an assembly or meeting, held with a specific purpose
in this case, to better understand the work being done and the work to be done to orient all of our students, educators, and leaders towards readiness and attainment
while building relationships between philanthropic and policy leaders working in support of our education continuum

On April 19-21, 2020, invited educators, philanthropists, and policyshapers will join together in Greensboro at the Proximity Hotel to learn about and discuss work being done and the work to be done to orient North Carolina’s students, educators, and leaders towards readiness and attainment.

Where: The Proximity Hotel, 704 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC 27408

When: 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 through lunch on Tuesday, April 21

What: The inaugural Bridge convening in April 2019 brought together educators, philanthropists, community leaders, and policymakers to develop a shared understanding of the demographic forces shaping the future of our state; the key strategic initiatives at play within the education continuum; and the challenges and opportunities facing the UNC system, our community colleges, K-12 schools, and our youngest learners.

Bridge 2020 will build on that conversation, taking a deep dive on Latinx student experiences in North Carolina, exploring bright spots and promising practices around readiness and attainment, and sharing the latest updates on myFutureNC and Leandro.

In addition, Bridge 2020 will feature Paul Tough, author of The Years That Matter Most: How College Makes Us or Breaks Us, and David Lawrence, author of A Dedicated Life: Journalism, Justice and a Chance for Every Child.

Why: In states where “leaps and bounds” are being made, leaders have found ways to work across difference. “It’s a simple litmus test,” says Jeremy Anderson of Education Commission of the States. “Can the people who can move this policy meet for coffee even if they disagree and talk though some of these differences?”

That’s why we held Bridge in 2019. Among 2019 attendees, 94% said EdNC created an experience where they were likely to build relationships.

The stakes are even higher in 2020.

We need to build a shared understanding of North Carolina’s education continuum — what is happening across the education continuum in readiness and attainment and educator and leader preparation, why we need to address these issues, and the possibilities if we get it right.

Over good food, visiting schools and colleges, having coffee, and much more, this experience will remind you why North Carolina is our education state.

What attendees said about Bridge 2019:

“It was an intentional and thoughtful group. The content and subject matter experts were rich and deep. At times it blew my mind, at times it touched my soul, and at times it made be hungry to do more!”

“From check-in to check-out, I felt welcomed and engaged … I walked away renewed both on a professional and personal level.”

“As a native North Carolinian, I left Greensboro (my hometown) completely clear that I want to spend my remaining years dedicated to public education in North Carolina.”

Watch the video below to learn more about the Bridge experience.

Let’s build a bridge to a greater North Carolina together.

The cost to attend Bridge is $550, which covers two nights at the Proximity, programming, and meals, a value of more than $1,000. There will be no refunds issued; if you end up needing to cancel, we will donate your spot to an educator or nonprofit leader. If you would like to sponsor an educator or nonprofit leader, we encourage you to donate towards the cost of their attendance.

Will we see you at Bridge in April?