Dear Friends, 

I hope my message finds you and your family healthy and well.

This month we continue to honor the accomplishments of African Americans in every area of endeavor throughout history. This year Governor Cooper recognized North Carolina’s African American leaders and organizations in the science, technology, engineering and math fields for their critical work. Leaders in the STEM field do critical, innovative work focused on helping their communities and we are grateful for all they have done to push North Carolina forward.

Please share our newsletter so your friends and family can stay up to date with the latest news, information, and resources relevant to the Cooper Administration. 

Stephanie Pigues 

Office of the Governor 

The North Carolina General Assembly created the African American Heritage Commission (AAHC) in 2008 to “assist the Secretary of Cultural Resources in the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of African American history, arts, and culture.” With this legislation the AAHC has identified African American heritage practitioners, such as curators, docents, and museum directors, as priority service populations. The AAHC was recognized as a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in 2017, after being housed in the Office of Archives and History and the North Carolina Arts Council. The commission works across the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to achieve the mission of preserving, protecting, and promoting North Carolina’s African American history, art, and culture, for all people.

Governor Cooper Proclaims February as Black History Month

Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed February as Black History Month to honor the contributions of Black North Carolinians and celebrate our state’s rich African American culture and history.

“Our diversity is our strength and North Carolina is a more inclusive and vibrant place thanks to the leadership of Black artists, educators, civil rights leaders and health care professionals,” said Governor Cooper. “As we celebrate these successes we acknowledge there is more work to be done by all of us to tackle the systemic disparities faced by communities of color.”

To address the barriers that communities of color face, Governor Cooper established two task forces in June 2020. The Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force addresses the social, environmental, economic and health disparities in communities of color disproportionally impacted by COVID-19. The North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice works on developing solutions to ensure racial equity in the state’s criminal justice system.

On January 7, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 246, which directs next steps in the state’s plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and creates economic opportunities for people across the state, especially in underserved communities. The Executive Order emphasizes the importance of environmental justice and equity as North Carolina transitions to a clean economy.

On February 17, Gov. Cooper toured the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro to celebrate Black History Month and honor the leaders who have worked toward a more just and equitable state for all.

BE IN THE KNOW

Governor Roy Cooper's Statement on Redistricting:

Governor Cooper and State Health Officials Update Mask Recommendations

On February 17, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 metrics and trends. As North Carolina’s COVID-19 metrics continue to move in the right direction and with vaccines widely available, Governor Cooper encouraged schools and local governments to end their mask mandates.

“We are taking a positive step on mask requirements to help us move safely toward a more normal day to day life,” said Governor Cooper. “It’s time to focus on getting our children a good education and improving our schools, no matter how you feel about masks.”

As entities decide how to move forward, people and businesses should continue to make the best decisions for themselves, their employees and their customers. There are still some places, such as health care, long-term care and transportation like airplanes, where a mask will be required because of the setting or federal regulations.

As it has throughout the pandemic, North Carolina is adapting its response based on the data and for the current stage of the pandemic. Vaccines and boosters are widely available and have protected millions of people against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Treatment is available for those at higher risk of severe disease. And the state’s COVID-19 trends are decreasing, lowering the risk of infection, and improving hospital capacity.

“NCDHHS has always been committed to using the right tools at the right time to combat COVID-19 and chart a course for us all to get back to the people, experiences, and places we love,” said Secretary Kinsley. “At this time, the most effective tools are vaccines and boosters. Everyone five and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine and everyone 12 and older should get a booster as soon as they are eligible. It’s not too late to vaccinate.”

To date, North Carolina has administered over 15.7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 71 percent of the adult population fully vaccinated. About 75 percent of adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including 96 percent of North Carolinians 65 and over. About 51 percent of eligible adults have received their booster shot.

North Carolinians can learn more about the state’s vaccine distribution at myspot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish). Find a nearby vaccine provider using NCDHHS’ online tool, Find a Vaccine Location. The state’s COVID-19 vaccine hotline number is 888-675-4567.

Governor Cooper Announces Over $335 Million Distributed to More Than 3,900 Child Care Centers Through Child Care Stabilization Grants

Governor Cooper toured a Goldsboro child care center that received funds and encouraged other facilities to apply for the program

Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited and toured Fundamentals Child Development Center in Goldsboro where he provided an update on the North Carolina Child Care Stabilization Grants and encouraged all eligible child care centers to apply for funding.

“High-quality early childhood education is critical to parents who need child care and to employers who need workers,” said Governor Cooper. “And even more important is helping children get the good, early start they need to succeed in school and beyond.”

