$500,000 Grant Empowers New Teacher Institute Program
Four leading companies partner in support of education and workforce development mission
Today, the BayPort Foundation, Ferguson, Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, and Virginia Natural Gas announced that the Newport News Education Foundation has received the $500,000 Accelerating Change Together (ACT) Grant. This grant aims to bolster the Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) New Teacher Institute (NTI) program, directly enhancing the educational landscape and workforce development initiatives.
Fostering Teacher Development
The ACT Grant will significantly impact the NTI program by fostering a pipeline to support first and second-year teachers within the region. This three-year, step-down grant will provide essential funding, enabling the development of a model program that will incorporate credentialing assistance and bolster Career and Technical Education as well as English as a Second Language teaching programs.
Addressing Financial Concerns
The grant provides critical support to the Newport News Education Foundation, especially in the wake of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds' expiration. As districts seek to manage budgets and enhance operational efficiency, this funding will be vital. ESSER funds were a one-time emergency relief initiative to support K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, making the ACT Grant’s timing crucial.
Competitive Grant Process
Over twenty nonprofits submitted applications for the ACT Grant. The Newport News Education Foundation stood out to the Contributions Committee due to its well-defined project plan, a solid financial investment, and its innovative approach to addressing the educational needs outlined in the grant application.
Previous Grant Recipients
This ACT Grant initiative commenced in 2022, with the Virginia Beach Education Foundation and Virginia Beach City Public Schools being the first recipients. Their program focused on initiating a new two-year, half-day Advanced Technology Center Renewable Energy Technologies program, demonstrating the initiative's impact on regional education.
About the Supporting Organizations
About BayPort Foundation
BayPort Foundation serves as the charitable arm of BayPort Credit Union, promoting the philosophy of "people helping people." The Foundation allocates more than half a million dollars in corporate donations annually, ensuring all contributions directly support its charitable mission.
About Ferguson
Ferguson (NYSE: FERG) is the largest value-added distributor in the North American construction market, aiming to simplify complex projects for their professional customers. With annual sales of $29.6 billion and nearly 35,000 associates, Ferguson continues to make significant strides in the industry.
About HII
HII is a prominent defense provider with a history spanning over 135 years. As the nation's largest military shipbuilder, HII supports national security efforts, delivering critical capabilities across multiple domains.
About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas, part of Southern Company Gas, provides natural gas service to nearly 300,000 customers. Recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024, they prioritize reliability and customer satisfaction, consistently ranking in the top quartile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the $500,000 grant?
The grant is aimed at supporting the Newport News Public Schools' New Teacher Institute, enhancing workforce development and teacher support programs.
Who are the major partners involved in the grant?
The major partners include the BayPort Foundation, Ferguson, Newport News Shipbuilding, and Virginia Natural Gas.
How will this grant impact teacher development?
The funding will aid in developing a workforce pipeline, providing necessary training and support for first and second-year teachers in the area.
What challenges does the grant address?
The grant addresses potential financial challenges posed by the expiration of ESSER funds, ensuring continued support for educational programs.
What was the selection process for the grant?
A competitive process where over twenty nonprofits submitted applications, with the Newport News Education Foundation selected for its innovative and relevant proposal.
