BURGAW, N.C. — The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership (KFP) at N.C. State University and Four County EMC have established a collaborative initiative offering a one-year STEM immersion fellowship for a K–12 teacher in southeastern North Carolina. The selected teacher from the cooperative’s service area in Bladen, Duplin, Pender and Sampson counties will participate in the 2024-25 cohort of Kenan Fellows.
KFP addresses the gap between K–12 education and industry by immersing teachers in work-based learning experiences. The program provides educators with strategies for applying authentic STEM practices observed in industry settings to classroom content. Educators become inspired to grow their influence beyond the classroom through tailored professional development that focuses on leadership, elevating teacher voice and engaging the school with the local community.
“At Four County Electric EMC, we are committed to the communities we serve. By hosting the Kenan Fellow for an immersive experience, we aim to ignite the spark of curiosity and innovation in our local students. Together, we will delve into the history of the cooperative model, explore the intricacies of electricity distribution, and partner in innovation and technology, shaping the energy landscape of the future. This collaboration reflects our dedication to education, our communities, our region, and the next generation of leaders in the energy field,” stated Molly Giffin, communications specialist for Four County EMC.
During a three-week on-site summer internship with Four County EMC, the selected educator will explore the history of the cooperative business model, see how electricity is distributed throughout the region, and learn how the co-op uses innovation and technology to build the grid of the future. The educator will then collaborate with their Four County EMC mentor to create lessons or educational resources that help students understand electricity production and increase awareness of career pathways in the energy field.
“We are so grateful for industry partners like Four County EMC that invest in educators from their local community. By providing these industry-based professional learning experiences, teachers can design and implement educational resources that break down barriers and bring industry knowledge into the classroom,” stated Vance Kite, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership.
To apply, visit kenanfellows.org/fellowships. Fellowship awards are announced in May during National Teacher Appreciation Week.
###
About Four County EMC: Four County EMC is a non-profit, electric utility cooperative, committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable, and innovative energy solutions for our Members, with a focus on outstanding service while improving the quality of life in our communities. Four County EMC’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and innovative energy solutions for our Members, with a focus on outstanding service while improving the quality of life in our communities.
About the Kenan Fellows Program: The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership (KFP) is an education initiative of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at N.C. State University. KFP provides K–12 educators with immersive experiences in local industries and higher education institutions that give them firsthand insights into regional career pathways for students and strategies to help students build career-ready skills. For more information, visit kenanfellows.org.