School of Government

For more than 90 years, the UNC School of Government has helped “strike sparks” across North Carolina, bringing public officials together to learn, lead and strengthen their communities.

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Be the spark that strengthens North Carolina.

“When public officials come together in free and open discussion, sparks are struck which light up the face of the state like matches struck in the dark.” — Albert Coates

For nearly a century, the UNC School of Government has helped spark the knowledge, connections and leadership that strengthen public service across North Carolina. Your support fuels what comes next — preparing the next generation of public servants, connecting communities in all 100 counties and unlocking the power of data to help leaders make better decisions.

Three sparks.

Your support helps spark North Carolina’s future.

Cards

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Grow the public service workforce

Open doors to public service careers by supporting fellowships, scholarships and faculty expertise that prepare leaders to serve communities across North Carolina, today and for generations to come.

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Connect communities across all 100 counties

Strengthen North Carolina from Murphy to Manteo by expanding training, partnerships and on-the-ground support so every community, rural and urban alike, has the tools to thrive.

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Power data-driven government

Advance the future of public service through data by building tools, training and insights that help public officials make informed decisions, respond to challenges and better serve their communities.

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A spark that transformed a community

Through the Development Finance Initiative, the School of Government partnered with the City of Kannapolis to reimagine its future, turning economic decline into a thriving downtown and creating a model for community revitalization across North Carolina.

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One school, impact in every county

For more than 90 years, the School of Government has helped North Carolina’s public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government.

99%

of public officials agree the School of Government helps public officials better serve North Carolinians

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100 counties

served annually

285

courses offered for public officials

16,000+

course registrants taught by School of Government faculty annually

Support the School of Government

Private philanthropy helped launch the School of Government nearly a century ago, and it remains essential to what comes next. Your support fuels the people, partnerships and ideas that strengthen public service across North Carolina.

SEE RELATED FUNDS

School of Government Foundation

Provides flexible support for the school’s highest priorities — expanding impact, strengthening programs and responding to emerging needs across the state.

Carolina Across 100

Supports cross-sector partnerships that bring communities together to address North Carolina’s most pressing challenges.

Lead for North Carolina

Recruits, trains and places emerging leaders in local governments — building a stronger pipeline of public servants for communities across the state.

See the sparks in action

SEE RELATED STORIES

Access, Affordability & Scholarships

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Inspired by Harvey Beech, a Carolina MPA grad leads with courage

Angelica Foster is redefining what it means to belong at Carolina.

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Community Partnerships & Service

3 min read

Military grad student up for promotion

Through the Army’s Green to Gold program at Carolina, LeBon Hobayan can earn a graduate degree and become a commissioned officer.

Portrait of person with short, curly black hair wearing a white top and a white and black patterned shawl.

Community Partnerships & Service

3 min read

Trading zoning maps for disaster relief work

Lead for North Carolina Fellow Elias Henderson steps up after Hurricane Helene.

Contact us

Have questions or want to explore how your giving can make the greatest impact? We welcome the opportunity to connect, learn what inspires you and help you find meaningful ways to support the future of public service in North Carolina.

VISIT THE SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT WEBSITE

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Matt Marvin

Chief Development Officer

mmarvin@sog.unc.edu (919) 962-5106

“The School of Government has been an invaluable resource for me for the past 23 years; I attribute part of my success as a former assistant public defender and my current service as a district court judge to having the school as a resource.”