About Us

The Gaston County Education Foundation was organized in 1992 to enhance educational opportunities for teachers and students in the Gaston County public school system. Since that time, more than $1.5 million in grants and scholarships have benefited teachers and students in the district.

Mission

Our mission is to support underfunded programs and projects that enhance educational opportunities for Gaston County public schools.

Vision

Our vision is to provide a learning environment for Gaston County public schools free from financial limitations.

The Gaston County Education Foundation is an essential resource connecting students, teachers, and the community in the heart of Gaston County, North Carolina.

Programs

“Are You Smarter than a Gaston County Fifth Grader” has become a yearly tradition that pairs area businesses with local elementary schools for a friendly competition to raise funds and foster community spirit. Adults and students attempt to answer questions from third, fourth, and fifth-grade state tests. At the end of the evening, one school and one business are able to claim that they are “Smarter Than a Gaston County Fifth Grader!” The event celebrates over 360 participants with an auditorium full of enthusiastic fans. The “Are You Smarter Than a Gaston County Fifth Grader” event serves as a major source of funding for our grant cycles.

The Gaston County Schools Evening of Excellence has been an impactful partnership with Gaston County Schools. The foundation is able to further its mission by supporting the teachers, students, and employees of Gaston County Schools by funding awards for Teacher of the Year, New Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Central Office Administrator of the Year. These winners receive personal development funding for their achievements.

The Glenn Sisters Legacy Fund for Educators is a collaborative grant funded by the Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Sisters Foundation. This program is designed to provide financial assistance for educators in Gaston County public schools seeking to fund continuing education, certification/re-certification, and development courses that can be implemented in the classroom.

Each year, the Gaston County Education Foundation sponsors one nationally acclaimed keynote speaker for the Teaching and Learning Conference held in August.