About NCCSC
Strengthening public schools through community-driven partnerships to help every child thrive.
Our Mission
To improve the academic, mental, and physical health of North Carolina students by supporting schools to serve as hubs of community resources, with students and families as leaders positioned to influence the systems around them.
Why We Exist
Across North Carolina, many students face barriers to meeting basic needs such as mental health care, adequate food and stable housing. More than 40% of NC’s public school students are economically disadvantaged, and for many, schools are the most consistent access point for critical services. Without stronger connections between schools, families, and community resources, these gaps persist — holding back both student outcomes and community growth.
The challenge ahead is clear:
- Underfunded schools – North Carolina consistently ranks at the bottom for school funding level, both overall and on a per-student basis compared to taxpayer income.
- Widespread poverty – Nearly half of North Carolina’s children (43%) live in poor or low-income homes. One third of our state schools serve high poverty communities (75% or more of students are economically disadvantaged), reaching roughly 400,000 students. These students can benefit from a strong community school framework increasing services such as mental health support, medical care and out of school time programs.
- Eroding student success –The most economically disadvantaged students achieve lower test scores, miss more school, and demonstrate increased dropout rates.
Every child in North Carolina deserves the opportunity and resources to reach their full academic potential — leading to better job opportunities, stronger communities, and improved physical and mental health outcomes.
Our Framework
We’ve adapted the evidence-based Community Schools approach to create a unique model for strengthening North Carolina’s public schools. Customized to each community’s strengths and challenges, it brings together partnerships, resources, and leadership to address students’ needs holistically — academically, physically, and emotionally.
Our work focuses on four key pillars of the evidence-based community school approach:
- Collaborative Leadership – Students, families, educators, and partners share decision-making to shape school priorities.
- Integrated Student Supports – Coordinated access to academic, mental health, and physical health services reduces duplicative efforts and prioritizes needs.
- Family & Community Engagement – Strong, ongoing relationships between schools, families, and local organizations.
- Expanded Learning Time – Offering more out of school opportunities before, during and after school.
Why it works
Since schools are the most consistent access point for support and services, they become trusted hubs that help every child thrive and strengthen local communities.
Who's Involved
The North Carolina Community Schools Coalition is powered by a statewide network of school administrators, educators, district leaders, universities, nonprofit organizations, and leaders at the Department of Public Instruction. Together, we align resources, expand opportunities, and strengthen the role of public schools in communities across the state.
See the full list of participating schools and partners.
“I’m incredibly proud of the education I’ve received. Public schools are the heartbeat of rural communities like mine. They’re not just where we learn the fundamentals like reading and math; they’re also where we build relationships, find mentors and discover our passions.
I’ve seen firsthand how the community schools model brings everyone together. It ensures that schools are not separate from the community but are an integral part of it. When the community is invested in schools, students thrive."
Erica Moore
Senior, Northeast High School