Opportunities

Engaging Educators in Industry

The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership (KFP) at NC State, and its partners, provide industry-based professional development for teachers in North Carolina.

Kenan Fellows spend three weeks of summer immersed in a host organization in an applied research or industry setting. KFP matches Kenan Fellows with host organizations to help them experience the local workforce and gain insights into regional career pathways for students.

2025-26 Application Cycle

Applications for the 2025-26 fellowship year open on Thursday, Sept. 19.  The list below includes confirmed fellowship opportunities. More opportunities will be posted throughout the application cycle, so check back often.

How to search for opportunities

Fellowships are open to K–12 public and charter school educators across all disciplines.

Fellowship opportunities are searchable by North Carolina district/county, location, or subject area.

Questions? Learn about the fellowship experience. 

Search Fellowships

Afterschool Programs Fellowship Supported by N.C. Center for Afterschool Programs

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

Established in 2002, the N.C. Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP) is a comprehensive statewide afterschool and expanded learning network, with key partners including afterschool providers, state agencies, state and local policymakers, law enforcement, universities and community colleges, businesses, and the philanthropic community, working together to increase access to high quality afterschool and expanded learning programs for all children and youth in North Carolina, especially for those at-risk of education failure.

The Fellow selected will be an out-of-school time (OST) professional connected with K – 12 public schools and intern with industry partner Biltmore Farms for three weeks during the summer. Biltmore Farms has been cultivating inspiring places since 1897 and is a dynamic multi-faceted company spurring economic development and thoughtful growth. The selected Kenan Fellow will create a product that connects OST educators with mentors in the local industry and builds meaningful relationships between OST programs and the STEM industry in our state. Biltmore Farms will help you create a product that impacts your community in the way that George Vanderbilt intended, through the promotion of wellness, educational enrichment, and a deep respect for sustainability.

An Exploration of Cellular Biology with Dr. Amy Maddox at UNC Chapel Hill

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

The selected Kenan Fellow will engage in a dynamic exploration of cellular biology, focusing on the crucial relationship between cell shape and function. This fellowship offers an accessible entry point into advanced scientific inquiry, ideal for educators capable of operating microscopes and laptop computers. The Fellow will explore how cells, much like everyday objects, rely on their form for proper function, with an emphasis on the dynamic processes that govern cell shape during division and the creation of exceptionally large cells, such as egg cells. Utilizing microscopes, genetics, and physical modeling, the Fellow will gain hands-on experience and create educational materials that highlight the intricate world of cellular dynamics.

Partner with Dr. Amy Maddox and her team of scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill to understand how cells undergo the step-by-step process of division. You will be introduced to high-resolution microscopy and various analysis techniques as you observe cell division in a laboratory model animal (the tiny nematode C. elegans) and measure aspects of the process including size, speed, packing and the shape and texture of cellular features. Use this experience to inform your instruction as you make the every day, critical and rarely throughout process of cell division relevant, understandable and accessible for students

Clean Energy Fellowships Eastern Region Supported by NCDEQ

TWO FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Volt Center

Founded in 1965, Craven Community College is a dynamic teaching and learning institution that serves more than 4,000 curriculum students and more than 11,000 individuals in workforce development training programs each year.

The Volt Center, located near downtown New Bern, is our workforce development training center that offers hands-on learning in various trades. Here, you’ll find programs that are constantly evolving to meet the latest needs in our community. Classes include Clean Energy, Construction, Diesel Systems Technology, Electrical, Forklift Operation, Hospitality Careers, HVAC, Plumbing, Small Engine Repair and Welding.

The Volt Center is a hands-on learning facility. Safety is a priority. Some PPE is required. Working in a trades facility has some physical requirements such as standing, walking, bending and lifting.

NCSU Williamsdale Farm Extension and Research Center

The Williamsdale Biofuels Lab situated at the farm is NC State University’s hub for biofuels research. It is managed by NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and utilized by many other partners, including NC State’s College of Natural Resources, the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, and others. Every year, the Williamsdale Farm supports numerous research projects, all of which focus on building a biofuels industry in North Carolina. Over 30 species and numerous varieties of potential biofuel crops are grown at Williamsdale, ranging from conventional crops, such as sweet potatoes and oats, to exotic crops, such as tropical sugar beets and giant reed, Arundo donax.

Clean Energy Fellowships Greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg Region Supported by NCDEQ

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

Energy transition is the greatest challenge our generation faces. How do we reduce emissions while also increasing energy supply? It is an uphill battle. And there is no silver bullet. But finding solutions has always been in our DNA. For more than 150 years our engineers have been spearheading the electrification of the world. Today we are a team of 98.000 sharing the same passion, vision and values. Our diversity makes us strong and helps us to find answers together with our partners.

Located in 90 countries, Siemens Energy operates across the whole energy landscape. From conventional to renewable power, from grid technology to storage to electrifying complex industrial processes.

