SECU Foundation gives $300,000 grant to the North Carolina Museum of Art

In Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 12, 2024, SECU Foundation pledged a significant grant of $300,000 to the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) Foundation to enhance its Artist Innovation Mentorship (AIM) program. This funding aims to significantly broaden the program's reach, allowing it to serve 1,200 middle school students from rural and underserved communities across the state. The initiative initially began in 2021 as a pilot program and has since resulted in over 350 students participating and achieving more than 12,700 hours of artistic education and mentorship. The AIM program connects students with local artists from various backgrounds such as universities and art organizations, providing them with vital role models and fostering creativity through artmaking. By 2028, with the help of this expansion, the AIM program aspires to extend its services to cover 50 counties in North Carolina, thus impacting more communities where access to arts education is limited. Jama Campbell, Executive Director of SECU Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for supporting the AIM program, highlighting its positive influence on North Carolina's youth and its potential to instill valuable creative thinking skills during formative years in education. She remarked on the essential role that art plays in fostering learning and personal development in children, especially those with limited exposure to artistic endeavors. Dr. Valerie Hillings, Director and CEO of the NCMA, also conveyed gratitude for the SECU Foundation's support, emphasizing the recognition this grant brings to the work that NCMA does. She pointed out the importance of having confidence in their mission and its value to the communities they serve. The grant signifies a commitment to enhancing the landscape of arts education in North Carolina and ensuring that young individuals have avenues for expression and creativity.