#United States #Charlotte #community support #Career-Connected Learning #Leon Levine Foundation

Introduction

On June 23, 2026, the Leon Levine Foundation announced a substantial initiative aimed at enhancing career-connected learning across North and South Carolina. A total of $3.25 million in grants will be distributed to 15 nonprofit organizations to help facilitate smoother pathways for students transitioning from education to sustainable careers. In a time when the job market is facing unprecedented shifts, this initiative becomes increasingly vital for the future of many students.

The Challenge Facing Students

According to recent projections, only 31% of ninth graders in North Carolina are expected to graduate, attend college, and secure a degree or valuable credential within six years. This statistic underscores a concerning trend especially among low-income and first-generation students, who face even more obstacles in their pursuit of education and career.

The job market is evolving rapidly as technological advancements, including AI, are redefining traditional career entry points. In this context, the Leon Levine Foundation seeks innovative solutions to overcome barriers and boost student engagement in career-oriented programs.

A New Approach to Philanthropy

The Carolina Career-Connected Learning Challenge represents a shift towards catalytic philanthropy. As Tom Lawrence, president and CEO of the Leon Levine Foundation, expressed, the foundation aims to cultivate a forward-thinking educational environment that adjusts not only to local needs but also to the demands of a changing job landscape.

This challenge was structured as an open request for proposals, inviting organizations to submit their ideas for facilitating career navigation for students in grades 7-14. Focus areas included expanding access to job-related learning experiences, postsecondary credentials, and real-world employer interactions, which are crucial for meaningful long-term economic mobility.

The Foundation received an impressive 130 submissions, narrowed down to 32 finalists, ultimately awarding grants to 15 organizations ranging from $150,000 to $300,000.

Focused Areas of Investment

The selected nonprofits aim to serve both urban and rural communities within the Carolinas, working in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology, skilled trades, and education. The recipients of these grants include:

North Carolina Recipients

1. Accelerate Buncombe
2. Guilford Apprenticeship Partners
3. The Industrial Commons
4. NAF
5. Prelude
6. Road to Hire
7. The ROC Charlotte
8. Rural Opportunity Institute
9. She Built This City

South Carolina Recipients

1. AMIkids
2. Digital Promise
3. Habitat for Humanity of York County
4. LaunchGVL
5. Medical University of South Carolina Foundation
6. South Carolina Technical College System

These organizations are all driven by a shared vision of creating better career paths for students, ultimately equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary for diverse industries.

Conclusion

Russ Altenburg, education program director at the Leon Levine Foundation, emphasized the importance of preparing young people not just for graduation, but for sustainable economic success. The goal is to provide students with the tools to build strong networks, gain relevant credentials, and acquire hands-on experience.

As the labor market prepares to adapt to new challenges, the work of these organizations funded by the Leon Levine Foundation could lay the groundwork for a more equitable educational future. By connecting education to career pathways, we can help ensure that more students transition successfully into the workforce, fulfilling their potential and contributing positively to their communities.

About The Leon Levine Foundation

Established in 1980, the Leon Levine Foundation is dedicated to empowering underserved communities in the Carolinas. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Foundation focuses on strategic initiatives that foster stability and opportunity for children, families, and various community sectors through grants in education, healthcare, and human services. For more information, visit leonlevinefoundation.org.