FREQUENTLY asked questions

What is the NC ACCESS Program?

A statewide initiative of the North Carolina Office of Charter Schools through a U.S. Department of Education Charter School Programs (CSP) grant of approximately $36,600,000 to:

  • Increase the number of educationally disadvantaged students attending high-quality charter schools and expand the number of high-quality charter schools available to educationally disadvantaged students;

  • Create a cohort of 160 charter school leaders who can develop and demonstrate best practices in serving educationally disadvantaged students; and

  • Broadly disseminate best practices in serving educationally disadvantaged students and foster collaboration in the charter school community and between charter schools and traditional public schools.

To achieve these goals, the NC ACCESS Program will award 60 school-level subgrants, complete 5 cohorts of the ACCESS Fellowship, and disseminate best practices on this website.

How long does the program last?

The NC ACCESS Program is made possible through a 5-year federal CSP grant. The Program began in October 2018 and will last until September 2023.

How long does the subgrant application and approval process take?

The time spent writing an application will vary by applicant, but the NC ACCESS team will provide technical assistance from October up to the application deadline on March 1st.

Letters of Intent are due on January 15th and full applications are due on March 1st. The approval process takes about 5 months, from submission of the application on March 1st to final approval of subgrant awards by the State Board in July.

How do I know if my school is eligible for a subgrant?

Subgrant eligibility requirements are outlined in the Eligibility Requirements section of the NC ACCESS Program Subgrant Application Process Guidance document.

Who approves subgrant funding?

The Charter School Advisory Board (CSAB) and State Board of Education (SBE) approval all subgrant awards.

What does “educationally disadvantaged” mean?

The NC ACCESS Program defines “educationally disadvantaged” as:

  • Students who are economically disadvantaged

  • Students with disabilities

  • English learners

  • Unaccompanied youth or students experiencing homelessness

  • Migrant students

  • Immigrant students

How much funding is available to individual subgrantees?

Applicants applying for “Planning and Implementation” or “Implementation Only” subgrants may request up to $800,000. Applicants applying for “Expansion” or “Replication” subgrants may request up to $1,250,000. Final funding recommendations are based on a number of factors.

How can non-subgrantee schools receive support?

The NC ACCESS Program provides the following additional leadership opportunities for all NC charter schools:

The Program also shares best practices and strategies for all schools to search and implement.

Who should I contact with more questions?

Please contact any member of the NC ACCESS team at ncaccess@dpi.nc.gov or (984) 236-2700.