“The Child Care Stabilization Grants are part of our ongoing effort to help early childhood educators recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, stay in business, and continue to serve our families, children and North Carolina’s economic recovery,” said Susan Gale Perry, NCDHHS Chief Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being. “Programs like the Fundamentals for Child Development Center are already using the grants to recruit and retain teachers, improve facilities and buy personal protection equipment to keep children and staff safe.”

"As a small business owner, the NC stabilization grant has allowed me to hire exceptional staff at competitive wages and make rapid facility improvements to provide our local community with the highest quality child care possible,” said Candace Stevens, Director of Fundamentals Child Development Center.

Since the launch of the North Carolina Child Care Stabilization Grant program, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has distributed $335,859,284 to 3,961 child care centers and family child care homes. The application for stabilization grants is open and conducted on a rolling basis.

90% of eligible child care programs in the state who have applied have received Stabilization Grants, and grants have been distributed to child care centers in 99 counties. Of those who received funding, 88% have used the funding as compensation support for their workforce. Child care centers have also used their funds to help support the facility, staff and children, including paying for a portion of their staff’s health and dental insurance, completing minor renovations on facilities and helping pay tuition for families in need.

The North Carolina Child Care Stabilization Grants, made possible by funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, were created to help parents get high-quality, affordable child care so they can work. The grants also help provide better wages and benefits to teachers so programs can recruit and retain a qualified workforce. This funding promotes equity for all – children, parents, and teachers.

Fundamentals Child Development Center is a military-family-owned center serving children ages 6 weeks old to 12 years old in the Goldsboro area with a goal of provide a safe and fun learning environment for each child.

All private, licensed early care and learning programs are eligible to apply, including for-profit and not-for-profit, family child care homes, and faith-based centers. Programs that apply and receive stabilization grants may use the funds for a range of activities including: personnel costs; mental health supports; payments for rent, mortgage, utilities, facility maintenance, or insurance; personal protective equipment (PPE); equipment and supplies; and goods or services necessary to maintain or resume child care.

Administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Child Development and Early Education, the application for Child Care Stabilization Grants is open and on a rolling basis.

Governor Cooper Proclaims February 21 - 25, 2022 as Public Schools Week

Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed February 21 - 25, 2022 as Public Schools Week to show support for public schools and the educators, counselors, custodians, bus drivers, school nutrition workers, administrators and other school staff who provide important learning experiences for students.

“Public schools play a critical role in the success of children and families,” said Governor Cooper. “Now more than ever we need to refocus our efforts to make sure our schools and our children improve their performance while we support our educators.”

Public Schools Week celebrates the opportunities that public schools provide to all children and the work that teachers do to prepare students for the future. The pandemic has placed extreme stress on North Carolina’s public schools, children, and families but educators and other school staff have worked tirelessly to keep students in the classroom and continue their learning. 

Governor Cooper is focused on ensuring that teachers are well-prepared, well-supported and well-compensated. In 2017, the Governor established the Commission on Access to a Sound Basic Education to help advise North Carolina’s work to ensure the state meets its constitutional obligation of ensuring every child has access to a sound basic education. The state submitted a Comprehensive Remedial Plan to the court in March 2021. The Governor has committed to pursuing the policy and programmatic changes outlined in the plan and providing the resources necessary to achieve the actions in the plan.

In December 2019, the Governor established the DRIVE Task Force, which focuses on ensuring a more diverse educator workforce to improve student success across the board and increase the number of qualified teachers in North Carolina. The Task Force released its report and recommendations in January 2021.

In August 2020, Governor Cooper directed $60 million of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, a part of the federal CARES Act, to help support the academic and physical and mental health needs of K-12 students most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The N.C. Department of Revenue Pauses Business Recovery Grant Phase 2 Process

Distribution of Phase 1 payments to continue while General Assembly discusses eligibility for additional businesses

The N.C. Department of Revenue will temporarily pause accepting Phase 2 applications for Business Recovery Grants as the General Assembly considers increasing eligibility for additional types of businesses.

Legislation creating the Business Recovery Grants limited eligibility to businesses that collect sales tax and made ineligible certain types of service businesses that were severely impacted by the pandemic. Legislative leaders have expressed willingness to examine eligibility before remaining funds are awarded.

The Department of Revenue will continue to process Phase 1 grant awards to approved eligible businesses. Additional applications will not be accepted at this time.

“Our discussions with the General Assembly provided us further insight into the intent of the bill,” said NCDOR Secretary Ronald Penny. “We hope to provide further updates soon.”

The pause in applications does not affect businesses that applied for grants during the original application period. Those businesses may expect to receive communication from NCDOR about the status of their application and payment within the next week.

