RALEIGH, N.C. — The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University today announced its 2026–27 cohort of Kenan Fellows, celebrating the program’s most geographically expansive class in its 26-year history.

Thirty-six teachers, representing 27 counties across North Carolina and, for the first time, two Fellows based in Virginia, will embark on a transformative year of professional development.

Meet the Fellows

View the list of the 2026–27 Kenan Fellows, their fellowship projects, and mentors listed by school district or county.

This milestone marks a historic expansion for the program, extending its reach into the greater Mid-Atlantic region. The cohort represents K–12 teachers with expertise spanning science, career and technical education (CTE), social studies, mathematics, English language arts (ELA), and general education.

“Expanding into Virginia reflects a shared belief that investing in teachers, with intention and care, strengthens schools, communities, and the futures our students are building.” — Vance Kite, KFP Director

Industry Immersions That Expand What’s Possible in the Classroom

Connecting educators to the people, industries and places shaping their regions is at the heart of what the Kenan Fellows Program does. As part of the yearlong fellowship, these teachers will participate in immersive summer externships across industries vital to the region’s economy, including agriculture, energy, biotechnology, computer science, and resiliency.

These hands-on experiences position teachers at the leading edge of the region’s economy, giving them on-the-ground learning they will bring directly into their daily practice.

Capstone Projects That Connect 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 help students transition into the workforce or support industry partners through training guides and other educational programs.

Teachers draw from these experiences to expand students’ visions of the future,  turning classrooms into places where opportunity feels close to home and where career pathways are visible.

In addition to capstone work, each Fellow receives 80 hours of professional development designed to strengthen leadership capacity and advance career opportunities, along with $5,000 to support their work throughout the fellowship. Fellows also join a statewide professional network, a lasting community of 680 peers who continue to learn from one another long after the fellowship year ends.

A Rigorous Process That Identifies Leaders

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 2026–27 Kenan Fellows,” said Vance Kite, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership. “This cohort is a testament to the strength of North Carolina’s educators and to the growing reach of what this program can do.”

Generous Support Fuels Fellowship Opportunities

The Kenan Fellows Program’s impactful work is made possible through the generous financial support of corporate, education, government, and foundation partners. These key contributors include: NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC): Transformation of American Rubber through Domestic Innovation for Supply Security (TARDISS), led by The Ohio State University, in partnership with NC State Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Hampton Roads Workforce Council; Nutrien Aurora; Meta; FujiFilm Diosynth; N.C. Department of Public Instruction; Duke Energy Foundation, Duke University Marine Lab; NC State Environmental Education Lab; N.C. Department of Environmental Quality State Energy Office; U.S. Department of the Navy; Kenan Institute for Engineering Technology & Science Board of Trustees; Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership Board of Advisors; Burroughs Wellcome Fund; North Carolina Teaching Fellows; NC Farm Bureau Federation; Ag in the Classroom NC, Nash County Farm Bureau; North Carolina Egg Association; and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

About the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership

The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership is a statewide force for teacher leadership and growth in North Carolina. Founded in 2000 and based at the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at N.C. State University, the program invests in teachers through immersive industry experiences, professional development, and a strong, enduring community. Every investment returns to classrooms, schools and communities, advancing education and our communities’ future together. Learn more at kenanfellows.org.