Leadership Institute for Future Teachers (LIFT)

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The Leadership Institute for Future Teachers (LIFT) is a five-day, invitational program for students of color and bilingual students who are rising high school seniors in North Carolina and who are interested in enhancing their leadership skills and exploring a potential career in education. 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.

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Event Information

When: Sunday, June 20-Thursday, June 24, 2021

Sunday, June 20: Orientation

Monday, June 21-Thursday, June 24: LIFT Program

Friday, June 25: Closing Program

Where: Virtual (via Zoom)

Cost: Free to participants

What: A five-day, invitational program for bilingual students and students of color who are interested in exploring a potential career in education

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

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

LIFT Family Frequently Asked Questions

Leadership Institute for Future Teachers

The virtual LIFT program will be held Sunday, June 20-Thursday, June 24. Our closing program will be held on Friday, June 25. A student and parent/guardian orientation will take place on Sunday, June 20, 2021.

LIFT is cost free to all participants.

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

Yes. Out of caution and concern for our participants and staff, we will hold the 2021 LIFT summer program virtually.

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 35 rising high school seniors who have been selected through a rigorous application process.

Belk Foundation

Burroughs Wellcome Fund

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 — particularly students of color and bilingual students — to explore careers in education with a gift to support LIFT.

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