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First Citizens Donates $10,000 to GSSM for Summer Camp Expansion

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 22:58 GMT by Post and Courier

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Local Middle School GSSM Secures $10,000 Donation from First Citizens to Expand Summer Camp Programs

A recent partnership between the Grand Street Secondary Middle (GSSM) and First Citizens Bank has secured a $10,000 grant that will allow the school to launch and expand a series of student‑centric camps over the coming summer. The donation, announced by GSSM’s principal, Dr. Lisa Hernandez, in a brief interview for The Post‑and‑Courier, represents a significant boost to the district’s already stretched budget and underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to community education.

What the Money Will Do

The grant is earmarked for a range of after‑school and summer enrichment activities that the school’s guidance department has been developing for years. According to Dr. Hernandez, the funds will cover:

• STEM‑Focused Camps – Hands‑on robotics, coding, and engineering projects, including a partnership with the nearby North Carolina Institute of Technology that supplies mentors and equipment.
• Arts & Culture Workshops – Creative writing, visual arts, and music production sessions, with local artists acting as instructors.
• Leadership & Wellness Programs – Activities that blend team building with mindfulness practices, designed to promote holistic well‑being among the students.

“$10,000 is a game‑changer for us,” Hernandez said. “It allows us to hire a full‑time camp coordinator, purchase supplies, and provide transportation for the students who would otherwise be unable to attend. More importantly, it gives our students a chance to explore subjects they may not get to experience in the regular curriculum.”

The grant will also help cover the costs of a new “Digital Learning Hub,” a space the school intends to use during and after the camps for computer‑based learning. The hub will feature a 24‑hour computer lab, upgraded Wi‑Fi, and software licenses for educational tools such as Scratch and Tinkercad. In a statement, First Citizens’ community outreach director, Marcy Thompson, expressed pride in supporting the initiative. “Investing in the next generation’s learning environment is a priority for us. We are thrilled to partner with GSSM and see the tangible impact this will have on their students.”

Why GSSM?

GSSM, located in the heart of Wilmington’s historic King Street district, serves roughly 550 students across grades 6–8. The school is known for its rigorous STEM curriculum and community outreach programs. In recent years, the school has struggled to keep up with the growing demand for extracurricular activities, largely due to budget constraints imposed by the state’s declining education funding. The $10,000 donation is the most substantial local grant GSSM has received in a decade.

The school district’s budget statement for the 2024‑2025 fiscal year noted that $2.3 million in state appropriations are allocated to the district, leaving local schools to rely on community partnerships for additional funding. GSSM’s administration highlighted that the grant is a welcome relief, especially as the school plans to maintain its enrollment numbers amid competing charter and private schools in the region.

A Broader Community Partnership

The article also referenced First Citizens’ long‑standing role as a community partner. The bank’s “First Citizens Gives Back” program, outlined on its website (link: https://www.firstcitizens.com/community/), offers matching grants to local nonprofits and schools. In a footnote to the article, a link was provided to a prior press release detailing a $5,000 grant the bank gave to the Wilmington Literacy Initiative earlier this year. This consistent support has cemented the relationship between the institution and GSSM, and many local educators see the partnership as a model for public‑private collaboration.

Beyond the financial contribution, First Citizens will also provide logistical support for the summer camps. The bank’s corporate volunteer team will assist with on‑site registration, safety protocols, and post‑camp evaluation. The bank’s commitment to youth development aligns with the school’s mission to “empower students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.”

Future Plans and Community Impact

Principal Hernandez emphasized that the $10,000 grant is just the beginning. She envisions expanding the camp program to accommodate 20% more students in the next two years and adding new themes such as environmental science and entrepreneurship. She also expressed interest in partnering with the local community college to offer dual‑credit courses for upper‑level students during the summer. A link to the Wilmington Community College’s summer program page was included in the article for those who wish to explore the potential collaboration.

In terms of community engagement, the article notes that the camps will include a “Parent‑Teacher‑Student Day,” which will serve as a forum for community members to witness the students’ projects and provide feedback. The event will also highlight First Citizens’ role in fostering educational innovation and serve as a showcase for potential future donors.

Takeaway

The $10,000 donation from First Citizens to GSSM demonstrates how local businesses can directly influence the educational experiences of youth in their communities. By funding a range of camps that emphasize STEM, arts, leadership, and wellness, the partnership ensures that students receive a well‑rounded, immersive education beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. The article’s call to action encourages readers to support similar initiatives, either through donations, volunteering, or advocacy for sustained educational funding.

With the support of First Citizens, GSSM is poised to provide its students with opportunities that were previously out of reach. The school’s leadership, community partners, and students themselves are all looking forward to a summer of learning, creativity, and growth—an outcome that will likely ripple through the wider Wilmington community for years to come.