Thirty North Carolina Educators Selected for 2025-26 Kenan Fellowships
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University announced its 2025–26 cohort of Kenan Fellows in recognition of National Teacher Day.
This year, thirty teachers representing 24 counties across North Carolina will embark on a transformative year of professional development. These fellows bring expertise from diverse subjects, including STEM, humanities, and special education.
Summer Industry Immersion to Inform Classroom Practice
As part of the fellowship, these teachers will participate in immersive summer externships across various industries vital to North Carolina’s economy. These immersions in energy, agriculture, tourism, scientific research, and high-tech manufacturing will allow the teachers to observe workplace practices and gather insights to inform their teaching.
Capstone Projects Link Industry and Education
Throughout the yearlong fellowship, each Fellow will complete a capstone project inspired by their industry experience. Projects focus on career pathways, essential workplace skills, and the development of resources that either help students transition into the workforce or support industry partners through training guides and other educational programs created by the Fellows.
Along with developing capstone projects, Fellows receive support to strengthen their leadership skills and community impact. The program provides 80 hours of professional development focused on expanding leadership capacity and advancing career opportunities. Each Fellow also receives a $5,000 stipend.
Rigorous Selection Process Identifies Top Educators
The selection process involved an application, professional recommendations, and interviews with staff and industry mentors. Candidates were evaluated on demonstrated leadership potential and their ability to adapt to evolving educational trends and student needs while collaborating with community partners.
“We are proud to welcome the 2025–26 Kenan Fellows,” said Vance Kite, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership. “These accomplished educators have shown strong leadership within their schools and a desire to enhance their practice. The Kenan Fellows Program is dedicated to investing in educators and elevating the teaching profession. We look forward to supporting these teachers as they build skills and confidence that will benefit their communities.”
A National Model for Connecting Education and Industry
Established in 2000, the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership is a national model for connecting educators with industry to improve student career awareness and career-ready skills. The program has built a statewide network of more than 640 Fellows who help shape the next generation of workers and leaders.
Generous Support Fuels Fellowship Opportunities
The Kenan Fellows Program’s impactful work is made possible through the generous financial support of numerous corporate, education, government, and foundation donors. These key contributors include: BelleJAR Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Dogwood Health Trust, Duke Energy, Henderson County Farm Bureau, Kenan Institute for Engineering Technology & Science, Lumbee River EMC, Meta, N.C. Center for Afterschool Programs, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, N.C. Environmental Quality State Energy Office, N.C. Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, NC Farm Bureau, NC Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom, NC State, PBS NC, UNC-Chapel Hill, and individual philanthropic support.