(Raleigh, NC) - First Lady Mary Easley is announcing a progressive partnership between developers, realtors, builders, real estate attorneys and lenders and Communities In Schools of North Carolina (CISNC). This statewide initiative called, "Lots For Learning," will provide a way for developers and real estate agents to support and have an impact on public education in North Carolina.

The "Lots For Learning" initiative grew out of a partnership originally formed between The Village at Pilot Mill and CISNC. The Village at Pilot Mill is a new 104 home subdivision being built in Raleigh's historic district next to the new Capital Park community. This unique mixed-income community is a showcase model for building a diverse and integrated community in downtown Raleigh. The developers and the listing agent of The Village at Pilot Mill wanted to create a way they could support education.

To kickoff the partnership, the developers will donate $100 per house sold and the listing agent will donate $100 per house sold to support Communities In Schools of North Carolina. With the sale of all 104 homes this will provide an additional $20,000 of private sector dollars to CISNC.

"This is a way for The Village at Pilot Mill to give something back to the community where we are located. The quality of education is a key concern when you buy a home and we wanted to support Communities In Schools because it serves the students who live in downtown Raleigh," said Terry Blankinship, developer of The Village at Pilot Mill.

The listing agent for the Village at Pilot Mill Kate Kenney, ReMax United, will chair this statewide effort and is recruiting additional real estate agents, developers, mortgage leaders and builders to join the "Lots For Learning" partnership. "This partnership is an example of how the real estate community can help support local education," said Kate Kenney. "There is a great deal of excitement in the real estate community about joining in this partnership. All of the proceeds from the 'Lots For Learning' program will go to support Communities In Schools across North Carolina."

First Lady Mary Easley serves on the Board for CISNC and has spent the summer visiting local Communities In Schools programs all across North Carolina. "I have seen firsthand how Communities In Schools helps connect needed resources in each community to help our students successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for a better future," says Mrs. Easley. "The 'Lots for Learning' partnership is an example of how businesses can support and have a dramatic, positive impact on education in North Carolina. I encourage other developers and the real estate community to join with us in supporting our local schools."

"This is such an exciting new and innovative way for the business community to support education and non-profit groups like Communities In Schools of North Carolina," said Linda Harrill, president of CISNC. "On behalf of the 65,000 students and families we serve in our state and all of the 31 local Communities In Schools programs we want to thank The Village at Pilot Mill for leading the way in this statewide partnership."

Communities In Schools of North Carolina connects needed community resources with schools to help students stay in school, learn needed skills and prepare to become productive citizens. Last year, just under 65,000 North Carolina students and family members benefited from CIS programs, which include mentoring, health care and prevention programs, internships, after school programs and community service. Ninety-one percent of North Carolina's CIS students stayed in school last year aiding in the reduction of school drop out rates for the state.

Editors Note: To find our more about the "Lots For Learning" partnership call 1-800-809-5540