11/6/2026
New from EdNC
Belk Center to lead research and evaluation for North Carolina Dual Ascent
Report finds nearly $18 billion in facility needs for NC public schools for 2027-2031
Perspective | Nonprofit internships build upon new generation of talent
The Editor’s Notes
It is a real joy to publish the article about the work and leadership of the Belk Center today, which I think shows all that is possible when we work together. For me, the story behind the story of Dual Ascent starts with Cyndi Soter O’Neil, a philanthropist, who reached out to Cecilia Holden at myFutureNC about doing some research on student parents at community colleges. One of the most incredible things about Cecilia’s leadership is just how inclusive — truly inclusive — she is. She reached out to me and said why don’t you all run with this. And so we did. Our research since 2025 went beyond student parents to look at the nexus of early childhood and community colleges. At the conclusion of our research, EdNC’s Analisa Archer put together a memo outlining where progress was possible fast. With a ton of help and support from the team at The Leon Levine Foundation, that shaped a convening of stakeholders we supported in June. Since then, in just a couple of months, there have been $1.2 million in investments in the N.C. Community College System and the Belk Center to really push forward on Dual Ascent and the state’s support of student parents. Gratitude to all of you.
Another big highlight for me is happening on Monday as the John M. Belk Endowment visits its 58th community college! When leaders show up in person in community to build relationships that go on to drive real change, it matters.
Here is your playlist for the weekend courtesy of Jeff McDaris.
As MC Belk Pilon says, “Keep pounding!”
Need to know
Governor Stein Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month
“This month and all year round, we recognize American Indians’ lasting impact on our state.” Read the rest
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