The NCDOR funds public services benefiting the people of North Carolina. The department administers the tax laws and collects the taxes due in an impartial, consistent, secure, and efficient manner.

Governor Cooper Discusses Mental Health Initiatives in NC Colleges and Universities with Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, NCCU Officials and Students

Governor Cooper Has Allocated $5 Million in Funding to Expand Mental Health Services at Higher Education Institutions Across the State

Today, Governor Roy Cooper joined U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and North Carolina Central University students, faculty and staff to learn more about the work at the university to expand and strengthen mental health services at North Carolina’s higher education institutions.

“We know the past few years have been challenging and we want to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed,” said Governor Cooper. “We will continue to focus on expanding access to mental health services for our students and partnering with strong institutions like North Carolina Central University to make it happen.”

Governor Cooper has been focused on increasing access to mental health services for college students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021, the Governor directed $5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding to support mental health initiatives across the UNC System and in the state’s community colleges and independent colleges and universities. The funding is part of North Carolina’s share of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund, federal dollars that aim to help school districts, postsecondary institutions or other education-related entities address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNC System is utilizing the funding to provide a 24-hour crisis hotline for students to receive support and to train up to 10,000 faculty, staff and students on mental health first aid at UNC System campuses, private universities and community colleges. 

Nearly $1 million of the funding has been distributed to individual UNC institutions to support their work bolstering mental health resources on their campus. North Carolina Central University received $50,000 in funding to build partnerships with counseling professionals in key areas including trauma and family therapy.

North Carolina Central University is the nation’s first state-supported liberal arts college for Black students. Consistently ranked as a top Historically Black College or University and Best Regional University in the South, the university offers flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing and the arts.

Application Window Open for $350M to Expand Internet Access in Rural N.C.

Internet Service Providers encouraged to apply for GREAT Grants by April 4

Qualified internet service providers and electric membership cooperatives providing internet service can now apply for up to $350 million in grants to expand broadband infrastructure in North Carolina and get more people connected to high-speed internet. Funds from the federal American Rescue Plan are being used to provide the largest ever round of Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grants available in North Carolina.

“High-speed internet is critical for North Carolinians to be able to work, learn, run a business or access healthcare,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “We want all communities in our state to have these opportunities and this round of grants is an important step toward closing the digital divide, especially in rural areas.”

The grants are part of Governor Cooper’s plan to give 95% of North Carolina households access to broadband of 100/20 Mbps by expanding access and addressing issues of affordability and digital literacy.

Applications for the spring 2022 award period will be accepted through April 4. An information session for applicants will be held Feb. 10. Additional details can be found at www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/great-grant-federal.

Administered by the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, the GREAT Grant program provides matching grants to broadband providers and electric membership cooperatives that compete for funding to expand access to high-speed internet service to unserved areas of all counties across the state.

“Since the GREAT Grant program launched in 2018, the state has invested nearly $56 million matched by more than $35 million from private investors to connect more than 40,000 households and businesses to broadband,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer James Weaver. “We look forward to expanding those partnerships to extend high-speed internet access to more households in unserved areas.”

For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity and the GREAT Grant program, please visit the link below:

BE INVOLVED

Nominations Open for 2022 North Carolina Awards

Nominations are being accepted for the 2022 North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state, now through April 15. Created by the General Assembly in 1961 and administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the award recognizes “notable accomplishments by North Carolina citizens” in the fields of literature, science, fine arts and public service.

Award nominations may be submitted by anyone and must include a completed nomination form, cover letter, three letters of support and the nominee’s biography or resume. Additional letters of support and examples of the nominee’s work will also be accepted. Applications may be submitted online or materials can be sent to the North Carolina Awards Committee, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, 4601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-4600.

The North Carolina Awards Committee will review the nominations and make its selections this summer. The recipients will be honored later this year. Past award recipients have included some of the country’s most distinguished artists, poets, writers, performers, journalists, scientists and public servants.

Previous awardees include Maya Angelou, Doc Watson, William Friday, Gertrude Elion, Branford Marsalis, and other noteworthy North Carolinians. Information on the award and the online nomination process are available here. To receive forms by mail or e-mail contact Jennifer Fontes at Jennifer.fontes@ncdcr.gov or (919) 814-6756.

NCDOT Accepting Applications for Aviation Career Education Grants

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is accepting applications from airports for its 2022 Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy Grant Program. 

The program supports aerospace workforce development by providing grants of up to $3,000 per academy to host aerospace and aviation career-focused summer academies for middle and high school students that inspire and engage the next generation of talent. Academies must host a minimum of 30 students. 

