North Carolina Schools Gain $1.2M in Grants for Digital Innovation

North Carolina’s public schools are set to receive a significant boost in digital learning capabilities, thanks to the recent approval of the Instructional Innovation Grant by the State Board of Education. Designed to propel the Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) forward, this grant aims to enhance the quality of digital teaching and learning through strategic integration of technology and professional development.

The General Assembly has allocated up to $1.2 million for these grants, which will be distributed during the 2026-27 school year. School districts, charter schools, lab schools, and regional schools across North Carolina will have the opportunity to apply for this funding. Over the last nine years, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) Digital Teaching and Learning Division has already invested more than $10 million in similar initiatives, underscoring a long-term commitment to digital learning.

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, the chief information officer at NCDPI, expressed the department’s dedication to enhancing digital learning environments: “The Instructional Innovation Grant reflects our commitment to equipping North Carolina’s educators with the tools and professional learning they need to meet students where they are in an increasingly digital world. When we invest in high-quality digital instruction and give teachers the capacity to integrate technology with purpose, we expand opportunities for every student to thrive. This grant directly supports our strategic plan’s vision of preparing each student for their next phase of life while positioning North Carolina’s public schools to lead with innovation.”

Following the grant’s approval, the NCDPI is now accepting proposals under two categories: professional learning and innovative technologies. Eligible applicants include all North Carolina districts, charter schools, and regional schools. The request for proposals opened on April 2, 2026, and will close on June 18, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Pathway 1: Professional Learning

This pathway focuses on offering high-quality professional development aligned with the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan and ISTE-aligned competencies. Initiatives proposed under this category should aim to enhance educator skills and improve classroom practices and student experiences.

Pathway 2: Innovative Technologies

Innovative technology integration is the focus of this pathway, aiming to enrich student learning experiences. Proposals need to outline a professional learning plan and a clear sustainability strategy. Hardware and software can be purchased only if they are part of an approved instructional innovation plan, with infrastructure-only proposals being ineligible.

Grant Award Information

Up to 10 grants will be awarded, dependent on application quality and funding availability:

Up to $50,000 for traditional public school districts.

Up to $20,000 for charter, laboratory, and regional schools.

The grant period will run from Fall 2026 to Spring 2027.

Key Dates

RFP Release Date: April 2, 2026

Webinar Series Begins: April 13, 2026

Application Deadline: June 18, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET

Selections Announced: August 6, 2026

Program Implementation: August 2026 to June 2027

To submit applications, PSUs must use the designated Google Form. It is recommended that applicants create a forced copy of the application template and complete all necessary sections before submission. Each PSU is limited to one application.

The NCDPI will provide support for applicants through a series of webinars and office hours. These sessions will be recorded and available on the DLI Grants website. For additional assistance, face-to-face support or 1:1 virtual meetings can be arranged by contacting Lindsey Sipe.

More details on application materials and grant information can be accessed at go.ncdpi.gov/DLIRFP26.