Lee County Education Foundation Featured at Sanford Area Growth Alliance Public Policy Luncheon

September, 2025

Sanford- The Lee County Education Foundation was honored to be featured at the Sanford Area Growth Alliance’s September Public Policy Luncheon, where Executive Director Wendy Wicker Phillips shared the Foundation’s story, impact, and vision for the future.

Since its founding in 2003, LCEF has grown a $1.3 million endowment, distributed more than $2.5 million, and impacted over 10,000 students in Lee County Schools. The presentation highlighted key initiatives that are shaping education locally, including the Head of Class Awards, which celebrate and reward all school staff for student growth; the Temple Sloan Lee County Teaching Fellows Awards, which provides $36,000 in funding for aspiring teachers who commit to return to teach in Lee County; and LocalLee, a collaborative teacher pipeline developed with Lee County Schools and Central Carolina Community College. There are also plans to revive the Durable Skills Project, which focuses on soft skills, job readiness, and mentorship for targeted students in Lee County Schools’ middle schools. 

Phillips also spotlighted the Foundation’s strong partnerships with Lee County Schools, the Ernest & Ruby McSwain Worthy Lands Trust, the Temple Sloan Family Foundation, and Central Carolina Community College all of which make LCEF’s work more impactful.

“The crowd was warm and welcoming,” said Phillips. “It was an honor to share the story of the Lee County Education Foundation. The work the Foundation has accomplished over the years is quite remarkable, and seeing established initiatives continue alongside the addition of new programs is truly exciting for Lee County Schools and for our community as a whole.”

The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Sanford Area Growth Alliance for the opportunity to share our story and for their ongoing commitment to Lee County. If your business or organization would be interested in learning more about the Foundation’s work, please reach out to Executive Director Wendy Wicker Phillips. She would welcome the opportunity to connect and share our story.