Topics can include aviation history, career discovery and planning and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, or drones). Academies should place a priority on exploring high-demand aviation and aerospace careers, such as manned and unmanned aircraft pilots, aircraft technicians, electronics, including coding and programming, avionics, air traffic controllers and engineers. Academies will also explore how students can gain education and credentials through North Carolina’s community college and university programs to pursue those professions.

NCDOT has allocated $24,000 in grant funds for this program. All 72 North Carolina public-use airports eligible for development grant funding from NCDOT are eligible for this program. Airports are encouraged to partner with local educational and nonprofit organizations to apply.

North Carolina’s public airports generate more than $61 billion annually for the state’s economy and provide more than 373,000 jobs. The rapid growth of the aerospace and unmanned aircraft system sectors offers job opportunities for North Carolinians in the aerospace field.

“There is already a tremendous need to develop the workforce in the transportation industry,” said NCDOT Director of Aviation Bobby Walston. “Instilling a passion for aviation and aerospace in our youth will ensure that we develop a strong talent pipeline to sustain and grow this important sector and provide jobs for our people and communities.”

Airports must apply for grants by March 7. For more information, visit connect.ncdot.gov??‹ and search “ACE Academies”.??‹

HBCU Internships Through the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Students at the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will have the opportunity to learn and earn this summer through a 10-week paid summer internship within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The program will expose, engage and educate students through real-world experience within divisions of NCDNCR. The internships may be at one of the state historic sites, N.C. Symphony, N.C. Art Museum, State Parks, N.C. Aquarium, State Capitol, N.C. Zoo, or another state attraction. Essential components include professional development, leadership training and networking opportunities. Some internship opportunities will be on-site and some will be virtual. The program is a partnership with the state’s HBCUs and the Minority Institution of Higher Education.

Rising juniors, seniors and graduate students may apply. Interested candidates should submit an application, resume, cover letter and transcript to HBCUintern@ncdcr.gov.

Requirements of this internship program:

• Must have a cover letter, transcript and attached resume
• Must have a 2.5 or higher GPA
• Must be a current student attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or a Minority Institution of Higher Education (MIHE) in the state of North Carolina
• Must work 40 hours per week for 10 weeks this summer and will be paid $15.00 per hour

For additional information contact Eyricka Johnson-Geneus at HBCUintern@ncdcr.gov or visit the link below.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 28.

Application Period Open for NC State Government High School Summer Mentorship Program

High School Girls Interested in Careers in STEM Can Apply Through Feb 28

Fifteen high school sophomore and junior girls interested in science, technology, engineering and math will have the opportunity to participate in a five-week paid internship with North Carolina state government leaders this summer.  

Established in 2019 by the NC Department of Administration’s Council for Women and Youth Involvement, the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program seeks to improve gender inequity by providing college bound girls an opportunity to explore STEM-based careers within state government.

“The gender wage gap is an ongoing disparity not only within North Carolina but around the country,” said Administration Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “Preparing our state’s best and brightest in high-growth and high-earning fields such as STEM careers will help women and more families achieve economic security, reduce poverty and grow the state’s economy.”

Interested students can apply for the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program now through Feb. 28. Program and application information can be found on the NCDOA website. Candidate interviews will occur in mid-March and selected applicants will be notified of placement in April. The mentorship will run weekdays June 29 through August 5.

HBCU Fellow Opportunity

The North Carolina HBCU/MSI Fellows Program offers real work experiences and learning opportunities to individuals who are recent graduates (within 1 to 3 years) and have earned a Bachelor and/or a Master’s degree preferably from one of the ten North Carolina HBCUs and one MSI (Minority Serving Institution). The Fellow serves a two-year commitment in eleven (11) month work cycle within a selected NCDOT business unit.

The purpose of the position is to gain first-hand exposure to the transportation industry, learn new business skills, and further knowledge of field of interest with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. In this position, candidates will have the opportunity to form networking relationships with NCDOT professionals and obtain the critical and soft skills needed to advance in the workplace and global marketplace.

Office of HBCU Outreach at NCDOT - The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has a focus on the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), with a goal of supporting the long-term success of the institutions and their students. The HBCU Outreach Initiative leverages a strategic plan to outline its priorities and how the organization will achieve them.

The NCDOT HBCU Outreach Initiative was created to provide opportunities and pathways for universities to grow and sustain through innovative solutions for the industry and preparation of students for transportation sector careers. Our Mission is to create inclusion and opportunities for HBCUs/MSI in the transportation industry.  

Our vision is to expand and diversify the transportation industry through the power of inclusion, and by strengthening the sustainable impact of North Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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