​​

Founded in 2008 by a dedicated group of local leaders, the Rockingham County Education Foundation (RCEF) was born out of a shared vision: to uplift public education and create new opportunities for students in Rockingham County. This group of business professionals, educators, realtors, and government officials saw the need to respond to the changing economic and educational landscape, with the goal of raising educational attainment levels and attracting businesses to our rural community.

​

However, as the Foundation grew, it became clear that many students faced significant barriers—particularly financial ones—that put college out of reach. To address this, we began researching programs that were making a real difference in students' lives. This journey led us to partner with the Carolina College Advising Corps (CCAC)and the Reidsville Area Foundation** to ensure that every high school student in the county had the personal guidance they needed to pursue higher education.

​

The Advising Corps places well-trained, recent college graduates in our local high schools, offering full-time support to help students, especially those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, navigate the complex college admissions process. These advisors work closely with students and their families on critical steps like financial aid applications (FAFSA), scholarship searches, and SAT/ACT preparation. By fostering a college-going culture within our schools, they help students see higher education as an achievable goal.

​

Our work doesn’t stop there. Through college campus visits, advisors give students the opportunity to experience college life firsthand—an invaluable experience, particularly for first-generation students. We know that these experiences, along with personalized guidance, are essential in breaking down the financial and emotional barriers to college enrollment.

​

In addition to focusing on college readiness, RCEF has expanded its efforts to include early childhood education, workforce development, teacher support programs, and parent engagement. Our mission is to empower students, parents, and educators alike—building a stronger, more vibrant community for future generations.

​

From our humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a vital resource for Rockingham County students, working tirelessly to ensure that education is a pathway to opportunity for all.