Burlington, N.C.– The Impact Alamance Board of Directors recently approved over three quarters of a million dollars’ worth of investments to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Alamance County.
The approved investments, totaling $773,082, are aimed at fostering a healthier, smarter, and stronger community. With a focus on improving public health, expanding educational opportunities, and bolstering local infrastructure, these initiatives are designed to enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Through strategic grants and partnerships, Impact Alamance is committed to empowering the community and driving sustainable progress that will benefit generations to come.
These funding initiatives will help to power a strong grid of resources across our county, enabling a more just and prosperous future for all residents and support the foundation’s vision of having a caring and connected community where everyone thrives.
Strategic Investments
Alamance Burlington School System – $200,000
Teacher Creativity Grants
Funding will be used to support Teacher Creativity grants, which will be made available to the 251 ABSS educators who are Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA) Alumni. Teacher Creativity grants will encourage classroom innovation by providing educators with funds to cover equipment and supplies that improve classroom and school outcomes by enhancing student opportunities.
Cone Health – $103,112
Telehealth Services for Hillcrest Elementary School
Funding will support telehealth services at Hillcrest Elementary, a Title 1 school in ABSS. These services aim to reduce absenteeism and early dismissals by providing timely in-school health care, helping students stay in class and improving their educational outcomes.
Alamance Burlington School System – $100,000
Enhancing Physical Activity and Education in Alamance County
Funding will open a grant cycle in partnership with ABSS to support Physical Education teachers in Alamance County. This grant will provide funds for new supplies and equipment in secondary schools, enhancing Physical Education learning outcomes and promoting lifelong healthy habits among students.
Alamance Burlington School System – $72,470
Enhancing School Safety with Automated External Defibrillators
Funding will provide 34 new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and accessories for Alamance Burlington schools, replacing outdated units nearing the end of their life. This will also support the placement of 20 additional AEDs in elementary schools, enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
DonorsChoose Matching Dollars for ABSS Teachers – $35,000
Funding will match community donations dollar-for-dollar through the Alamance Community Foundation during Giving Week to support ABSS teachers’ DonorsChoose projects. By fully funding more projects, it will assist teachers with limited financial resources and improve learning outcomes by providing classrooms with updated materials tailored to student and teacher needs.
The Basics – $20,000
This funding will support the development of the BASICS in Alamance County. Alamance County will serve as a pilot county for a new statewide implementation of The BASICS in partnership with the North Carolina Partnership for Children and the North Carolina Early Childhood Funders Collaborative. This evidence-based initiative aims to ensure that every child and family reaches their full potential. The public health approach raises the awareness of early childhood development and builds the capacity of the community and families around the basic principles and other supports. Funding will provide the BASICS toolkit for Alamance County, technical assistance from the national and state level, and will also set up a weekly text messaging service that delivers educational insights based on The BASICS five science-based parenting and caregiving tenants that support the social, emotional, and cognitive learning of children aged birth-five. The program aims to establish baseline measures, set goals, and enhance caregiver interactions, while also focusing public attention on early childhood development across Alamance County.
Parent Engagement Program (PEP) – $20,000
Funding will support the continuation of Alamance County’s Parent Engagement Program (PEP). The Parent Engagement Program (PEP) is a national model through Parents for Public Schools that boosts parent involvement and school collaboration. It encourages civic engagement and positive community change through the school system. Research shows that increased parent and family engagement enhances student achievement and socio-emotional development.
Parent Engagement Program Community Grants – $7,000
Funding will support a grant cycle for parent-led community initiatives within the Parent Engagement Program (PEP). This cycle provides financial aid to PEP participants for projects that address learning barriers, enhance school-family partnerships, and promote equity and inclusion.
PEP Grant Breakdown
- Parent Preparedness/Parent Tools for School – $1,500
Funding will help parents of incoming kindergarten students connect with teachers and use educational software like ClassDojo and PowerSchool. The program ensures registration, screening, and support for students, while strengthening family-school partnerships. Led by PEP graduate Sharnice Long, the project aims to enhance student success and equity by offering supplies, academic support, and translation services for Spanish-speaking families.
- Mejor Vida (Better Life) – $1,500
Funding will support two community events focusing on education, healthy living, and adolescent mental health. These events, led by PEP graduate Lorena Meza Lara, will provide Spanish-speaking families with resources and information in an effort to bridge gaps in access and knowledge. The goal is to enhance educational outcomes and overall well-being for students and families by bolstering access to community resources.
- Partnering with PTOs & Parent Engagement – $1,500
This funding will enhance parent engagement at Graham High and Graham Middle by fostering collaboration between the two schools and establish a PTO at Graham Middle. The initiative, led by PEP graduate April McCorvey, aims to improve student outcomes, support families—particularly those from Hispanic and ESL backgrounds—and ensure all families have a voice and access to necessary support services.
- Hillcrest Elementary Family Resource Cart – $1,000
Funding will support a Family Resource Cart at Hillcrest Elementary, providing essential educational materials like flashcards and math games to families. Led by PEP graduate Amanda Anderson, this project addresses financial barriers, enhances at-home learning, and strengthens the connection between home and school, boosting student confidence and community involvement.
- Racial Equity Training for Newlin Elementary Volunteers – $1,500
Funding will implement racial equity training for Newlin Elementary volunteers. This initiative, led by PEP graduate Kathy Landes, will increase awareness of systemic racism and implicit biases, teaching culturally responsive practices to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. The goal is to enhance educational equity and support a broader cultural shift towards inclusion.
Alamance Burlington School System – $20,000
Resources for Beginning Teachers Grant
Funding will provide ABSS first-year teachers with The Rising Educator Curriculum, offering essential pedagogical knowledge, practical skills, and professional development. This program aims to improve teacher retention, boost morale, and enhance student experiences by equipping new teachers with effective tools and resources.
Alamance Burlington School System – $10,000
Teacher of the Year Classroom Makeover
This will fund a classroom makeover for the Teacher of the Year, including flexible seating and collaborative furniture. The new setup will promote open communication, creativity, and critical thinking, creating an engaging environment that enhances student learning outcomes.
Mebane Recreation and Parks Department – $75,000
Cates Farm Playground Expansion
Funding will complete phase two of the Mebane Cates Farm playground, adding equipment for children ages 2-5. This phase will enhance inclusivity by expanding the park’s age range and providing space for physical activity, coordination development, social interaction, and sensory exploration.
Green Level Parks and Recreation Department – $75,000
Green Level Municipal Park Playground
This funding will replace outdated playground equipment at Green Level Municipal Park, enhancing park appeal and access to a vibrant, engaging play environment. The upgraded playground will promote physical activity, social interaction, and motor skill development while improving equity by serving lower-income and historically marginalized populations.
New Leaf Society – $25,000
John Currin Guitar Sculpture Memorial
This will fund the creation of a unique guitar sculpture in the Burlington Arboretum that serves as a tribute to the late John Currin, a former board member at Impact Alamance. This built environment project will create a space for children to climb, explore, and appreciate the arts, thus encouraging both mental and physical enrichment as well as social connection.
King’s Guidance – $10,500
This Community Forward grant will support King’s Guidance, a mentorship program for Black male youth ages 13-17 in Alamance County. This culturally responsive program offers guidance in academics, career planning, personal development, and life skills, and provides a support system to help mentees transition to adulthood. By pairing Black youth with Black mentors, the program addresses barriers faced by Black youth locally and nationally, helping them achieve professional and educational goals, build positive racial identity and confidence, and close opportunity gaps.
