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Friday Institute to Serve as Administrative Lead and Strategic Research Partner for Blue Ribbon…

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Headshot of Bilbro-Berry, a woman with short blonde hair in a blue blazer

Aug 12, 2026

2026 Friday Medal Awarded to Laura Bilbro-Berry

The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation has selected Laura Bilbro-Berry, literacy manager with the North Carolina Partnership for Children, to receive its 2026 Friday Medal award.  “Laura Bilbro-Berry exemplifies the…
Two women sit next to each other at a table while talking and smiling. Laptops are in front of each of them.

Jul 9, 2026

Cultivating Wonder in the Age of AI: North Carolina Educators Explore the Future of Statistics and Data Science

Many educators are asking what artificial intelligence can do to support them or students in the classroom. But those at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation’s Electronic Conference on Teaching…
A student in graduation robes and a cap poses on a sidewalk in front of a storefront

Jun 17, 2026

From MSEN Student to Park Scholar: Melanie Martinez Finds Her Path in STEM

When Melanie Martinez first joined the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network Pre-College Program, or NC-MSEN, as a sixth grader, she did not come from a family with deep…
A group poses outside the Friday Institute building--a gridlike building with rectangular blocks and shapes

Jun 11, 2026

Friday Institute, SETDA Lead Interstate Collaboration on AI Integration

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) use in K-12 schools, 34 state education agencies have developed guidance and policies to help K-12 schools and educators navigate the integration of…
Two professionals sit at a table having a conversation

May 29, 2026

Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education Discusses School Accountability, Literacy at Second Meeting

If nearly a third of North Carolina schools receive a D or F, what is the accountability system actually telling us? What will it take to sustain and extend early…
A young teenage girl holds a trophy and wears a medal around her neck

May 27, 2026

From Saturday Academy to State Champion: MSEN Student Turns Stock Market Passion Into Statewide Win

When Gabrielle Jacobs joined Saturday Academy, part of the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network (NC-MSEN) Pre-College Program, she was following in her siblings’ footsteps. Her older brother and…
A line of four professionals sit on a stage in chairs in front of the NC Digital Opportunity Gathering standing banner

May 18, 2026

Beyond Broadband: How the Friday Institute Is Turning Digital Access Data Into Action Across North Carolina

A student pulls into a McDonald’s parking lot after school, laptop balanced in their lap, searching for enough Wi-Fi signal to submit homework before midnight. A parent struggles to access…
Announcing staff awards for excellence

May 15, 2026

Marie Himes, Joni Lancaster Receive College of Education’s Awards for Excellence

Marie Himes and Joni Lancaster are the recipients of the College of Education’s 2026 Awards for Excellence, which recognize employees who demonstrate excellence in their college or department, the NC State campus community or in the lives of others.
Member photo of the Blue Ribbon Commission featuring about 30 professionals looking up at a camera from the second floor. Front Row: Dr. Don Martin (Co-chair), Senator Gladys Robinson, Marisha Merchant, Representative Tricia Cotham, Dr. Del Burns, Lisa Godwin, Representative Brian Biggs, Senator Dana Jones, Representative Cynthia Ball, Anne Faircloth (Co-chair), Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Dr. Ashton Clemmons Middle Row: Brenda Berg, Teresa Branch, Allen E. Gant, Jr., Matthew Bristow-Smith, Dr. Jason Gardner, Dr. Connie Book, Anna Spangler Nelson, Dr. Jonathan Bryant Back Row: Dr. Bill Harrison, Representative Brandon Lofton, Superintendent Mo Green, Dr. Jeff Cox, Alan Duncan, Senator Brad Overcash Not Pictured: Senator Kevin Corbin, Representative David Willis, Dr. Robert Taylor

May 15, 2026

Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education Focuses on Student Success for First Meeting

As the Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education convened its first meeting at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation April 27, preparing every student for success was at the forefront…
Friday Institute building name

Apr 21, 2026

Friday Institute to Serve as Administrative Lead and Strategic Research Partner for Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education

The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation will serve as the administrative lead and strategic research partner for the newly formed Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education, supporting the coordination, convening…