Support our Public Schools and our CCS Students Succeed
Welcome to our advocacy page, where we focus on driving positive change in education and community development. Here, we explore two key areas that are crucial for shaping a brighter future:
- the importance of supporting public education to foster economic growth and future leadership
- the need for robust partnerships between local businesses and schools to build a stronger, more connected community
Dive into each topic below to learn more about how your involvement can make a lasting impact on the students and families of Cabarrus County.
Education Shapes Tomorrow's Economy and Leaders. Studies show that improved education leads to more stable employment, which significantly boosts tax revenue. For example, every dollar invested in pre-kindergarten education yields at least a seven-dollar return. Conversely, high school dropouts face twice the likelihood of unemployment and are three times more likely to depend on welfare programs, costing billions in government-funded assistance annually. In North Carolina, where we spend about $24,000 per inmate and only $11,000 per student, the cost of neglecting public education is stark. While our state has been consistently ranked as the best for business, we recently dropped to #2, largely due to educational setbacks. To meet future business needs and develop community leaders, we must view today’s children as tomorrow’s generation and invest in their education. The future of our workforce and leadership depends on it.
- Increase Student Funding in NC: North Carolina currently ranks 48th in the nation for per-student funding and 49th in funding effort, which reflects the percentage of the state's GDP allocated to public education. This lack of investment limits resources and opportunities for students, hindering educational outcomes and long-term economic growth.
- Increase NC Teacher Pay: One-third of North Carolina educators struggle to meet their basic needs. In Cabarrus County, a two-bedroom apartment requires an annual income of $46,040, yet a first-year teacher earns only $41,000 from the state. Even with a 13% local salary supplement, teachers still face financial challenges, underscoring the urgent need for increased compensation.
Building Stronger Communities Through Business-School Partnerships. As technology evolves rapidly, education systems often struggle to keep pace with the technical demands of the modern workforce. However, what businesses increasingly seek are workers equipped with vital life skills such as adaptability, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Studies show that 85% of job success stems from these soft skills, while only 15% depends on technical knowledge. By working closely with schools, businesses can help bridge the gap by offering mentorship programs, internships, and real-world learning opportunities that emphasize these critical competencies. Such collaborations not only prepare students for the workforce but also foster a community where education and industry grow together, creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
- Encourage Employee Volunteerism in Schools. Businesses can strengthen community ties by providing opportunities for their employees to volunteer in local schools. This engagement not only enriches student learning experiences but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the development of future generations.
- Offer Real-World Learning Opportunities. By partnering with schools to offer internships, job shadowing, and mentorship programs, businesses can help students develop critical life skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These real-world experiences better prepare students for the workforce, while businesses benefit from cultivating a future talent pool.
You Can Make a Difference. With 1.5 million students attending public schools across North Carolina, and over 35,000 students in Cabarrus County alone, the need for community involvement in education has never been greater. Cabarrus County is growing at a rate of 4.4%, far outpacing the state 2.5% growth rate, and it’s essential that we keep up with this growth by ensuring our schools are well-supported. We need you to engage with public education by volunteering, supporting foundations like the Cabarrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), and advocating for the success of our public schools. These students are our future workforce, leaders, and community members. Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive and become a productive, engaged citizen. Let's invest in them today to build a stronger tomorrow.
