About E-powr
Equipping schools, families, and communities to engage, educate, and empower confident, capable children.
The Mission
e-powr is an independent North Carolina 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to equipping rural schools, families, and communities. Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower confident, capable children through interactive safety programming and the creation of proactive, positive learning environments. By providing these resources at no cost to budget-strapped schools, we ensure every child has access to the tools they need to live confident and unafraid.
The Team
Our work is driven by a unique blend of educational entertainment and clinical expertise. Executive Director Dr. Jay Banks, PhD, brings over 40 years of experience across 45 states delivering highly engaging, research-based student programming. Clinical Lead Cheryl Fehr-Banks, MSW, LCSW, ensures all programming is grounded in evidence-based behavioral health practices.
Our leadership is supported by a remarkably diverse Board of Directors. This team includes a 40+ year veteran educator, an enterprise architect for the world’s largest business software, and a former Disney writer, producer, and performer now serving as a Park Ranger. This incredible breadth of real-world experience positions e-powr to adapt, innovate, and answer the complex questions of an ever-changing world.
Contact our Board of Directors
The Program Framework
We deliver more than just a message; we implement a comprehensive, multi-layered curriculum that research indicates can achieve a 50 to 80% reduction in bullying behavior through active student, teacher, and parent/caregiver engagement. Our flagship I Am Unafraid program utilizes the VARK Presentation Model—incorporating Visual storytelling, Auditory call-and-response, Reading stage text cues, and Kinesthetic movement—to reach every student's unique learning style.
The framework is built around a core 4-Point Strategy (Avoid Bullies, Find a Friend, Report Bullying, Act Confident) and extends far beyond the initial student presentation. By integrating Faculty Professional Development and Parent Workshops (featuring a 24-hour clinical response window), we equip the entire community to sustain a safe campus culture.