DURHAM, N.C., (May 24, 2017) – The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at NC State University and Google Fiber are working together to empower educators and their students in gaining a working understanding of career paths in next generation telecommunications.
Google Fiber will host two Kenan Fellows for three weeks this summer. They will join Google Fiber’s community impact managers, Tia McLaurin Bethea in Raleigh and Jess George in Charlotte, to learn about the cutting-edge role the company plays in the digital infrastructure, both locally and statewide. The teachers are among 28 Kenan Fellows statewide who have been awarded 2017-18 fellowships.
“Teachers have the greatest opportunity to inspire our children to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Tia Bethea. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to work with these talented educators and share our mutual love of STEM education, which we know they’ll pass on to their students.”
As part of their fellowship, the teachers will become familiar with Google products and programs like Google for Education and Google CS First, a free program that increases student access and exposure to computer science education through after-school, in school, and summer programs. Armed with new knowledge, they will be prepared to share the exciting work of Google and Google Fiber with students, fellow educators and the community.
“Telecommunications is an ever-expanding STEM field, and Google Fiber is at the forefront of innovation,” said Elaine Franklin, director of the Kenan Fellows Program. “We are excited to have them as a partner in helping to better inform teachers of the many resources and career opportunities they can share with their students.”
The Kenan Fellows are:
- Michelle McElhiney of Oakhurst STEAM Academy in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and;
- Amelia Robinson of Envision Science Academy, a charter school in Wake County.