In collaboration with Regions Bank and Self-Help Ventures Fund provided New Markets Tax Credit financing to help Northampton Collegiate and Technical High School construct a new consolidated high school campus in Jackson, North Carolina.
BlueHub Capital, a national nonprofit community development finance organization, today announces a $20 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) investment in Northampton Collegiate and Technical High School fka Northampton County High School, to support the construction of a new High School campus in Jackson, North Carolina. The new facility will consolidate academic instruction, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and student wellness services into a single modern campus designed to serve approximately 400 students in rural Northampton County.
The project is part of a $33 million total NMTC allocation supporting construction of the new high school campus on a 63-acre site in Jackson, the county seat. The facility will replace aging school infrastructure and expand educational opportunities in a “severely distressed” rural community where 100% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
The new campus will feature expanded academic and career training facilities, including on-site Career and Technical Education programs designed to prepare students for careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, manufacturing and technology. The school will also include STEAM learning spaces, mental health support areas, a 1,500-seat football stadium, multipurpose athletic fields and a 250-seat auditorium to support both student development and community engagement.
The project will create 13 permanent teaching positions and support approximately 1,000 construction jobs, with strong commitments to hiring local workers and businesses.
By integrating Career and Technical Education programs on campus, students will gain daily access to hands-on training opportunities aligned with regional workforce needs while reducing transportation barriers that previously limited participation.
The school will also support student and family wellbeing by continuing to provide three daily meals to students and offering nutrition programs such as a community garden and summer feeding initiatives.
“The needs of a community should never limit the dreams it has for its future," said Dr. Atkins, Superintendent of Northampton County Schools In Northampton County Schools, we have never allowed our circumstances to define our aspirations for our students.
"BluHub Capital saw not just a construction project, but a community filled with promise, students filled with potential, and a future worth investing in. Your confidence in Northampton County Schools affirms that every child—regardless of where they live—deserves access to exceptional educational opportunities and a school that inspires them to dream without limits.
Because of your trust in our vision, we are building far more than a new high school—we are creating opportunities, expanding possibilities, and investing in a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Regions Bank served as the investor in the transaction and purchased the NMTCs. The transaction also included Self-Help Ventures Fund, providing $13 million in NMTC allocation.
“New Markets Tax Credits can help move complex, high-impact projects forward by lowering the overall cost of capital and attracting private investment to underserved communities,” said Connie Max, Chief Credit Officer and President of BlueHub Managed Assets. “For Northampton Collegiate and Technical High School, that means helping create a modern campus where students can access high-quality academic instruction, career training and support services in one place.”
“Strong schools are essential to healthy and thriving communities,” said Elyse Cherry, CEO of BlueHub Capital. “Investments like this help ensure that students and families in rural areas have access to high-quality educational environments and the resources that support long-term community wellbeing. We’re proud to support projects that expand opportunity and contribute to the vitality of the communities they serve.”
“Regions Bank is proud to support the development of Northampton Collegiate and Technical High School,” said Katia Izyumova, senior vice president and New Markets Tax Credit relationship manager. “This investment reflects our commitment to expanding access to quality education and workforce development in rural communities. By helping finance a modern, consolidated campus, we’re investing in the future of Northampton County and preparing students for in-demand careers while supporting the local workforce.”
Expanding Educational Opportunity in Rural North Carolina
Northampton County faces many of the challenges common in rural communities, including long travel distances for students, aging school facilities and limited access to workforce training programs.
Currently, many students attend school in outdated facilities or must travel outside the county to access specialized academic and career training programs. The new consolidated high school campus is designed to address these barriers by providing modern educational facilities and expanding access to career-focused training programs directly within the county.
The project has the capacity to serve approximately 400 students annually and strengthen educational access and workforce development opportunities across Northampton County.
Community Financing for an Inclusive Future
BlueHub’s NMTC program supports high-impact community development projects that benefit low-income and underserved areas. Through allocations from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the program attracts private investment and lowers the cost of capital for projects that create jobs, expand essential services and generate long-term economic opportunity.
About BlueHub Capital
BlueHub Capital is a mission-driven, nonprofit community development finance organization focused on building healthy communities where low-income people live and work. BlueHub uses innovative financial tools to support projects that make communities more vibrant places to live through three distinct programs: BlueHub Loan Fund (community development financing), BlueHub SUN (foreclosure relief) and One Percent for America (citizenship financing). Visit BlueHub Capital’s website for more information about its impact.
About Northampton Collegiate and Technical High School
Northampton Collegiate and Technical High School is a public high school serving students in rural Northampton County, North Carolina. The school is designed to provide rigorous academic instruction, Career and Technical Education programs, and student support services in a modern learning environment. Through expanded access to hands-on learning, workforce-aligned training, and community resources, Northampton Collegiate and Technical High School will help prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong success.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $161 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,200 banking offices and more than 1,750 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
About Self-Help Ventures Fund
Self-Help Ventures Fund (SHVF) is driving economic opportunity where it’s needed most. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) loan fund, Self-Help Ventures Fund tackles higher-risk business lending, real estate development, and home loan programs—powered by support from foundations, corporations, faith-based groups, and government partners. Part of the Center for Community Self-Help, its mission is to help build wealth and stronger communities through ownership and opportunity for all. Over four decades, Self-Help and its affiliates have provided more than $11 billion in financing to help more than 168,000 borrowers buy homes, start and grow businesses and strengthen community resources. For more information, please visit www.self-help.org.