North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) hosted a special celebration on Saturday, March 29, to mark the 10th Anniversary of its Award-Winning Afterschool Program. The event, held on the Southern Bank Green at the heart of campus, brought together community members, faculty, students, and program supporters to recognize a decade of impact in education.
The celebration featured an invocation, greetings, and reflections from esteemed speakers, including Deon Bailey, Joylette Whitaker, Dr. Chad Ross, Sarah Turner, Dr. Patricia Brewer, and Dr. Kelvin Spragley. In addition to the esteemed speakers were testimonials from the students and their parents, covering their challenges and successes in the program. Attendees also enjoyed games, activities, and a parade to conclude the event.
The Afterschool Tutorial Initiative was launched in February 2015 through NCWU’s Teacher Education Program in collaboration with the Association for the Learning Disabled and Handicapped (ALDH). The initiative was created in response to the growing need for intensive, specialized services for K-12 students with learning differences. Through strong partnerships with parents, Nash and Edgecombe County Schools, and ALDH, the program quickly became a vital resource for students and their families.
Over the years, the program has evolved into an integrated clinical lab, utilizing research-based practices in math and reading. NCWU students enrolled in the Introduction to Exceptional Children (SPE 300) course work directly with K-12 students, providing individualized training and resources to enhance learning outcomes. These pre-service educators gain valuable experience by applying social learning strategies, tracking progress, conducting parent-student conferences, and developing accommodations tailored to each child’s educational plan.
Dr. Patricia Brewer, Executive Director of the Afterschool Program, plays a crucial role in coordinating instruction and providing advocacy training for parents. These advocacy sessions equip families with tools and strategies to support their children’s academic success, including simulated parent conferences and specialized training modules.
Since its inception, the program has celebrated numerous student achievements. Two high school graduates have already launched successful career paths—one securing employment at Amazon in Cary, N.C., and another completing welding training at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, N.C. Additionally, many participating students have earned local, state, and national recognition for their academic, social, and emotional growth. In April 2024, the Award-Winning Program was featured in the national newspaper Education Week, addressing educator preparation programs on parent and family engagement.
The Afterschool Program was designated as an award-winning initiative by the National Education Association and the NC Student Association of Educators in 2016. Over the past decade, 31 students have participated in the program, with seven publications showcasing its impact.
NCWU remains committed to fostering student success through innovative and inclusive educational programs. The University is proud to celebrate this milestone and looks forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of students for years to come.
NC Wesleyan Invites Businesses to Rock the Mount
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Local businesses, churches and organizations can register today to meet NC Wesleyan University’s incoming Class of 2023 at the College’s eighth annual Rock the Mount event. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, August 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Rock the Mount is an annual tradition for NC Wesleyan to welcome new students to campus and to the community. It takes place the day before the College’s first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. Local businesses and organizations are given the opportunity to come and celebrate the start of a new school year with food, music and free advertising.
Each year, hundreds of students flow through a Bishop Tunnel, formed by cheering returning students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. The tunnel leads them to the Southern Bank Green, located in the center of campus, where businesses and organizations are setup with booths displaying their products and services. Last year’s Rock the Mount event brought 75 vendors to campus, including companies such as BB&T, Bojangles’ and Sheetz.
NC Wesleyan aims to have even more vendors this year. “This event was established in order to help build relationships between the College and the greater Rocky Mount area,” stated Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at Wesleyan. “Students are able to discover many of the area businesses and places to worship, as well as have the chance to discover volunteer and part-time job opportunities.”
The event is free to vendors and the College provides a six-foot folding table, two chairs and complimentary lunch. Exhibitors are required to bring table covers, while power cords and small tents (no larger than 10’ x 10’) are encouraged. Vendors can begin setting up the day of the event on the Southern Bank Green at 9:30 a.m. and are asked to have setup completed by 10:30 a.m.
Display spaces are limited, so businesses and organizations are encouraged to sign up now. All who would like to participate must register online by Friday, August 2 at rockthemount2019.eventbrite.com. For additional questions, contact Tammy Robinson at trobinson@ncwu.edu or at 252.985.5581.
