North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley on Monday delivered more than 1,500 school supplies collected by Commerce employees to Northwest Elementary School in Kinston as part of the Governor’s School Supply Drive.
“Every student deserves the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and prepare for a rewarding career,” said Secretary Lilley. “I’m proud of the Commerce team for coming together to support students in Lenoir County, and I’m grateful to the educators and families who work every day to help young people discover their potential.”
The statewide drive, led by Governor Josh Stein in partnership with the State Employees’ Credit Union, collected more than 110,000 school supplies from state employees and other contributors. North Carolina public school teachers pay the second-highest amount in the country for their students’ school supplies. On average, they pay more than $1,600 out of pocket. The Governor’s School Supply Drive helps to reduce the burden on teachers and students so that they can focus on learning.
“We appreciate Secretary Lilley coming to Lenoir County and Northwest Elementary School,” said Brent Williams, Superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools. “This investment in our students, our school system, and our community means a great deal to us.”
Lilley’s visit to Northwest Elementary comes as students return to school and North Carolina prepares to recognize September as Career Exploration and Workforce Readiness Month, highlighting the importance of helping students explore career opportunities and prepare for the workforce. The visit included a tour, a student-led STEM presentation, and a presentation on the school system’s workforce development programs.
“What we’re doing here at Northwest is representative of what we’re doing across our whole school system, which is everything that we can for the kids that we’re so richly blessed to serve,” said Williams. “We appreciate the Secretary delivering the school supplies and words of encouragement.”
Commerce supports that effort through NCcareers.org, which provides students and job seekers with resources to explore careers, learn about in-demand occupations and plan their next steps, and NCWorks, the official state workforce development system in North Carolina that connects job seekers with employment opportunities, training programs and career resources.
Lilley was joined at the event by local NCWorks Career Center managers Jamie Wallace of Wayne County and Reeshema Walker of Craven County.
“A strong workforce starts with strong students, and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow starts today. That’s why Commerce is focused on strengthening connections between education and the workforce — from career awareness and work-based learning to resources like NCcareers.org and the career and employment services provided through NCWorks,” Lilley said.
Northwest Elementary serves approximately 500 students and is recognized as a Model STEM School of Distinction and an Apple School of Excellence. Lenoir County Public Schools serves 8,000 students across 17 schools.
The Governor’s School Supply Drive is in its eighth year. Donations were collected at all 275 State Employees’ Credit Union branches, along with additional contributions through state cabinet agencies.
The school supply drive is part of a broader effort to support students, teachers and families while preparing North Carolina’s future workforce. Lilley serves as a co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, which includes representatives from K-12 education and works to strengthen connections between education and career opportunities. The Council’s work aligns with Commerce’s focus on building a resilient, future-ready workforce.
“Investing in our public schools is an investment in the skilled workforce North Carolina needs to be First in Opportunity,” said Lilley. “Companies are attracted to North Carolina because of our talent, and building our future workforce starts with educators and our public schools.”