Call for Proposals: New Program Innovation Grant
Have an idea for a course that could shape the future of continuing education at NC State?
NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education is offering a grant to faculty, staff and external practitioners for the design and delivery of a short non-credit course, program or credential.
The New Program Innovation Grant is looking for bold, market-ready proposals with strong learner demand and scalability to expand our lifelong learning portfolio.
Recipients will receive approximately $3,000 to support the time and effort of course development, plus full-service support from NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education’s marketing, enrollment and professional development specialists.
Six proposals will be selected in 2026, growing to 12 in 2027.
Why NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education?
NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education is the gateway to lifelong learning at NC State University — providing programs, services, conference facilities and community initiatives that empower individuals, organizations and communities throughout their lifelong learning journey. Our value lies in creating learning experiences that truly make a difference. With proven expertise, flexible programs, and a focus on community and innovation.
Full-Service Support
Marketing, enrollment and professional development support throughout
Direct Funding
Approximately $3,000 per course to compensate for the time and effort of content creation
NC State Prestige
Open to external practitioners: an on-ramp to teach through a nationally recognized university
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Funding and Financials
What is the award amount?
The award is approximately $3,000 per course.
What does the funding cover?
Funding is intended to compensate awardees for their time and effort in creating course content and to cover administrative fees. Please note: instruction is not included as part of this proposal process.
How many grants are available?
The program will select six proposals in 2026 and 12 proposals in 2027.
What is the source of the funding?
The funding is provided by the Continuing and Lifelong Education Vice Provost’s office.
How do awardees get paid?
To receive payment, invoices must be submitted to NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education business office once a month.
Eligibility and Participation
Who can apply?
The Call for Proposals is open to both NC State faculty and staff and external industry practitioner subject-matter experts.
What are the selection criteria?
Proposals will be evaluated based on their market viability, learner demand, enrollment forecasting, projected revenue, and scalability.
The Submission Process
How do I submit my proposal?
Applicants must complete a web-based grant form located on the NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education website. Because the form is designed to lower the barrier to entry, responses should be kept concise, including a strict 100-word limit for the course abstract.
What are the important dates for the 2026 cycle?
- Call for proposals opens: Sept. 9, 2026
- Submission deadline: Oct. 21, 2026
- Proposal review completed: Nov. 6, 2026
- Award notifications sent: Week of Nov. 16, 2026
Support and Deliverables
What non-monetary support is provided?
Winners receive full-service professional support from NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education’s New Program Innovation team, marketing and enrollment specialists throughout the entire course and credential development process. Additional support is also provided by the Office of Professional Development.
When must the proposed course be taught?
Classes submitted and approved in 2026 are required to be taught by the end of 2027. The program aims to space these classes evenly over the span of the calendar year.
What is the expectation for course length?
Most current non-credit offerings are in the 12-36 hour contact range, with flexibility in how those contact hours are reached over time. Non-credit course lengths vary considerably, though our emphasis is on providing short-term professional development that delivers clear skill development for working professionals.
Course Examples
What type of courses are you looking for?
The New Program Innovation Grant is open to any course topic. Examples of possible micro-credentials, executive short courses and stackable certificates for upskilling and reskilling include:
- Data engineering and analytics
- Applied AI, automation and AI governance
- Digital construction technology
- Logistics, construction and renewable-energy installation
- Healthcare management
- Cybersecurity for healthcare
- IT solutions for healthcare
Additional Questions
Have further questions? Reach out to the New Program Innovation Team at [email protected] or call 919.513.3079
Submit Your Proposal
Ready to get started? Submit your proposal today.
