Applicants must be certified to teach in public or charter schools in North Carolina. The program is open to teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels. District, subject areas and grade level requirements are unique to every fellowship.

While there are no minimum years of service requirement to be a Kenan Fellow, the applicant must demonstrate leadership or leadership potential. National Board certification is not a requirement, but it is an example of leadership. Year round teachers may apply. Some projects are more adaptable to a year round schedule.