The Chamber would like to thank all our generous members who donated fantastic prizes to our Educators Appreciation Event! Over 650 educators registered to win, and our Ambassadors, board members, and staff delivered more than 100 gifts to educators in Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) and Kannapolis City Schools (KCS).

Educator appreciation is something all of us should celebrate and practice throughout the year. Currently, around 40,000 students are enrolled in our two public school systems, and Cabarrus County Schools is our county’s second-largest employer (closely behind Atrium Health).

There are obvious direct links between education and the workforce. Consider:

• The US Census Bureau reports that 72% of people will live and work within 25 miles of where they are born and raised.
• 86% of Cabarrus County’s K-12 students attend CCS, KCS, and charter schools.
• CCS and KCS had 6,321 students earn Career and Technical Education credentials last year, with 2,257 of them concentrating in Human Services, Health Science, Architecture and Construction, and Engineering and Mathematics.
• We currently have 44 career pathways available for students to explore.

It pains us to hear someone say, “Not every student should go to a four-year college.” Let’s change the way we think about that; let’s say, “Each student should graduate career-ready,” and help our schools in that shared goal.

To do that, our students need to be kindergarten-ready when they enter school. They need to be able to read on a third-grade level by then. They need career exploration opportunities earlier, rather than later, to take advantage of the excellent career preparation programs our schools offer. And our schools need our ongoing help and support.

Here are some ways you and your business can help:

• Attend The Chamber’s Education and Employer Summit on September 25, 8:00 a.m. – noon, to hear updates from Dr. John Kopicki, Superintendent, Cabarrus County Schools; Dr. Sara Newell, Superintendent, Kannapolis City Schools, and Dr. Carol Spalding, President, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Register here.
• Adopt your neighborhood school – here are links to Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools. Consider reaching out to volunteer to read to classes, help with lunch duties to give educators a break, or donate school supplies or snacks. Ask the principal what their school needs!
• Got a group wanting to volunteer? Schools can always put groups to work on beautification projects!
• The Chamber continues to connect businesses with schools. Often, educators need business representatives to visit and talk about their careers. Remember, the earlier the better – many students may not be aware of careers outside of those they see directly. Please let us know if you would be willing to speak to classes.
• Share FAFSA completion information and deadlines with your employees. New legislation allows Pell Grant funding to be used for trade training and certifications, not just traditional academic pathways. However, applicants must first complete the FAFSA.
• Save the Date for Cabarrus County Career Connections Day (C4 Day)! This year, C4 Day will take place on Wednesday, April 8, at Cabarrus Arena, and we need your support there! Last year, over 650 Cabarrus County high school juniors and seniors attended to learn about the careers available within our local companies. Host a booth to tell them what it takes to join your team in the future. Registration will open in January!

We are grateful for your investment in The Chamber, and we look forward to partnering with you to support our schools and the future workforce.