WIN FOR THE STUDENTS, THE SCHOOLS,
AND THE COMMUNITY

About Us

The Elkin Educational Foundation Inc. (EEF) supports the educational programs of Elkin City Schools as students prepare for college and careers in a global economy. The primary focus of the EEF is to enhance and support the academic and enrichment programs provided for all students. To carry out this mission, the Elkin Educational Foundation seeks private and corporate contributions and gifts. The Foundation also develops proposals for projects and programs for presentation to private, corporate, and philanthropic organizations for sponsorship and funding. The EEF is a vital resource for the acceptance and solicitation of monetary gifts. This enables the school system to meet diverse needs that could not be achieved solely with public funding. Through the approval of the EEF board, the foundation grants funds for academic programs, technology innovation and support, educational materials, and overall teaching innovations. Through these grants, the EEF helps Elkin City Schools meet their goals and enhances the lives of staff and students. The EEF also awards vocational-technical scholarships to Elkin High School students and alumni who wish to pursue a two-year degree or certification at one of the area’s community colleges. The student completes an application and is interviewed by a member of EEF’s scholarship committee.  EEF has expanded their role to arrange internships and provide mentoring to scholarship winners through community college and into a good-paying occupation. Thus, the expanded organization will have a two-fold mission that will 1) enable our students, while in school, to receive a better education, and 2) after they graduate, will support their education in a vocational-technical field that will be profitable for them and will serve community needs for skilled workers. We consider that a WIN for our students, the school, and the community.

Our Structure

The Elkin Educational Foundation is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. It is incorporated under North Carolina Law as a nonprofit corporation. It is governed by board members including parents, administrators, alumni, and community members. Faculty, staff, and members of the business community provide much needed input and support. The EEF is a true reflection of a community that believes preparation for college and careers begins with an outstanding student-focused educational experience at Elkin City Schools.

Left to right: Doug Reinhardt, Katy Reece, Pratt Davis, Teresa Brown, Doug Hinson, Maureen McCartan, Rick Hurt, Betty Holthouser, Amanda Burton, Jim Harrell, Steve Hall, and Jason Couch. Not pictured: Andrew Ange.

Our History

On July 1, 2023, two leading Elkin educational foundations – Elkin Academic Enrichment Foundation and Blue and Gold Alumni Scholarship – merged to form one powerhouse foundation to support Elkin City Schools and its mission. This new organization is the Elkin Educational Foundation (EEF), and the mission is “to provide financial support and resources to Elkin City Schools in pursuit of excellence in teaching, innovation in the classroom, and superior learning and scholarship opportunities for all students”.

The Elkin Academic Enrichment Foundation, started in 2016, was the brainchild of Frank Beals, an Elkin financial adviser. The foundation’s primary sources of fundraising were an annual bingo event and individual donations. The first Teacher Grants were awarded to Elkin teachers in Fall 2019. In 2020, EAEF received a significant gift from the Gilmer Hinson Trust allowing the foundation to offer greater support for ECS programs. During COVID, EAEF provided funding for outdoor classrooms so students could attend class in person rather than remote. In 2020, ECS started the Dual Language Immersion project, with a seven-year commitment of $50,000 per year from EAEF. In 2021, EAEF provided funding for academic software for the alternative learning program. In the Spring of 2023, the Executive Committee of EAEF approached the Blue and Gold Alumni Scholarship Foundation about a possible merger of the two foundations.

The concept of the Blue and Gold Alumni Scholarship started in 2018 when EHS Class of 1968 (Golden Elks) led by John Reed dreamt up the idea for a new alumni scholarship using remaining reunion funds. During 2018-2019, interest increased during informal alumni lunches and phone call, and donations were given to supplement the reunion funds. In 2020, an EHS alumnus calls Doug Reinhardt to “endow” the scholarship, and the Blue and Gold Alumni Scholarship became a reality.  The first six scholarships were awarded in 2021 to students entering programs of study in vocational technical fields. Blue and Gold Alumni Scholarships were given to ten seniors in 2022, and nine seniors and one alumna in 2023.

July 1, 2023, the EAEF was merged with the Blue and Gold Alumni Scholarship Foundation.  The officers of the Blue and Gold Alumni Scholarship (BGAS) were elected as the officers of the EAEF with Doug Reinhardt becoming the Executive Director of the merged organization.  The board is comprised of members from both the EAEF and Blue and Gold Alumni Scholarship boards. The board selected the new name, Elkin Educational Foundation.