In May 2023, the Mebane Foundation proudly selected the UNC Charlotte Cato College of Education as the institution to carry forward our long-standing commitment to innovative literacy education in North Carolina and beyond. After a competitive statewide search, we chose Cato College as the partner best aligned with founder Allen Mebane’s vision for improving how […]
The Mebane Foundation is pleased to share this exciting news from Book Harvest, one of our most valued partners. I met Founder Ginger Young in 2017 and was impressed by her vision for early childhood literacy and her commitment to ensuring that all children have access to engaging, age-appropriate books in their own homes. Supporting […]
A Unique Position with Big Impact Davie County is home to a rare and powerful educational role—a preschool coach—who serves as a critical bridge between early childhood educators. This innovative, shared position between Smart Start of Davie County and Davie County Schools supports public school pre-K classrooms, licensed childcare centers, and faith-based preschools alike. For […]
By Jeanna Baxter White Congratulations to Book Harvest on another fantastic Dream Big Book Drive & Community Celebration! I first met Founder Ginger Young in 2017 and was immediately inspired by her vision for early childhood literacy and her commitment to ensuring that all children have access to engaging, age-appropriate books at home. Supporting this […]
“Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and be kind to our classroom!” exclaim sixteen rising kindergarteners before carefully mimicking their teacher as she makes hand motions and sings about the days of the week and months of the year. Shady Grove’s Kinder Camp is a sneak peek at what kindergarten mornings will be […]
By Jeanna Baxter White The Mebane Foundation has forged many meaningful relationships over the years, but our partnership with Hill Learning Center in Durham is one of the most treasured. During his decades as a leader in the textile industry, Allen Mebane recognized that education, particularly the ability to read, was the key to future […]
By Jeanna Baxter White Initiated through a $750,000 challenge grant and a vision for enhanced learning through far more effective use of technology, the Mebane Foundation collaborated with Davie County Schools and Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education to create a first-of-its-kind academic degree for 15 Davie County teachers and a profoundly innovative and […]
UNC Charlotte has named the building that houses the Cato College of Education Mebane Hall in honor of a transformative endowment of up to $23 million from the Mebane Foundation to support early literacy. The gift will establish the Mebane Early Literacy Center and allow the University to greatly expand its efforts as a leader […]
At Cornatzer Elementary’s Kinder Camp, sixteen rising kindergarteners squeal with excitement as they pass a ball around in a circle. Little do they know that amidst the fun, they are also honing essential motor skills, learning to follow directions, and adapting to the kindergarten environment. Principal Raymonda Shelton describes Kinder Camp as a sneak peek […]
By Jeanna Baxter White Allen Mebane believed that “All people learn on a different timeline. But if you create the right tool, everyone can learn at their own pace, and after a period of time, end up at the same destination.” That conviction would guide his career and future philanthropic ventures. In 1969, while CEO […]
By Jeanna Baxter White In 1998, businessman and philanthropist Allen Mebane established the Mebane Foundation to support innovative educational endeavors. Since its inception, the Foundation has served as a catalyst by granting more than $25 million to educational program partners across the state while simultaneously leveraging that amount in public-private partnerships. The result? More than […]
By Jeanna Baxter White The investment of up to $23 million will support PreK-5 literacy education through the Mebane Early Literacy Center The Mebane Foundation has selected UNC Charlotte’s Cato College of Education, a leader in literacy instruction and research, to help continue its legacy of supporting innovation in literacy education in North Carolina and […]
In 2017, The Mebane Charitable Foundation and Davie County Schools embarked on a five-year initiative to “move the needle” in early childhood education. Supported by almost $2.5 million from the Foundation, DavieLEADS (Literacy Empowers All in Davie to Succeed) was designed to improve kindergarten readiness to 90% and increase reading proficiency in 3rd grade to […]
Mebane Foundation Founder, Allen Mebane, believed that to achieve our nation’s greatest potential, it must ensure its young people receive a top-tier education. Knowing that teacher quality is one of the most important school-related factors influencing student achievement, the Foundation cultivates partnerships with leading colleges of education to fund transformative training opportunities for both in-service […]
Jon Baldwin’s 15-year relationship with Brookstone Schools in Charlotte, NC, has come full circle. A former student turned school counselor, he is passionate about giving back to the school that gave him so much. “There is a lot about this position that makes it beautiful,” said Baldwin, who joined the staff as the social-emotional learning […]