North Carolina Awarded Innovation Grants to Schools
The State Board of Education allocated over $1 million to support new digital learning initiatives across the state.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The North Carolina State Board of Education has awarded $217,425 to five districts through its Instructional Innovation Grant program for the 2026-27 school year. An additional $1 million is supporting 12 other systems through the state's Continuing Impact Grant program.
Why it matters
These grants aim to address emerging instructional needs by funding professional development for educators and implementing new technologies. By testing these approaches, the state hopes to identify and scale successful digital teaching strategies for schools across North Carolina.
The state awarded $217,425 to five school systems, including Johnston County Public Schools and Research Triangle High School, while 12 systems received over $1 million in continuing support. This total distribution covers 17 districts and charter schools for the 2026-27 academic year.
The players
State Board of Education
This board oversees the public school system in North Carolina and manages the allocation of state and federal education funds.
Johnston County Public Schools
This is one of the five recipients selected to receive funding for the 2026-27 Instructional Innovation Grant program.
The details
Recipients are tasked with aligning their projects with the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan and statewide standards for digital integration. The one-year grant cycle encourages districts to develop and rigorously test new approaches to teaching and learning.
Timeline
The Digital Learning Initiative Grant Program was first authorized in 2016.
The awarded funds support activities throughout the 2026-27 school year.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader move toward digitized classrooms and structured state-led technology integration in public education. These initiatives follow the framework set by the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan to ensure consistent instructional standards across the state.
Families in the 17 recipient districts may see new digital tools and teaching methods integrated into their daily classroom routines this year. These changes are intended to improve student engagement and update the learning resources available to students in these specific systems.
The takeaway
These grants provide a necessary financial boost for districts looking to modernize their digital infrastructure. Residents should monitor district communications to see how these specific technology investments will change the classroom experience for students.
Further reading
Learn more about local school developments in Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by JoCo Report.
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