The Kenan Fellows Program announced on May 5 that nine North Carolina teachers have been awarded Kenan Fellowships to help students explore career opportunities in the energy sector. The fellowships are managed by NC State University and funded by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality State Energy Office as part of the 2026–27 Teacher Leadership cohort.
The initiative aims to bring industry experience into K–12 classrooms, allowing teachers to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications in the growing energy workforce. Teachers from both urban and rural districts across the state were selected for this fourth year of a multi-year program, which will ultimately provide immersive professional development for a total of 32 educators.
“Investments in energy education and career pathways produce clear benefits for our state’s teachers and K-12 classrooms,” said Holly Weyers, Deputy Director of the State Energy Office. “The demand for the energy workforce continues to grow, and we hope bringing first-hand experiences to the classroom creates exposure and interest for careers in this workforce.”
Each teacher will participate in a three-week industry immersion at an organization within North Carolina’s energy sector during the summer. Through job shadowing and direct interaction with professionals, they will learn how classroom subjects relate to workplace skills. Mentor partners include community colleges, research centers, and leading companies in the state’s energy field. Afterward, each fellow will complete a capstone project focused on connecting students with local career pathways or developing resources such as STEM lessons or apprenticeship guides.
“Four years into this initiative, the impact is clear. Teachers who experience industry firsthand connect students to local career pathways and provide them with career-ready skills. We are grateful to the State Energy Office for making that possible,” said Vance Kite, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership.
In addition to their industry placement and capstone work, fellows receive 80 hours of professional development training, a $5,000 stipend, and membership in a statewide network of more than 680 alumni educators.
