site called DonorsChoose.

Last month, Exponential Scholars — a nonprofit foundation focused on unlocking hidden talent across North Carolina schools — fulfilled every single open project request for North Carolina teachers on the site, according to a press release.

The commitment covers 3,233 classroom projects in more than 1,000 schools, says the release. The total investment by Exponential Scholars was approximately $2.25 million."

Read the full article here. 

Number 2

New North Carolina Competency-Based Education (CBE) Innovation Grant Program Accepting Applications

NCDPI is launching the North Carolina Competency-Based Education (CBE) Innovation Grant Program, a multi-year initiative to help schools reimagine teaching, learning and assessment. Ten North Carolina schools will each receive $330,000 to plan and implement competency-based education models focused on student mastery, personalized learning and innovative assessment.

The initiative focuses on four key areas: redesigning learning pathways, innovating assessment practices, building educator capacity and developing promising practices that can help expand competency-based education across North Carolina.

Participating schools will use $95,000 each applicable school year for CBE implementation training, with remaining funds available to support transition costs such as travel and CBE resources.

Learn more and review application materials here. Applications are due Oct. 18 by 5 p.m.

Number 1

NCDPI Celebrate the Good Blog: "STEM Schools Of Distinction Among Many Recipients Recognized During North Carolina State Board Of Education September Meeting"

"The North Carolina STEM Schools of Distinction Program recognizes the best in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education throughout North Carolina, elevating content standards and preparing the next generation of problem solvers, innovators and creators. Schools receiving this honor demonstrate outstanding leadership and learning that empowers keen creative thinking, reasoning and teamwork.

Nine schools from across the state were recently acknowledged at the North Carolina State Board of Education’s September meeting for their exemplary leadership and instruction in STEM education. The following schools, which have demonstrated a high-quality culture of STEM education, consistent with the North Carolina STEM Schools Progress Rubric, were recognized:

• Hertford Grammar School – Perquimans County Schools

• Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy – Davidson County Schools

• G.R. Edwards Elementary – Nash County Schools

• Red Oak Elementary – Nash County Schools

• Rock Ridge Elementary – Wilson County Schools

• Greene County Middle School – Greene County Schools

• Oakhurst STEAM Academy – Charlotte-MecklenburgSchools
  Northwest Elementary – Pitt County Schools

• Rea Farms STEAM Academy – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools"

Read more about the STEM Schools of Distinction and other notable celebrations recognized at the Board meeting, such as the National World Language Award, English Language Development Recognition Award and Hometown Hero Awards, here.