ACT partners award $500,000 grant to Newport News Education Foundation
Posted: December 10, 2024
BayPort Credit Union, Ferguson, Newport News Shipbuilding and Virginia Natural Gas awarded a $500,000 grant to the Newport News Education Foundation in a surprise announcement on December 10 at Watkins Early Childhood Center.
The companies established a community partnership to fund the three-year, $500,000 transformational grant called Accelerating Change Together. The grant aims to invest in the Hampton Roads nonprofit community, build upon education and develop a skilled workforce that benefits the nation.
"BayPort Credit Union, Ferguson, Newport News Shipbuilding and Virginia Natural Gas understand that by addressing the education and workforce gaps now, we can contribute to the growth of our community and the stability of our community for today and for tomorrow," said BayPort President/CEO Jim Mears.
"I'm honored to present the current year's Accelerating Change Together half-million dollar grant to the Newport News Education Foundation to support the Newport News Public Schools' new teacher initiative."
NNEF's board and members accepted the grant of behalf of the foundation. The NNEF supports NNPS by connecting business and industry to the preparation of students for their futures, which includes raising private sector funds for those efforts.
"On behalf of the foundation, I want to thank you all for supporting us," said Dale Mingilton, NNPS foundation and corporate partnership liaison.
The ACT Grant focuses on education and workforce development. The first grant was awarded to Virginia Beach City Public Schools to support the addition of a new two-year, half-day Advanced Technology Center renewable energy technologies program.
As the recipient of the second grant awarded, NNPS will use the funds to support its New Teacher Institute.
"On behalf of the City of Newport News, thank you to our partners," said Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones in acknowledging all of the sponsors. "Thank you so much for what you do for our community.
"We would not be this amazing city or region without you. This money is going to help multiple things. It's going to help our Newport News Education Foundation. Whether it's ESL or getting prepared or whether it's recruiting or retention, it's going to be extremely helpful."
