FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE \n\nFebruary 4, 2026 \n\nCharlottesville has been chosen by the National League of Cities (NLC) to move forward in the Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI), entering its implementation phase with a $60,000 grant. This funding, supported by SCEI’s philanthropic contributors, will enable the city to launch the Early Learning Career Launch (ELCL) program in collaboration with United Way of Greater Charlottesville (UWGC). The initiative aims to strengthen economic inclusion by expanding the local early childhood education workforce and providing community members with training pathways into this vital field. \n\nThe city previously received a planning grant during SCEI’s initial stage. Now, with the new implementation funding, Charlottesville will focus on creating sustainable career opportunities in early learning. Support will include technical guidance, data access, peer exchange networks, and expertise from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta—though the Bank itself neither funds nor selects participants. \n\nMeredith Locascio, Vice President of School Resident Impact at UWGC, emphasized the importance of coordinated community efforts: \n\n”The early childhood education sector forms the foundation of our learning system, and ELCL is reshaping how we support it. By uniting childcare providers, community organizations, and resources around a unified goal, we’re establishing clear entry points into the profession and ensuring educators can remain, develop, and succeed. This is how systemic transformation takes root.” \n\nAshley Marshall, Charlottesville’s Chief Prosperity Officer, noted that the grant marks a shift from strategy to execution: \n\n”This funding enables us to act. By broadening access to early learning programs and cultivating new workforce development channels, we’re not only building stable careers but also supporting families and enhancing our community’s long-term economic vitality.” \n\nThe SCEI program includes 14 cities across the Southeast, such as Atlanta, Little Rock, New Orleans, and Harrisonburg. NLC CEO Clarence E. Anthony highlighted the region’s potential: \n\n”The South demonstrates extraordinary strength, innovation, and resilience. These cities are well-positioned to tackle challenges like limited job creation, capital access, and affordable housing. We’re proud to partner with them—and with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta—to foster more robust, inclusive economies where every resident can thrive.” \n\nThe implementation phase will run from January 2026 to December 2027. Additional support comes from The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. \n\nMore information is available at https://www.nlc.org/initiative/southern-cities-economic-inclusion-scei-expanding-capacity-building-resilience/ \n\nAbout United Way of Greater Charlottesville: \n\nThe organization focuses on Financial Stability, School Readiness, and Connected Community initiatives to help individuals and families flourish. Visit www.unitedwaycville.org or follow @UnitedWayCville on social platforms for updates. \n\n— news from City of Charlottesville (.gov)
