Cabarrus County Education Foundation

09/04/2026

Congratulations to the students, educators and staff of Cabarrus County Schools on an incredible year of academic growth! 🎉

The results announced this week are historic: student proficiency reached an all-time high, 32 of 40 schools improved their School Performance Grade score, a record 25 schools earned an A or B, and CCS achieved its highest four-year graduation rate ever at 92.5%.

But behind every number is something even more important — a student learning, growing and becoming better prepared for what comes next.

These results reflect educators and staff who engage students, challenge them, respond to their individual needs and help them discover what they are capable of achieving. That work has an impact far beyond a classroom or a test score.

When students leave school with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in college, careers and life, more doors are open to them — and our entire community is stronger.

CCEF is proud to partner with Cabarrus County Schools and celebrate the students, educators, staff and families whose hard work made this progress possible.

Congratulations, CCS! 💙💚

08/29/2026

Want to support teachers with your time? CCEF is recruiting volunteers to help make our School Supply Pop-Up Store possible September 24-25.

Volunteers will help organize supplies, welcome educators, restock tables and keep the experience running smoothly. It is a hands-on way for individuals, coworkers or small teams to see community support reach classrooms directly.

Interested in volunteering? Visit https://bit.ly/CCEF_volunteers to register for this or one of the many other opportunities we have.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

08/27/2026

Please join us in welcoming CCEF’s new board leadership: Steve Steinbacher, Board Chair, and Katrina Carney, Board Vice Chair! 💙💚

Steve’s connection to Cabarrus County Schools spans generations—as a former teacher and coach, a parent, and now a grandparent. As an entrepreneur, local business owner and longtime community volunteer, he understands that supporting students and educators helps build the talent, leadership and vitality our community needs for the future.

Steve brings experience from leadership roles with the Cabarrus Arts Council, Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau and other local nonprofit organizations. He is excited to build upon the work of CCEF’s past boards and help guide the foundation into its next stage of growth and impact.

Katrina’s passion for CCEF is deeply personal. Learning as a teenager that she had a learning disability shaped her belief that students need different pathways through which to engage, learn and recognize their potential.

Through her work with Anchor Real Estate Advisors, Katrina also sees how closely strong schools are connected to strong communities. Schools help attract families, support economic vitality and prepare the people who will shape our community’s future.

Together, Steve and Katrina bring complementary experiences, deep community connections and a shared commitment to preparing students for success in school, career and life.

Meet our new leadership and learn what inspires their service:
https://bit.ly/CCEF_new_leadership

08/21/2026

A design challenge can become a lesson in engineering. A robotics project can open a window into advanced manufacturing. A student-run idea can spark an entrepreneurial mindset.

Through Career-Connected STEM Grants, CCEF is helping educators turn classroom ideas into hands-on experiences that connect learning, careers and vital human skills. Eligible educators may apply for up to $1,500.

The first review cycle closes today, August 21, and a second cycle closes September 18. Explore the possibilities and application details: https://cabarruscountyeducationfoundation.org/for-educators/career-connected-stem-grants.html

08/17/2026

On National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate what becomes possible when a community chooses to work together.

CCEF serves as a bridge—connecting businesses and community members who want to help with educators and students who turn that support into lasting impact.

Together, we put books in students’ hands, supplies in classrooms, innovative ideas into action and career-connected experiences within reach.

Thank you to every donor, volunteer, educator, board member and partner who helps us fill the gap and fuel the future. Your support strengthens our schools—and our community.

08/14/2026

A school supply may look small. Its impact is not.

The right supplies help a student participate with confidence. They help a teacher protect valuable instructional time. And they help make sure a family’s circumstances do not determine whether a child is ready to learn.

That is why CCEF’s School Supply Drive is about more than filling boxes - it is about removing barriers and equipping classrooms for success.

Ready to help? Visit https://bit.ly/supplies4schools to:
📍 Find a community collection site
🛒 Shop our Amazon Wishlist
📋 View the suggested supply list
💙 Make a monetary donation for supplies

Every contribution helps fill the gap for Cabarrus County Schools students and teachers. The drive continues through September 15.

08/12/2026

Today, more than 35,000 Cabarrus County Schools students begin a new school year. Behind every classroom door is potential waiting to be encouraged, equipped and connected to opportunity.

That is why CCEF unites businesses, educators and community leaders to prepare students for success in school, career and life. Because when our schools are strong, our entire community is stronger.

Wishing students, educators, staff and families a joyful first day and a year filled with growth!

08/10/2026

What if a classroom project could help students see not only what they are learning - but where that learning could take them?

CCEF’s new Career-Connected STEM Grants help educators create hands-on experiences that connect STEM learning to real careers. Along the way, students strengthen the skills employers value: teamwork, communication, problem-solving, creativity and perseverance.

Grants of up to $1,500 are available for eligible elementary, middle and high school educators.

Learn how CCEF is helping bring career-connected learning to life: https://cabarruscountyeducationfoundation.org/for-educators/career-connected-stem-grants.html

08/07/2026

New teachers deserve a welcome that says, “Your community is behind you.” Thanks to these generous partners, CCEF helped celebrate Cabarrus County Schools’ newest educators with more than $1,000 in gift cards: two gift-card baskets, 20 Lucky Drop gifts and four specialty items.

Please join us in thanking Katrina Carney with Anchor Real Estate Advisors, Barnes & Noble Concord, Cabarrus Brewing Company , the CCEF Board of Directors, Harris Teeter Coddle Creek, Lowes Foods - Kannapolis, Harrisburg & Mooresville and Papa Robb's Paradise Ice .

Your generosity helped our newest teachers begin the year feeling seen, valued and supported.

08/06/2026

The right supplies help a student participate with confidence. They also help teachers equip their classrooms without carrying as much of the cost themselves.

That is why CCEF’s School Supply Drive focuses on the needs of both students and teachers—removing barriers to learning and equipping classrooms for success.

You can help through September 15 in four simple ways:

📦 Donate supplies at a community collection site
🛒 Shop our Amazon Wishlist
💙 Make a monetary donation
📣 Host or promote a collection

Every contribution helps ensure teachers can focus more of their time on teaching—and students can focus on learning.

Learn more and choose how you’ll help: https://bit.ly/supplies4schools