December 2024 Newsletter
December 2024 BBF Stats
…and counting!
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Building Bright Futures' Participant Perspectives
As we end the year and the Building Bright Futures pilot, we want to leave you with perspectives from BBF participants on their experience with ECE apprenticeship and Building Bright Futures. In the new year, we look forward to providing a more detailed report on the BBF pilot as we begin a new grant cycle in 2025! Thank you to all of our participants and partners for a successful 2024.
Happy holidays from the BBF team!
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“The day I met with BBF to discuss its benefits for my staff, my eyes filled with tears as I thought about my daughter’s candidacy. The thought of college costs is something that has been a weight on my shoulders as she gets closer to high school graduation. I wasn’t sure how I was going to afford the tuition, fees, books, technology, and the cost of transportation. Upon listening about the BBF initiative, I was overjoyed at the possibility of this program blessing not only my daughter, but so many others like her. My daughter will be able to work in her chosen career while going to college with limited concerns of cost.” 
Heather Fidler, Director & Parent of an Apprentice
PARTNERS IN LEARNING, SALISBURY
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“The support of Building Bright Futures has allowed us to give our budding educators the attention, access, and motivations they need to go to school and dive deeper into the profession with confidence. We believe programs that focus on removing barriers for apprentices and empowering our teacher-leaders to become mentors is growing our school culture and individual teachers in the best ways!”
Corrie Price, Director & Founder
EVOLVE EARLY LEARNING, ASHEVILLE
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"I am profoundly grateful for the incredible opportunity provided by Building Bright Futures. This transformative program has not only allowed me to grow and expand my knowledge in the field of early childhood education but has also profoundly enriched my personal and professional journey.
Through the support of this outstanding organization, I have gained invaluable skills that have strengthened my ability to engage with children, collaborate with colleagues, and build meaningful relationships with parents. The program’s unwavering commitment to empowering individuals like me is truly inspiring, and its impact extends far beyond education—it changes lives, creates opportunities, and builds brighter futures for countless families."
Marta Valencia, Apprentice
CHARLOTTE BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL, CHARLOTTE
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“We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support Building Bright Futures has provided in helping us grow our team and shape the next generation of educators at A Safe Place. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to empowering future educators have been instrumental in creating a nurturing, inspiring environment for our staff and children alike.
Through their guidance and resources, we've been able to foster meaningful professional development and enhance our ability to make a positive, lasting impact on young learners. The profound difference they have made in supporting our goals and strengthening our mission is invaluable. We are excited to continue our partnership for many years to come, and we thank them wholeheartedly for all their glorious work. Together, we look forward to creating a brighter future for our staff, children, and the broader community.”
Charmaine Winston, Program Administrator
A SAFE PLACE, RALEIGH
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“Being a mentor can both support and strengthen a program overall. You witness mentees gaining knowledge of the field and finding the joy of setting and meeting goals – all of which leads to a sense of fulfillment for both mentors and mentees. There are frequent learning opportunities to gain new perspectives, self-reflect, and sharpen leadership skills.”
Amber Fairbetter, Owner & Mentor
SUNNY SIDE ACADEMY, BLOWING ROCK
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“The financial, educational, and professional support provided by BBF gave us a path to be able to support our educators to gain valuable training and to obtain credentials that not only support their professional growth but also improve the overall quality of our program.”
Megan McCurley, Executive Director
LATINO EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT PARTNERSHIP (LEAP), DURHAM
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