Microschools are one of the one of the newest and most creative ways to deliver educational services. Microschools are small often community-centered learning environments that are revolutionizing education by launching innovative learning environments. It is estimated North Carolina has between one hundred and two hundred microschools, although the number is probably higher since most microschools are largely organic efforts, which often fly under the radar of state government or other regulatory apparatus.
In early May, the John Locke Foundation hosted a daylong conference on microschools and their challenges (read about it here). One of the biggest problems microschool founders face is funding and how to obtain it. Several presenters spoke on that topic and how they meet those challenges.
In response to that need, we are happy to announce that that Stand Together and the Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation are creating a Microschool Loan Program. The program allows school founders and entrepreneurs to apply for loans of between $5,000 and $50,000. Loans can be used for facilities, training, curriculum, licensing, staffing, and marketing.
To express your interest, learn about eligibility criteria or receive access to a loan application see here.
