The Trump administration has canceled millions of dollars in federal grants designated for teacher training and retention programs in North Carolina. Concerns are now being raised among educators and administrators about the future of teacher preparation and support in the state.
The U.S. Department of Education’s action affects several key initiatives aimed at enhancing teacher quality and diversity. Notably, the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grants, which provided substantial funding to programs like Winston-Salem TEACH—a collaboration between Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, and Salem College—have been terminated. These grants offered stipends to prospective teachers, enabling them to focus on their education without the burden of additional employment.
Similarly, the Project Leaders program, which operated in 23 schools across Wake County, received federal funds to recruit and train teachers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The Department of Education has stated that the canceled grants promoted divisive ideologies centered on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
North Carolina House Republicans Introduce Bill to Ban DEI Initiatives in State Agencies
This new move alights with President Trump’s broader executive orders aimed at eliminating federal support for DEI programs across the government.
