Every year during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8), teachers are showered with sweet treats, gift cards, and handwritten thank-you notes. It’s a fun and meaningful way to celebrate those who shape our children’s lives every day. These gestures matter, and they are deeply appreciated. But if we want to make

Join CEF at free book fairs across Chatham County this May and June and help students choose books of their own to keep and enjoy over the summer. Books on Break is one of the most joyful ways to support local students. Volunteers help children browse and choose books to

Each year, the Chatham Education Foundation solicits volunteers for Books on Break–free book fairs held each spring at Title 1 and rural schools in Chatham County. It’s a meaningful way to engage with students, helping them choose books to read over the summer and watching their excitement when they learn

Looking for a fun, family-friendly way to support children’s literacy? Join Chatham Reads for a Book Drive during the MOSAIC Beach Music Series—an evening of music, kid activities, and a simple way to help get more books into the hands of Chatham’s kids. Chatham Reads Book Drive Date: May 15,

Every winter students across Chatham County can be found crafting secret plots, fictional heroes, and imagined worlds. Not to cause mischief, but to hone their writing skills as they work on their masterpieces for Chatham County Schools’ Young Authors program. Between January and March, all students in grades K-8 are

When Pittsboro’s CORA Food Pantry expanded in 2023 to include a larger pantry designed like a grocery store, the nonprofit created a waiting area for families to wait until their turn to shop. Because many parents bring their children along, a Chatham Reads volunteer suggested adding a small library in

From boosting college acceptance to providing scholarship opportunities, strong ACT scores can open doors for students. They are also an indicator of a school district’s academic readiness. Districts with higher averages of students achieving a 19 (the UNC System’s minimum for admission) or above, demonstrate strong college preparation, and when

The Chatham Education Foundation (CEF) is proud to announce its Fall 2025 CEF Teaching Grant recipients. From musical instruments and STEM kits to interactive literacy tools, Chatham County students will soon have access to a wide range of hands-on, engaging learning resources—thanks to the generosity of CEF donors. This year,

Chatham Reads, a partnership of the Chatham Education Foundation and Chatham County Schools, is excited to introduce a new, convenient way for our community to support young readers across Chatham County: Children’s Book Donation Boxes at local businesses and partner locations. All year long, we accept new and gently used

There are many reasons a student may be experiencing homelessness. One Chatham County high-school student, for example, was living with his family in their vehicle after the house they were renting was sold. Sometimes they would stay in a hotel for a few days, but that was no longer an