Wake Forest University Secures $30 Million Investment to Transform Character Education Programs

Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, recently announced a significant boost in funding. Over $30 million from the Lilly Endowment will be used to strengthen a national network focused on character education in higher education.

This funding will enhance the Educating Character Initiative (ECI). ECI is a community of educators from over 400 colleges and universities. Their goal is to find new ways to integrate character education into their curricula. Since its launch in 2023 as part of the Program for Leadership and Character, ECI has awarded $35 million in grants, hosted monthly webinars, and provided personalized support through consultations.

The recent funding marks an additional $10 million for institutional impact grants this year, with another $20 million earmarked for future grantmaking in 2026.

According to N. Clay Robbins, chairman and CEO of Lilly Endowment, the founders believed that developing strong character is crucial for individuals and society. He noted, “There is a growing interest from colleges and universities in strengthening character education. It’s essential for cultivating a new generation of leaders who can rebuild trust and boost civic engagement.” This viewpoint echoes a wider trend: recent surveys show that 85% of students believe universities should focus more on character development alongside academic success.

As society emphasizes moral and ethical leadership, initiatives like ECI are crucial. They help foster environments where future leaders can thrive both ethically and professionally. This emphasis on character in education can also be seen in social media trends, where students and educators are increasingly discussing the importance of character building in the learning process.

With this funding, Wake Forest University and its partners are positioned to make a meaningful impact on character education, shaping not just individual students but also the communities they will serve.

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