Our mission is to support companies and countries with what they need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make energy reliable, affordable, and more sustainable. Let’s energize society.

Clean Energy Fellowships Traingle/Sandhills Regions Supported by NCDEQ

FOUR FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

N.C. Business Committee for Education (NCBCE)

NCBCE is the business-led education and workforce nonprofit in the Office of the Governor. For over 40 years, it has supported students and educators through work-based learning and professional development. North Carolina attracts significant investment in clean energy projects, fostering job growth and economic development. The state’s strong commitment to education and training programs ensures a well-prepared workforce, with numerous community colleges and universities offering specialized courses in renewable energy and sustainability.

UNC Institute for the Environment

The Center for Public Engagement with Science (CPES) is an informal science education and community engagement hub in the UNC Institute for the Environment (UNC-IE). The CPES collaborates with UNC faculty/staff/students and non-academic partners to translate environmental science research results into action in North Carolina (NC) communities. One of the programs led by the CPES is the NC Energy Literacy Fellows Program. The goal of this program is to provide teachers with up-to-date curriculum-relevant content including STEM-based activities that showcase current energy science, technologies and careers to promote energy literacy among students while cultivating the energy workforce.

The EARTh Center

The EARTh Center, funded by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE), is the “National Center of Excellence” for Environmental and Natural Resource Technologies. The EARTh Center serves to support environmentally related programs at high schools and technical colleges across the US through the creation of classroom resources, fostering of academic communities, and offering unique professional development opportunities.

Blue Ridge Power

Blue Ridge Power believes in making its communities and our country better, and that’s what we do together every day. Whether we’re breaking ground on new solar projects, sourcing materials, or growing our talented team of 700+ employees, we’re all working toward our shared goals: generating renewable energy to achieve energy independence, increasing well-paying jobs for American workers, and creating a more sustainable world for the next generations.

Clean Energy Fellowships Triad Region Supported by NCDEQ

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft Company is the latest venture in Honda’s drive to enhance the freedom of mobility. We use the most advanced technologies to build safer, more efficient aircraft that defy industry norms and meet a variety of different missions. Every HondaJet uses cutting-edge technology to meet various needs, from those of small business owners and entrepreneurs to medevac and special missions. With aircraft that are fast, comfortable, and fuel-efficient, Honda is extending the benefits of private aviation to a wider audience. The educator will be asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Computational Thinking Fellowship Eastern Region Supported by NCDPI

TWO FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City

The National Weather Service is a federal government agency whose mission is to provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services to protect life and property and enhance the national economy. Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service in Newport, NC is responsible for weather forecasts and warnings for 15 counties in eastern North Carolina and the coastal waters up to 40 miles offshore.

Hitachi Astemo 

Hitachi Astemo provides advanced mobility solutions in the areas of electric powertrain systems as well as advanced driver assistance systems for cars and motorcycles.  Our Tarboro site is focused on manufacturing electronic control units for these systems utilizing automation and advanced manufacturing techniques. Dress Attire: Business casual with close-toed shoes.  Any necessary PPE will be provided.  The plant is clean and climate-controlled for electronics manufacturing.

Computational Thinking Fellowship Western Region Supported by NCDPI

THREE FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Baxter Healthcare

Baxter Healthcare is located in Marion North Carolina and is the largest IV supplier in the world. We manufacture IV bags used in over 70% of the US market with an end-to-end process. Including labs, engineering, manufacturing operations, logistics and facilities. 

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

At Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, we create the extraordinary. We pride ourselves on offering luxurious accommodations, exciting entertainment, and fine dining. Our goal is to deliver a superior level of quality, excitement, and attention to detail in everything we offer. The educator selected as a Kenan Fellow will be processed as an employee to get a temporary gaming license, which includes a background investigation with the Tribal Gaming Commission.

TBD

A third fellowship in this region is available. The host organization is TBD.

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center Supported by BelleJAR Foundation

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center envisions coastal communities of eastern North Carolina in which culture, community, education, economy and the environment are fully integrated for a high quality of life for all residents. The Museum is dedicated to providing unique, innovative, and impactful resources for teachers and experiences that will foster learning and development in children of all ages.

Empowering Education Supported by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

Get energized by working alongside mentors and industry experts with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Lumbee River EMC. Explore the electric cooperative business model and see how electricity is distributed throughout the region. You will explore cooperative business operations and work alongside those who build and support the electric infrastructure that powers our homes and businesses. Use your experience to create electrifying lessons that will help students understand where electricity comes from and how their local co-op is building the future grid and increase their awareness of the various career pathways in the energy sector.

Lumbee River EMC is a member-owned business committed to providing electricity and other value-added services that improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. Our dedicated employee team delivers high-quality, competitively priced products and services. We are committed to continuous improvement and making Lumbee River EMC our customers’ first choice.

