- Program seeks to bring 50 diverse high school students back to Edgecombe County, North Carolina, as professional educators over next ten years
- Senior Maria Mata-Reyes from Edgecombe Early College High School is first recipient of Edge for Tomorrow Future Teachers Grant funded by Corning
Corning Incorporated in partnership with North Carolina’s Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS) today announced the creation of the Edge for Tomorrow Future Teachers Grant to fund a new diversity and inclusion scholarship. The donation is part of ECPS’ Scholar Teachers Program that supports graduating Edgecombe County students in the field of education.
The Scholars Teachers Program is an initiative that focuses on growing-your-own teachers to help meet a need in Edgecombe County to recruit high-quality, diverse teachers. The goal is to bring 50 diverse high school students back to the local community over the next ten years to teach in classrooms where 70% of students are non-white.
Edgecombe Early College High School senior Maria Mata-Reyes was selected as the first recipient of the Edge for Tomorrow Future Teachers Grant. Mata-Reyes, who would like to become a high school science teacher, will attend North Carolina State University (NC State) and will then return to teach at a school in Edgecombe County after graduation. While in the Scholar Teachers Program, Mata-Reyes had internships in fifth, sixth, and eighth grade math and science classrooms. Mata-Reyes was also selected to be a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and to be part of NC State’s Goodnight Scholars Program for students interested in STEM and education.
“With 20 students currently in the Scholar Teachers Program, I am so proud of what we’ve already accomplished and know that even better days are ahead as we bring these highly motivated former students back to our classrooms,” said Dr. Valerie H. Bridges, superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools. “At the heart of this program is the goal of getting more teachers into classrooms who look like the students they are teaching so students can feel inspired and empowered. This program is unique from any other in the state and is serving as a model for other counties as a proven solution to promoting diversity and excellence in our schools. I couldn’t be any prouder to be part of this program.”
“We appreciate Corning’s support and we’re especially excited to congratulate Maria Mata-Reyes on being the recipient of the first Edge for Tomorrow Future Teachers Grant. I have no doubt that Maria is going to do great things in our Edgecombe County schools,” added Dr. Bridges.
High school seniors currently within ECPS’ Scholar Teachers Program are eligible to apply for the Edge for Tomorrow Future Teachers Grant. The recipient is selected based on their academic achievement, desire to further their education in the field of teaching, and commitment to return to Edgecombe County after college.
“Receiving this scholarship helps get me one giant step closer to realizing my dream of becoming a high school science teacher,” said Mata-Reyes. “Being part of Edgecombe’s Scholar Teachers Program has been a wonderful experience, and I look forward to returning to my hometown when I am done with my studies to help educate and inspire young learners.”
About Corning and its Commitment to School Diversity
Guided by its Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity (ORESU), Corning helps facilitate equal access to opportunity, educational attainment, and safety for groups that have been institutionally disadvantaged at work and in society and at pivotal points in their lives. Support for the Edge for Tomorrow Future Teachers Grant is part of this mission and reflects Corning’s ongoing commitment to school diversity in communities in which Corning’s employees live, work, and raise their families. Corning’s commitment to the scholarship program will fund three students currently in the Scholar Teachers Program.
“Corning is proud to be part of Edgecombe’s Scholar Teachers Program and to work together with local educators and leaders to drive change, build a thriving community, and accelerate diversity and equity where barriers exist,” said Millicent Ruffin, Corning’s director of community affairs, ORESU. “We are honored to award this grant to Maria Mata-Reyes, who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to her own education and development, as well as dedication to helping others.”
More information about the Scholar Teachers Program and available scholarships is available here. Information about Corning’s commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion can be found here.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a 170-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, and life sciences.
About Edgecombe County Public Schools
Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS) serves the educational needs of over 5,400 students in grades Pre-K through 12 with the mission of graduating students ready to achieve success in a rapidly changing world. ECPS is committed to educational equity and ensuring that opportunities are not limited by social, cultural, or economic factors.
