Wake Forest University is set to expand its Educating Character Initiative (ECI) with a significant boost of over $30 million in funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. This funding will be used to support character education at colleges and universities across the United States.
The ECI, which has already built a network of educators from more than 400 higher education institutions, aims to integrate character education into their campuses. Jennifer Rothschild, the director of the ECI, stated that the new grant will help continue building on efforts to enhance character education.
The upcoming Institutional Impact grants are part of a broader movement to promote character in higher education, drawing on Wake Forest’s Program for Leadership and Character. Since 2023, ECI has awarded $35 million in grants to various institutions.
“This extraordinary vote of confidence provides support for the Educating Character Initiative through the end of the decade and affirms Wake Forest’s leadership at the forefront of this critical movement,” according to an announcement.
Beyond grants, ECI has fostered connections among faculty and staff through webinars, consultations, and other resources. A portion of the new funding will also bolster administrative and outreach efforts.
N. Clay Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Lilly Endowment Inc., emphasized the importance of character formation for societal flourishing: “More than ever, it is imperative that a new generation of morally and ethically grounded leaders is educated.”
Since its inception in 2023, ECI has engaged numerous institutions in webinars and conferences aimed at promoting character development among students. The initiative continues to grow with an expanding community representing diverse educational institutions across the country.
Jennifer Rothschild highlighted that many institutions focus on growing character not only within students but also campus-wide: “This new support from Lilly Endowment will allow for a more immediate impact across the country this year.”
Additionally, $20 million from Lilly Endowment’s funding will support future grants in 2026 as well as extend staff resources. The aim is to reach 600,000 individuals by 2029 through these initiatives.
Michael Lamb, executive director of Wake Forest’s Program for Leadership and Character said: “These strategies offer a framework for deep reflection…there are no shortcuts to character education.” He stressed that developing virtues such as courage and integrity requires ongoing effort from educators and students alike.
Susan R. Wente added: “We’re proud that Wake Forest has been a leader in a movement toward educating character not only on this campus but on campuses nationwide.”