Safety Training: Before beginning the immersion experience, educators will undergo safety training, including electrical safety and general workplace protocols. This will cover both office and field safety procedures.

Physical Requirements: Certain parts of the experience may involve outdoor activities, especially in the field with linemen or other departments. These activities could include exposure to varying weather conditions (heat, rain) and may involve walking, standing, or lifting moderate loads (up to 20 lbs).

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Educators will be provided with appropriate PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, etc.) when observing field operations, especially in areas with live electrical work or construction sites.

Expanding the STEM Pipeline; The Sky’s the Limit

TWO FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Soar to new heights as part of a collaborative team of the country’s leading military aviation sustainment experts at the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) East. Located aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, FRC East provides world-class aviation maintenance, engineering, and logistics support by leveraging a highly skilled technical workforce drawn from a mostly rural population in Eastern North Carolina. The selected fellows will experience first-hand how North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair and overhaul provider supports Naval Aviation assets. They will inform our organization’s efforts to foster a culture of STEM-focused students and educators throughout the region and drive the development of curriculum resources for expanding the local STEM pipeline that will inspire the skilled workforce of the future. Then, they will share your fresh knowledge and invigorating experiences with students by utilizing these compelling classroom lessons that align with state and national standards.

FRC East is the U.S. Dept of Navy’s primary aviation rework facility for helicopters, vertical lift and tiltrotor aircraft and components.  It’s not surprising that the mammoth facility is also the largest industrial employer east of Interstate-95 in North Carolina ─ creating the region’s largest population cluster of degreed engineers and scientists.

Genetics and Genomics Academy at NC State

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

Dr. Jeff Yoder’s lab at NC State is interested in comparative immunology with an emphasis on understanding how immune systems recognize and destroy invading pathogens while leaving their own cells unscathed. Although their research spans all vertebrate lineages, they employ zebrafish, rodents and human cells as models for discovery. Current research is focused on how genetic diversity and exposure to environmental chemicals impact immune function. The selected Fellow will have an immersive experience in Dr. Yoder’s lab, which may include working with zebrafish and human cell lines, and will learn more about the research being done at the Genetics and Genomics Academy at N.C. State University.

North Carolina Apples Supported by NC Farm Bureau Federation and Henderson County Farm Bureau

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

North Carolina Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom (AITC) promotes the importance of agriculture to all North Carolina teachers and students through various program areas. The selected Kenan Fellow will immerse with local farmers and experts to help NC Farm Bureau and Henderson County Farm Bureau create the newest “Ag Mag” with this year’s focus: Apples.  Ag Mags are engaging four-page informational readers focused on agricultural commodities and aligned with the NCSCOS in many of the core curricula. Partnering with Henderson County Farm Bureau, AITC can focus on local agriculture to provide real-world applications for Henderson County students. Since this fellowship focuses on apples, the three-week internship will include some dates into the school year with no more than three visits planned in the fall.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy with Dr. Alexander Nevzorov at NC State

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

The Kenan Fellow selected for this opportunity will immerse themselves in cutting-edge research within a multidisciplinary lab focused on advanced techniques in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with NC State chemistry professor Alexander Nevzorov, Ph.D. The Fellow will contribute to three distinct projects: developing magnetically aligned lipid nanodiscs for membrane protein structure determination, creating automated computational algorithms for NMR pulse sequence development, and advancing microwave instrumentation for pulsed Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Dynamic Nuclear Polarization. The selected educator can expect to take a required basic chemistry safety training at the beginning of the internship.

Western NC Fellowship Supported by Dogwood Health Trust

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

The Dogwood Health Trust is once again generously supporting a fellowship in Western North Carolina. Selected Fellows will work with the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), a nonprofit based out of Asheville and serving the 23 counties of Western North Carolina along with the Qualla Boundary. ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. Through the internship, Fellows will learn about ASAP’s work with farmers, farmers’ markets, Farm Fresh for Health, and farm-to-school, to create a product centered around culture and positive experiences with local food in your community. Native and Latinx educators are encouraged to apply.

Western NC Fellowships Supported by Meta

ONE FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE

Conserving Carolina will serve as the mentor organization for the three-week summer internship generously supported by Meta. Conserving Carolina is a non-profit, regional land trust with a mission to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world. We work with area landowners in Transylvania, Henderson, and Polk Counties (and the periphery of these counties) to protect the land, such as open space, farms, forests, and waterways. By protecting these places, we are protecting habitat for the plants and animals that are important to the natural heritage of western NC and we’re helping to keep the water in our region clean. Conserving Carolina staff will work with Fellows to provide training and skills development activities in addition to direct outdoor service to members of our AmeriCorps Summer of Service program. This program is designed to help build confidence, trust, teamwork, environmental and service-oriented ethics, and introduce participants to educational and career paths they may not have otherwise considered.