North Carolina Commerce Secretary Advances Educational Support with School Supply Donation
In a significant boost to educational resources, North Carolina’s Department of Commerce Secretary, Lee Lilley, delivered over 1,500 school supplies to Northwest Elementary School in Kinston. This initiative is part of the Governor’s School Supply Drive aimed at easing the financial burden on teachers and enhancing student learning experiences.
“Every student deserves the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and prepare for a rewarding career,” said Secretary Lilley. “I’m proud of the Commerce team for coming together to support students in Lenoir County, and I’m grateful to the educators and families who work every day to help young people discover their potential.”
The statewide campaign, orchestrated by Governor Josh Stein and the State Employees’ Credit Union, amassed more than 110,000 supplies from state employees and other contributors. With North Carolina public school teachers typically spending over $1,600 from their own pockets annually, the drive alleviates this financial strain, allowing educators and students to concentrate on education.
Expressing gratitude, Brent Williams, Superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools, remarked, “We appreciate Secretary Lilley coming to Lenoir County and Northwest Elementary School. This investment in our students, our school system, and our community means a great deal to us.”
Lilley’s visit coincided with the start of the school year and the upcoming recognition of Career Exploration and Workforce Readiness Month in September. The visit featured a comprehensive tour, student-led STEM presentation, and an overview of the school’s workforce development initiatives.
“What we’re doing here at Northwest is representative of what we’re doing across our whole school system, which is everything that we can for the kids that we’re so richly blessed to serve,” said Williams. “We appreciate the Secretary delivering the school supplies and words of encouragement.”
The Department of Commerce supports career readiness through platforms like NCcareers.org, facilitating career exploration and planning, and NCWorks, connecting job seekers with employment and training opportunities.
Local NCWorks Career Center managers Jamie Wallace and Reeshema Walker also attended the event. Secretary Lilley emphasized, “A strong workforce starts with strong students, and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow starts today. That’s why Commerce is focused on strengthening connections between education and the workforce — from career awareness and work-based learning to resources like NCcareers.org and the career and employment services provided through NCWorks.”
Northwest Elementary, hosting approximately 500 students, is acknowledged as a Model STEM School of Distinction and an Apple School of Excellence. Lenoir County Public Schools serve 8,000 students across 17 schools.
Now in its eighth year, the Governor’s School Supply Drive collected donations at 275 State Employees’ Credit Union branches and through state cabinet agencies. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support students, teachers, and families while equipping North Carolina’s future workforce.
Secretary Lilley, who co-chairs the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, collaborates with K-12 representatives to enhance education-to-career connections. This aligns with Commerce’s dedication to cultivating a future-ready workforce.
“Investing in our public schools is an investment in the skilled workforce North Carolina needs to be First in Opportunity,” said Lilley. “Companies are attracted to North Carolina because of our talent, and building our future workforce starts with educators and our public schools.”
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