The School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke received a record $2.9 million grant from Anonymous Trust that will provide scholarships to 30 future educators. 

Anonymous Trust serves rural and underserved communities in eastern North Carolina.

"Since its inception, the Anonymous Trust has operated under the belief that all children deserve access to quality education and educators deserve access to opportunities often only afforded to teachers in urban districts. Well-trained, passionate teachers shape the learning trajectory of a child," stated Program Officer Kimberly Breeden. 

The grant  is the largest gift in the school's history for student scholarships and will be used to launch the Brave Scholars program. The program is designed to recruit new teachers from Robeson, Scotland and Columbus Counties. 

The Brave Scholars program's mission is to address the state's growing teacher shortage by targeting high-need areas in elementary and exceptional children's specialties. 

"We are grateful for the partnership of the Anonymous Trust to provide this incredible pathway into the education system of the three counties in the grant," said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings.

In addition to tuition and fees, recipients who commit to teaching in their home counties will receive a one-year stipend for living expenses. The program also covers the cost of on-campus living, a global trip, conferences, a learning community, and exam fees. 

"The Brave Scholars program will be transformative for these 30 students. The education these future teachers and administrators receive at UNCP, they will go on to impact and influence countless lives and communities where they will teach and lead in North Carolina school systems for generations to come," explained Cummings. 

Two groups of 15 students, who major in elementary and special education, will be accepted beginning the fall semester of 2023.

Vice Chancellor of Advancement Steve Varley added, "UNCP has always been an engine for progress in our region by educating new teachers. This groundbreaking investment will help build the pipeline of the next generation of teacher leadership."