Announcing the NC GROW CSP First Round of Subgrantees!

The North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools (NCAPCS) Announces First Round of NC GROW CSP Subgrantees to Expand Educational Opportunities

 

Asheboro, N.C.— The North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools (NCAPCS)  is proud to announce the selection of its 2026 NC GROW Charter Schools Program (CSP) subgrantees: two innovative schools that are committed to delivering high-quality, equitable education to students across North Carolina. 

The NC GROW CSP grant aims to increase the total number of operating charter schools in North Carolina. The main goals are to increase access to high-quality charter school models focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE), STEM, and AI education, enhance charter school governance and oversight, empower charter schools to enhance their financial oversight capacity, improve long-term financial planning, and deepen understanding of compliance and risk management.

“Today marks an exciting milestone for North Carolina's charter school movement as we celebrate the first recipients of NC GROW CSP funding,” said Rhonda Dillingham, Executive Director of NCAPCS. “These schools represent the innovative spirit that defines public charter schools by creating new opportunities for students through career-focused, STEM, and entrepreneurial learning. We are proud to invest in schools that will expand access to high-quality educational options and prepare North Carolina's students for success in college, careers, and life.” 

 

The 2026 NC GROW CSP subgrantees are:

• Celeste Beauty Academy, Mecklenburg County, NC

• Carolina Achieve Charter School, Mebane, NC

 

Celeste Beauty Academy will receive $2,000,000 of NC GROW Charter Schools Program (CSP) funds to establish an innovative public charter high school in Mecklenburg County that integrates rigorous academics with Career and Technical Education (CTE), cosmetology licensure preparation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and technology. The project will expand access to high-quality educational opportunities for educationally disadvantaged students through targeted community outreach, and equitable enrollment practices. Grant funds will support startup and implementation activities, including curriculum and instructional development, career-focused equipment and technology, professional development, student recruitment, transportation access, governance and financial oversight, and operational capacity.

 

Carolina Achieve Charter School will receive $500,000 of NC GROW Charter Schools Program (CSP) funds to strengthen student recruitment and enrollment, particularly among educationally disadvantaged students, enhance STEM, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and entrepreneurial learning opportunities through an integrated curriculum and partnership with Uncharted Learning, improve board governance and financial oversight, and build sustainable operational capacity as the school expands from grades K–2 toward a full K–12 program. Grant funds will support outreach and enrollment infrastructure, curriculum development, professional development, instructional technology, and governance training to ensure long-term educational excellence.

 

About NCAPCS

The NC Association for Public Charter Schools exists to advance quality educational opportunities for all North Carolina children by supporting and expanding successful charter schools. Our vision is to be the fiercest champion for public charter schools in North Carolina by providing support through programming and vendor relationships; education of the public and legislators by increasing awareness and dispelling myths; and advocacy on the local, state, and federal levels to protect public charter schools’ flexibility and autonomy and to increase funding.