Investing In Educators
Let Us Invest In You
Wherever you are in your teaching career, we invite you to join our professional learning community.
Through immersive experiences and leadership training, you will gain the skills and confidence to cultivate meaningful relationships with industry professionals and create resources to connect industry to the classroom.
Offered in an encouraging environment, our professional development is interactive, values your expertise, and is led by educators who understand your needs. Educators consistently rate our professional development as one of the best experiences of their careers.
“I thought about leaving the profession but after attending the Summer Institute I feel rejuvenated and ready to get back in the classroom.”
Rodriques Clark, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Immersive Professional Development
Our model pairs you with mentors from local industries or higher education institutions who offer firsthand insights and experiences into the workforce.
You will spend three weeks immersing yourself in your host organization’s culture, shadowing employees, touring facilities, and exploring career pathways available for students.
Our professional development institutes will then guide you in translating these immersion experiences into resources and programs for your school community, and in some instances, for your host organization.
90% of Fellows improved their skills to network with other educators
614 Fellows in 80 NC counties from the mountains to the coast
100% of Fellows said the fellowship made them a better teacher
Why Kenan Fellows?
Transformational Experiences
Three-week immersion in a local industry/research setting
Classroom-to-workplace connections
80 hours of high-quality professional development
Recognition as a Kenan Fellow opens doors
$5,000 stipend
Dynamic Professional Learning Communities
Build lasting connections with educators and community partners
Alumni share resources, guidance, and support
Kenan Fellows staff provide caring and enduring assistance
Join a statewide network of energetic and diverse educators
CEUs: 9.2 subject area and/or general.
Fellowship Timeline
Application Period | Opens Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 Priority Deadline: Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 |
Recipients Announced | May 6, 2025 National Teacher Day |
Online Orientation | May 2025 |
Summer Institute | June 23-27, 2025, Cullowhee |
Industry Immersion | July-August 2025 (Exact dates determined by Fellows and industry hosts) |
Fall Institute | Oct. 23-24, 2025, Raleigh |
Spring Institute & Celebration | April 23-24, 2026, Raleigh |