FOREST CITY, N.C. — The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University has been awarded a grant from Meta (formerly known as the Facebook company) to offer 2022-23 fellowships for two K-12 educators in Western North Carolina. Once selected, the teachers will receive training in leadership development and pedagogy to create curriculum and learning resources that will drive innovations in workforce education that connect students with local career opportunities and help them build career-ready skills.
This is the third year that Meta has supported teachers in this region. Meta has supported a total of six Western NC educators including the two 2022-23 Kenan Fellows who will begin their journey in May 2022 following a competitive selection process. Through this partnership, Meta has enabled the Kenan Fellows Program to reach teachers and students in areas of the state where access to professional development in workforce education is not always readily available despite the need for industries seeking local talent.
“In working with our local school districts, we see how dedicated and innovative our local teachers are,” said Tara Tenorio, Meta’s Community Development Regional Manager. “That’s why we’re excited to be part of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, which recognizes their commitment and helps to further cultivate their talents.”
The two new Meta Kenan Fellows will be selected from Polk, Henderson, Rutherford, McDowell, or Cleveland counties. Meta has been an enthusiastic supporter of these communities, which have been home to its Forest City Data Center since 2013. Kenan Fellows spend three weeks on-site with a mentor company in a summer internship where they make relevant connections between their classroom and authentic STEM practices in the workplace. Over the course of the fellowship, educators develop a deeper understanding of local industries, their workforce needs, and how they can make relevant connections for their students. Using the knowledge gained through their internships along with 80 hours of rigorous professional development, educators complete the program by developing curriculum and teaching resources that bring workforce preparedness and cutting-edge research into the hands of students.
Online applications for 2022-23 fellowships will be accepted through Jan. 21, 2022. To apply, visit kenanfellows.org/application-process. The awards will be announced in May 2022 during National Teacher Appreciation Week.