Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools
SMITHFIELD — The Johnston County Teaching Educators and Coming Home (JoCo TEACH) program has come full circle, as the first scholarship recipient has returned to teach in the school district this fall.
Carter Clever, a 2023 Smithfield-Selma High graduate, was awarded one of the inaugural JoCo TEACH scholarships. He received a high school diploma and earned an Associate in Science through a partnership with Johnston Community College, then entered North Carolina State University as a junior, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Technology, Engineering and Design Education.
Now, Clever has begun his first year as a Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Design and Development teacher at his alma mater.
Established in 2019, JoCo TEACH is an exclusive program offered at SSS geared towards students seeking a degree in education. The program is designed to train future educators and have them return as teachers with JCPS.
In addition to providing a pathway for students seeking a career in education, JoCo TEACH also offers five annual scholarships allocating $30,000 to each recipient.
Distributed annually in the amount of $10,000 over three years, recipients can attend the college of their choice. Once scholarship recipients have received a Bachelor of Education degree, they agree to return and teach with JCPS for at least three years.
“It is truly inspirational to see the vision of the JoCo TEACH program come full circle,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. David Pearce. “Carter Clever’s return to Johnston County Public Schools affirms the success of this program and the district’s commitment to education in Johnston County. We are fortunate to provide this opportunity to passionate students who have dreams of making an impact in education close to home.”
JoCo TEACH Coordinator and program visionary Suzanne Sweat was instrumental in the establishment of the scholarship, designed to alleviate the financial burden for students seeking a career in education.
Through creative collaborative efforts, Sweat worked with district leadership to develop the JoCo TEACH Scholarship, which has provided financial assistance for JCPS students ever since.
