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.
The Partnership has evolved through several stages in its growth. Today, its efforts are focused on bringing together a wide range of people and groups within the community to help develop a shared set of goals for the public schools. Among those who often work with the Partnership are 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.
The Partnership’s Blue Flame
The blue flame logo 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."