The Gaston County School System was a recipient of the education-based athletics grant for the 2019-2020 school year. Grant funds were used to certify coaches at each of the ten high schools in the system. These certifications were the Accredited Interscholastic Certification (AIC) or Certified Interscholastic Certification (CIC), obtained through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). These certifications help improve a coach’s leadership to expand the learning experience and skill development of their student-athletes and provide coaches with key information on critical health and safety topics to ensure their student-athletes can thrive in a safe and welcoming environment.