Home   |  Partners



Education is the Key to Success in Today’s Economy
By Marilyn Foote-Hudson
Executive Director
North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

The globalization of the U.S. economy has challenged Americans to be more competitive than ever before. Americans who once believed they had secure, long-term employment are worried about their future. Offshoring and widespread industry consolidations have left many without employment. Furthermore, the new positions being created require further education.

North Carolina’s economy is no different. Our economy, which once thrived on agriculture and manufacturing, now relies on technology, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Higher education is required for nearly all of the new positions being created.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation truly believes that education is the means to achieving individual success in the new labor market. We applaud the Breaking Through initiative for the role it will play in helping individuals to obtain the education they need to thrive in today’s economy. To demonstrate our support, the foundation has awarded a $470,000 grant. This grant expands the Breaking Through program funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

We proudly support this program because we believe every individual deserves the chance to reach their highest potential. It is an exciting time for North Carolina’s Community College System to be joining the initiative. Clearly, this program will be the catalyst to help many North Carolinians improve their lives and earning potential. We look forward to the great results this program will bear.