The partnership between Elon University and Alamance-Burlington School System is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
Alamance-Burlington School System recognized the strength and impact of its partnership with Elon University on the It Takes a Village Project at the school system’s inaugural Evening of Excellence Celebration on Thursday, April. 27.
The ABSS Partnership Excellence Award was presented to Jean Rattigan Rohr, founder of the “It Takes a Village Project,” which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. The project is a collaboration between Elon tutors and Alamance-Burlington Schools teachers and principals to improve the academic attainment of elementary grade students in the 12 Title One schools from surrounding Alamance County communities.
The honor was one of two awards presented to community partners during the evening, which was a celebration of the system’s top educators, staff and students. This year, the ABSS Community Impact Award was given to Alamance Community College for its transformative impact on countless individuals, allowing them to achieve their goals and realize their full potential.
About 300 Elon University students and other volunteers now annually tutor children and partner with parents and guardians, 60 public school teachers, and school liaisons and principals in all 12 Title I elementary schools in the Alamance-Burlington School System. The program was able to expand to all Title I schools in the county thanks to a $1.25 million grant from the Oak Foundation announced in 2021.
On Wednesday, May 3, the Village Project will be celebrating 15 years of impact in Alumni Gym from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a program that features remarks from President Connie Ledoux Book, Jean Rattigan-Rohr and others as well as food face-painting and more.