Charlotte public education advocate MeckEd ceasing operations after 30 years
After 30 years of advocating for public education for students living in Mecklenburg County, the nonprofit MeckEd said Tuesday it would cease operations Aug. 31.
The nonprofit has spent decades working with students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools through workforce development, college access programs and other experiences to help them prosper both in and out of school, according a news release.
Brought to life in 1991, the goal was to be a critical friend to public schools.
“While we are deeply saddened by this closure, we are immensely proud of the impact we have had on thousands of students over the years,” the nonprofit’s Board Chairwoman Tisha Greene said in the release.
“From helping students navigate the college application process to connecting them with career opportunities, our work has been driven by a commitment to equitable education and student success.”
It’s not clear if the reason the nonprofit is ceasing operations is funding related. The organization will be working with community partners to ensure a smooth transition and continuation of support for students where possible, according to the release.
Greene responded to a separate email inquiry from The Charlotte Observer that MeckEd was not providing any interviews or additional information.
Bill Anderson, the nonprofit’s former executive director said he was unaware of the coming closure until the announcement and was deeply saddened by the news.
“Education in my opinion, is the key,” Anderson said. “Without a strong education system, it’s difficult for all persons in society to thrive.”
Anderson led MeckEd from 2011 to 2015, after a 30-year career with CMS as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent, he said. During his four years with MeckEd, the organization did its best to report on the news of what was happening in CMS and with education in general, he said.
“To be honest, we were advocates for public education and we tried to advocate that everybody would win if we had strong public schools and it was in everybody's best interest to have good schools,” Anderson told the Observer. “That’s a message that just isn’t very sexy. It was hard for some funders to see the benefit of that.”
As funding was a prominent issue for MeckEd, the program did not have the numbers it eeded to keep up with data surrounding grades, absences, drop out rates, improvements, Anderson said. Because of that, MeckEd had to put on events, and raise awareness which added to the difficulties of gaining support from funders.
“I’m not sure that all people in our society value the importance of public education,” Anderson said. “I think there are many who think that public schools can do a better job and be like charter schools, but charter schools have not proven to be any better across the board. I think it’s a sad day for an organization like MeckEd to shutter its doors.”
MeckEd’s website is no longer operational, but its Facebook page is still active.
This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 5:54 PM.
