History of Wake Education Partnership
Wake Education Partnership began in 1983 as North Carolina's first independent local education fund (LEF). With seed funding from The Ford Foundation, the Partnership was initially envisioned by leaders from the public schools and the community as a source of funds to promote innovative teaching, student achievement, teacher enrichment and professional development. The Partnership began the Food for Thought teacher grants program that year, raising funds through the inaugural performance of Pieces of Gold.
Although the Partnership has evolved through several stages in its growth, today the organization proactively involves diverse community stakeholders in the development of shared goals for change in the public schools. Among the chief collaborators with the Partnership are neighborhood activists, parents, teachers, business leaders and representatives of agencies, universities, government and the public schools. Teacher Leadership Grants (formerly known as Food for Thought) and Pieces of Gold continue as part of the Partnership's work, joined by a broad portfolio of programs addressing issues around teaching quality, leadership development and healthy schools.
Developing leadership for the advancement of local education funds in North Carolina and nationally is also important to the Partnership. Through links with the Washington, D.C.-based Public Education Network and the Public School Forum of North Carolina, efforts are underway to establish and enhance local education funds in every school community. To learn more about our priorities for the current year, please review our Program of Work.
The
Partnership’s Blue Flame
The blue flame logo, shown at right, was prepared in 1985 by Rasor & Rasor. The upward direction of the flame and “W” symbolizes growth and success, as well as the search for excellence. The three individual elements symbolize the student, the teacher and the community, while the variation of each element represents individuality. The logo's circular shape symbolizes continuity of the organization and its continued efforts to promote, recognize and support excellence in education.The central element of the stylized flame symbolizes the flame from the lamp of knowledge, suggesting the organization's goal of seeking excellence in public education. The central element also becomes the letter “W” for "Wake."