North Carolina’s Teaching Fellows program is accepting applications until January 31, 2026. The program provides up to $10,000 per year in forgivable loans for students pursuing approved teacher preparation programs at select universities in the state. These loans cover tuition, books, and fees and are forgiven when recipients fulfill service requirements by teaching in North Carolina public schools—one year of teaching for each year they received the award.
Students accepted into the program join a statewide network that offers mentorship and professional development opportunities. This support continues after graduation as participants begin their teaching careers.
The universities participating in the program include Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elon University, Fayetteville State University, Meredith College, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, NC State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and University of North Carolina Pembroke.
Currently, 932 students are enrolled in the program, an increase from 575 the previous year. To date, 324 graduates from the program are teaching in public schools across North Carolina. Of these graduates, 78 are working at low-performing schools throughout various districts.
Leaders of the Teaching Fellows program aim to reach 1,000 applicants each year and broaden participation among students interested in eligible teaching fields such as agriculture education, elementary education, special education, science, technology, engineering, and math.
Eligibility for the program extends to high school seniors in North Carolina, college transfer students, current enrollees at participating universities, and post-bachelor candidates seeking a teaching license. Applications can be submitted online by January 31. Final decisions will be announced in late March.
Information about applying is available at ncteachingfellows.org.
