Overview
In the Trust’s four states and across the country, teacher shortages are affecting the quality of education available to students. Reflecting Mr. Kenan’s belief that “a good education is the most cherished gift,” the Trust funds projects aiming to strengthen the pipeline of educators by supporting pathways to the classroom for committed individuals who want to teach.
Eligible Project Types
The Kenan Trust will fund projects that:
- Promote the training and persistence of pre-service teachers;
- Support qualified individuals in obtaining teaching licensure; or
- Offer opportunities for individuals seeking alternative pathways to teaching and licensure.
Eligible Organizations
The Trust will consider proposals for the types of projects listed above from:
- Schools of Education on College and University Campuses; or
- Other post-secondary institutions offering teacher education opportunities
Size and Duration of Grants
The Kenan Trust awards $250,000 – $350,000 for most grants. Grant sizes may be larger or smaller than this range depending on the size of the organization, the scope of the project, and the potential for broad-scale impact. Grant durations will typically span 1 – 4 years.
Please note, the grant size and duration listed here are meant as a general guide. A Kenan Grant Officer will work closely with organizations advancing to later stages of our grant process to tailor grant requests if needed.
Featured Grant in Training Future Educators: UNC Wilmington
The Trust funded a grant called Teacher Assistance for Teacher Assistants at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW). The program aims to address the teacher shortage in North Carolina by providing financial support to Teacher Assistants (TAs) to complete the coursework required for full teacher licensure. TAs who participate in the program will be required to teach in a North Carolina public school for at least one year per year of funding received as a form of “repayment,” to support the overall goal of increasing the number of qualified elementary school teachers and improving educational outcomes in North Carolina public schools.
