Give Back: NC Association for Public Charter Schools shares how it’s helping during holidays

‘COVID suddenly thrust brick-and-mortar schools into virtual academies for which they were unprepared’

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Describe the give-back program of the NCAPCS:

The NC Association for Public Charter Schools give-back was our FREE 2020 “Charting a New Course” and 2021 “Vision Casting: Bringing Clarity to 2021 and Beyond” charter school conferences.

Did COVID-19 affect how you think about giving back?

On March 15, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order closed schools due to the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This necessary decision suddenly thrust brick-and-mortar schools into “virtual academies” for which they were unprepared. First, the teachers were immediately required to teach their curriculum through an online medium. Not only did they have to learn a new technology like Zoom, but they also had to re-imagine how to engage with their students.

Second, many students rely on their schools for 1-2 wholesome meals per day. School leaders brainstormed solutions and collaborated with districts and other charter schools.

Third, schools’ budgets were set months before the pandemic, which means that resources and funding had already been allocated for the year. School leaders were forced to provide technology and WiFi for students so their learning would be uninterrupted.

What’s unique about your program?

The annual charter schools’ conference is the biggest annual fundraiser for the NC Association for Public Charter Schools, so offering our conference free to schools for two years in a row cost the organization thousands of dollars, but it was necessary to be sensitive to the needs of the schools.

What do your customers say about it?

Many school leaders expressed their heartfelt gratitude in not having to find funding to pay for the training since they were already experiencing so many unexpected expenses related to the pandemic.

How can our readers support you and your program?

Our organization has earned a 2021 Gold Seal of Transparency with GuideStar! Check out our updated #Nonprofit Profile and consider a donating here.

For more information, visit www.ncpubliccharters.org or contact Executive Director Rhonda Dillingham at rhonda@ncpubliccharters.org or call 336-669-9996.