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College of Education

Leadership Institute for Future Teachers (LIFT)

LIFT mentor is taking a selfie with all the LIFT attendees scrunched together to fit into the frame. Everyone is smiling.

The Leadership Institute for Future Teachers (LIFT) is a six-day, invitational program for students interested in teaching who are rising high school seniors in North Carolina. Students will delve into the field of education through engaging in field-based school activities, interacting with leaders in education and exploring career options in education and related fields.

Event Information

When: Sunday, June 22 -Friday, June 27, 2025

Where: NC State’s College of Education

Cost: Free to participants (travel not included)

What: A six-day, 5 night, invitational program for students interested in teaching

Who: For academically-competitive students interested in teaching who are rising high school seniors in North Carolina. They can be self-nominated or be nominated by high school counselors, teachers or principals to participate in the program.

Nominate a student for LIFT

Why LIFT

  • Engage in intensive and innovative activities

  • Interact with statewide leaders in education

  • Enhance communication and leadership skills to be competitive for statewide and national scholarships

  • Develop friendships with like-minded high school students across the state

  • Be mentored by current NC State students who will serve as program co-facilitators

  • Receive ongoing encouragement and support after the program through digital engagement

What students are saying about LIFT

LIFT Family Frequently Asked Questions

Leadership Institute for Future Teachers

The 2025 LIFT program will be held Sunday, June 22-Friday, June 27, 2025. A student and parent/guardian orientation will take place in June 2025.

LIFT is cost free to all participants (travel not included).

To make sure your participant shows up every day and with a positive attitude!

LIFT will be hosted by NC State’s College of Education on NC State’s main campus.

Participants will have an opportunity to:

  • learn about leadership development,
  • engage with other students from around North Carolina,
  • interact with an education mentor (E-mentor) throughout their senior year
  • attend a fall and spring LIFT Academy to help them become competitive for scholarships and better understand the college admission process

LIFT will host 20 rising high school seniors who have been selected through a rigorous application process.

Leadership Institute for Future Teachers

Our Financial Partners

Belk Foundation

Belk Foundation
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Logo

Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Mebane Foundation

Mebane Foundation

Support the Leadership Institute for Future Teachers

Financial contributions make it possible for us to hold programs like LIFT and prepare extraordinary educators. You can help us inspire more high school seniors to explore careers in education with a gift to support LIFT.

Make a Gift

contact us

Lindsey Hubbard

Program Manager
NC State College of Education

Email Lindsey

Trisha Mackey

Assistant Program Manager
NC State College of Education

Email Trisha