In a significant move to enhance digital education, North Carolina’s State Board of Education has allocated over $1.2 million in grants to seventeen public school districts and charter schools for the 2026-2027 school year. This funding, distributed through the state’s Digital Learning Initiative Grant Program, aims to foster innovative teaching and learning practices.
“The goal of the program is to identify, elevate and share effective models of instructional innovation that demonstrate digital leadership, strengthen educator practice and improve student learning,” stated Dr. Vanessa Wren, chief information officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). “Through statewide collaboration and sharing of promising practices, these locally developed models can inform and inspire high-quality digital teaching and learning across North Carolina’s public schools.”
Each grant is designed to assist local Public School Units (PSUs) by addressing current instructional challenges, integrating cutting-edge technologies, enhancing educator capabilities, and developing strategies to improve student experiences and outcomes.
Instructional Innovation Grant
Five Public School Units (PSUs) are the beneficiaries of the 2026-2027 Instructional Innovation Grant, with a shared total of $217,425. This grant supports projects that aim to deliver high-quality professional learning and incorporate innovative instructional technologies.
The schools receiving the 2026-2027 Instructional Innovation Grant are:
- Anson County Schools
- Asheville City Schools
- Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools
- Johnston County Public Schools
- Research Triangle High School
These initiatives align with the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan and adhere to the digital learning competencies set by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). The projects aim to empower educators to transform teaching methodologies, thereby offering students enhanced opportunities for engagement, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
Continuing Impact Grant
Twelve PSUs will continue to benefit from over $1 million in funding for the ongoing development of their Digital Learning Impact projects. These multi-year grants are crucial for the implementation and assessment of innovative digital teaching and learning strategies.
The recipients of the Continuing Impact Grant include:
- Alamance-Burlington School System
- Buncombe County Schools
- Catawba County Schools
- Chatham County Schools
- Cumberland County Schools
- Edenton-Chowan Schools
- Guilford County Schools
- Lake Norman Charter
- Moore County Schools
- Orange County Schools
- Randolph County School System
- Wake County Public School System
Initiated by the General Assembly in 2016, this grant program is part of a joint effort between the State Board of Education and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at N.C. State University. The overarching aim is to develop a strategic plan that guides digital learning priorities, supports educational innovation, and equips educators and students with the necessary resources for effective digital-age learning.
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