The Wayne County Community Foundation has awarded a $1,250 grant to the Foundation of Wayne Community College for the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity At) Youth Program in memory of local educator Dr. Ed Wilson, Jr.
The grant will help the WIOA Youth Program pursue its mission of assisting youth between the ages of 16 and 24 meet their educational and career goals. Education and career training are critical to helping Wayne County meet a variety of challenges.
Data shows that nearly 14% of Wayne County youth ages 16 to 24 are not working and not in school.
Wilson dedicated his life to education, beginning with classroom teaching and culminating as president of Wayne Community College. Along the way, he served in positions at the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges, Roanoke-Chowan Community College, North Carolina State University and several grade schools.
He was active in civic organizations ranging from the Boy Scouts of America’s Tuscarora Council to the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents. He received numerous awards, including The Order of the Longleaf Pine and North Carolina Community College President of the Year.
“Ed Wilson was a wonderful man and a community champion,” said Robert B. Logan, advisory board president of the Wayne County Community Foundation. “We’re pleased to honor his memory with this financial support for the WIOA Youth Program.”
WCCF is an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation and is led by a local volunteer advisory board. Each year, WCCF uses dollars from its endowment fund to make grants to nonprofits that help the local community.
Learn more about WCCF and its work in the community or make a tax-deductible donation at nccommunityfoundation.org/wayne. For further information about WCCF, contact the Central Community Leadership Officer.
Advisory board members live and work in Wayne County, positioning them to strategically leverage resources, meet local needs and access opportunities. In addition to Logan, board members include Harold Brashear (vice president), Suzie Acree, Charles Gaylor and Donna Phillips.
About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation is the only statewide community foundation serving North Carolina and has administered over $243 million in grants since 1988. With more than $440 million in assets, NCCF sustains more than 1,200 endowments and partners with a network of affiliates to award grants and scholarships in communities across the state.
An important component of NCCF’s mission is to ensure rural philanthropy has a voice at the local, regional and national levels. For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.
