The US Department of Education has awarded NC New Schools (NCNS) an Investing in Innovation (i3) scale-up grant totaling $20 million to support the expansion of NCNS’ proven early college strategies into traditional high schools in rural areas. The purpose of this Golden LEAF grant is to provide contribute toward the required $1 million match. Funds will be used by NCNS to enhance existing efforts in Hertford, Duplin, Rutherford and Surry counties and to initiate the project in Harnett County.