Gov. Easley’s New Book Released!

“Look Out, College, Here I Come!”
by Governor Michael F. Easley

Look Out, College, Here I Come! tells children it is never too early to start thinking about college and career goals. The National Education Association (NEA) is featuring the book during “Read Across America Month” in March that focuses the nation’s attention on motivating children to read.

“Everyone is talking about more kids going to college, but no one is talking to the kids. We must go directly to our children and tell them at an early age that college is essential in this economy,” said Easley.

Beautifully illustrated by his sister, H. Marie Easley, this charming book features the antics of “Flappy the Fish,” a character that was inspired by her brother Michael, who kept his siblings entertained during their childhood—and still does.

Look Out, College, Here I Come! is available in hardcover ($22.95) and softcover ($19.95) at the nea.org online bookstore, or at your favorite local bookstore.

Book Draws Praise

“On the magnificently illustrated pages of Look Out, College, Here I Come! Governor Michael Easley illuminates and energizes the ascent toward college, while revealing the sheer joy of watching your mind grow in its unique ways. Parents and educators ought to expose all young learners to this remarkable, uplifting book!”

Dr. Mel Levine, author of All Kinds of Minds

“America’s future depends on the education level of our workforce. We must elevate our level of knowledge and education to compete and win in the world economy. In Look Out, College, Here I Come!, Governor Michael Easley introduces our children to that notion in a fun and effective manner.”

Bill Shore, Director, US Community Partnerships, GlaxoSmithKline
Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Education Network

“Teachers know that children whose educational aspirations are formed at an early age are more likely to complete high school and graduate from a college or university. Governor Easley’s book is a wonderful tool for teachers and parents to use in preparing children to reach their goals and live their dreams.”

Reg Weaver, NEA President

N.C. Learn and Earn Web Site

Visit NCLearnandEarn.gov to find out more information about North Carolina's revolutionary Learn and Earn program. 

Learn and Earn

Learn and Earn allows high school students to take college courses at high school and earn two years of college credit or an associate’s degree with just one extra year of study. Gov. Easley's 2007-2009 budget calls for $19 million to establish Learn and Earn Online so students in any high school in the state can take college courses over the Internet. The Learn and Earn program has been featured in Newsweek magazine as well as CBS Evening News, and recently won the Southern Growth Policies Board Innovator Award for its innovative approach for combating high school dropout and enhancing the ...

EARN Scholarship

In his February 19, 2007 State of the State address, Gov. Easley announced a new initiative, the “EARN” Scholarship, that will send to and graduate more students from college. For low- and moderate-income students, he proposed a major new financial aid program that combines a two-year state grant with current federal assistance that will replace the need for loans if students work 10 hours a week to help pay for their education. Therefore, students who complete the Learn and Earn program with two years of college credit will be able to finish their four-year degree at a state university debt free.

More at Four

More at Four programs are operated in all 100 counties in North Carolina through public school districts, child care centers and Head Start agencies. Nonpublic child care providers are also eligible for the program if they have a four- or five-star license, which are top quality ratings under North Carolina’s child care licensing system All More at Four teachers in the state must have a bachelor’s degree with a birth-K license within four years. The programs are evaluated annually on program quality and child developmental outcomes. In his 2007-2009 budget, Easley has proposed expanding More at Four by 10,000 more slots and increasing the amount-per-slot from proceeds of the N.C. Education Lottery. On ...