RALEIGH, N.C. ⸺ For the fifth consecutive year, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is partnering with the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership to advance computer science education across North Carolina. This year, three teachers will immerse themselves in industries across the state to build connections between computational thinking and the careers students can pursue in their own communities.

All three are among 36 teachers awarded Kenan Fellowships for the 2026–27 year. The initiative is led by the Office of Career and Technical Education at NCDPI. 

The teachers awarded fellowships for this project are:

• Candice Haynes, J.J. Jones Intermediate School, Mount Airy City Schools | Mentor: Forge Greensboro
• Lacey Grogan Davis, Clyde A. Erwin High School, Buncombe County Schools | Mentor: Harrah’s Casino
• Fatima Sail, New Hanover High School, New Hanover County Schools | Mentor: UNC Wilmington

Where Educators Grow to Meet North Carolina’s Future

Along with the traditional fellowship experience, each teacher will receive customized professional development in computational thinking and computer science and complete a three-week industry immersion with a local industry partner. This initiative is a collaboration between the Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University.

Sustained Investment in Teachers Delivers Statewide Return

Each of the three Fellows supported by NCDPI will attend three residential professional learning institutes focused on leadership development and community impact, and receive additional professional development in computer science. They will also receive $5,000 to support their work during the fellowship and participate in a summer immersion experience within local industries. They join a statewide network of 680 Kenan Fellows who support one another, share resources, and, as a result, stay in education longer

.”NCDPI’s sustained commitment to this work is exactly the kind of investment that returns career awareness and stronger teaching to classrooms and communities across the state,” said Vance Kite, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership.

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.