Best of STEM in North Carolina for 2024
Please enjoy our compilation of some of the best stories in STEM education this year. |
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September: Hurricane Helene ↴
Sharing recovery resources after Helene reshapes Western NC
 Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26 as a Category 3 storm. The following day it was downgraded to a tropical storm but left a path of catastrophic damage and destruction as it made its way up the East Coast. Western North Carolina was hit particularly hard as our neighbors in the west continue with recovery efforts still today and will be doing so for quite some time. Our team at NC STEM shares in the heartache felt by many throughout Western Carolina. Now more than ever, your support can make a difference. If you're looking to help out during this holiday season, there are many ways to do so, and we have provided several properly vetted options if you are looking to help out. Helene Resources.
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May: Celebrating of Science, Mathematics and Technology ↴
2024 SMT Awards recognize the year's best in STEM
 The N.C. Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center (SMT Center) annually offers awards that recognize individuals and organizations whose extraordinary contributions to science, mathematics, and technology education in North Carolina are helping to advance the mission of the SMT Center. Nominations are accepted each fall. Recipients of the awards were honored in May at the Celebration of Science, Mathematics, and Technology. |
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July: Dr. Sam Houston shares his vision at TEDx event ↴
TEDx: Why education fails students of the future
 Are we preparing our students for a world that no longer exists? Dr. Sam Houston, President and CEO of the North Carolina SMT Center, challenges the outdated methods of traditional education, advocating for a future-focused approach that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in tomorrow's world. Discover why a shift in our educational paradigm is essential for the success of future generations. Watch TEDx event.
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December: SMT President and CEO receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine ↴
Dr. Sam Houston receives prestigious North Carolina honor
 Dr. Sam Houston was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine this month. This honor, one of the highest bestowed by the Governor of North Carolina, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Read full announcement.
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April: Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year ↴
Heather Smith: 2024 BWF North Carolina Teacher of the Year
 Congratulations once again to Heather Smith, a teacher at Waynesville Middle School, who was named the 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year back in April. Smith teaches 8th grade math and was selected out of nine finalists representing the state's regional districts and charter schools. Read more.
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September: HERO (High Speed Economies for Rural Opportunity) Project ↴
MCNC begins broadband expansion project in Sanford
 As summer came to a close, MCNC held a groundbreaking ceremony at Central Carolina Community College to signify the official start of their $19 million HERO (High Speed Economies for Rural Opportunity) Project. High-speed internet has become a staple in education across the country – providing teachers with ready access to tools, technology and constant contact with students, and students with access to research, experts, and classmates at the click of a mouse. But many schools in rural areas have fallen behind due to their lack of connectivity. MCNC’s HERO Project aims to change all that; bringing ALL parts of North Carolina into the digital fold. As MCNC’s HERO Project progresses, this webpage will be updated with photos, videos, and more from the people making the project possible. Learn more about MCNC's HERO Project.
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January: NREA report provides a wake up call for North Carolina ↴
Rural Education Association releases 'Why Rural Matters' report
The National Rural Education Association (NREA) released their 10th version of the Why Rural Matters report to kick off the year, which analyzes the contexts and conditions of rural education in each of the 50 states and calling attention to the need for policymakers and others to address rural education issues in their respective states. North Carolina is the 10th highest priority state when it comes to rural education, according to this latest study, citing data on enrollment, population, diversity, policy, outcomes and access to support for learning and development. Access and view the full report here. EdNC also has a full analysis of North Carolina in this story.
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February: NCDPI, NC Chamber unveil new tools to align workforce needs with K-12 education ↴
New state toolkit connects employers with students
 A skilled and educated workforce is the cornerstone of a strong, healthy economy. A new Employer Toolkit to align North Carolina’s rapidly changing workforce with the K-12 public education system was made available in February. This project is a follow-up to the 2022 launch of “The Year of the Workforce,” where the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) rolled out four workforce goals at the N.C. Chamber Foundation and published its workforce development website. This toolkit is specific to employers and industry partners and was created in response to reoccurring questions often posed from the business community such as how businesses can get connected with schools or how internships and youth apprenticeships work. NCDPI has launched several tools in the past couple years aimed at increasing alignment with the business community, including the N.C. Portrait of a Graduate, designed to ensure that students are equipped with in-demand durable skills upon graduation, and the K-12 Workforce Toolkit (available for download by scrolling to the K-12 Toolkit tab near the bottom of the page on the provided link), geared towards parents and students to help them learn more about career pathways available to them during their educational journey.
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January: EdNC analysis discovers "educational services" a top employer in North Carolina ↴
Education drives local workforce opportunities and economies
 School districts are the top employer in 46 of the state's 100 counties, according to an analysis this year by EdNC, and there are no counties in the state where educational services aren't in the top 25. What education institution is the biggest employer in your area? Read more.
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March: Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics Awards ↴
North Carolina teachers receive 2024 PRISM Awards
 The Burroughs Welcome Fund (BWF) announced in March the recipients of this year’s PRISM (Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics) Awards, celebrating the innovation of North Carolina teachers in bringing STEM resources into the classroom. The awards annually highlight BWF's commitment to fostering diversity and creativity in education. This year, 32 proposals totaling more than $102,000 were selected. The PRISM Awards support teaching professionals in providing quality, hands-on, inquiry-based student activities as well as enhancing the excitement for STEM in the classroom by providing funding for materials, equipment and supplies. The award also provides funding support for participation in professional development related to STEM materials and education. Since inception the PRISM Awards has invested more than $1.2 million to support over 400 teachers in North Carolina. Learn about this year's recipients.
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August: Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DSEC) Consortium ↴
RTI's $190M defense contract aims to boost STEM
 RTI International and the U.S. Department of Defense signed a cooperative agreement this summer to continue overseeing the Defense Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Consortium, or DSEC. The potential 10-year, $190 million deal is intended to boost STEM education among K-16 students and educators across the country through enhanced STEM workforce engagement, program evaluations, and public outreach. Under the agreement, RTI will work with its 28 partner organizations on behalf of the DOD STEM and manage operations, handle communications, and engage with alumni. Read more.
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2025 NC Science Festival ↴
Submit your STEM event(s) for 2025 NC Science Festival
 North Carolina's biggest celebration of science happens every April, and in 2024 there were more than 400 virtual and in-person events scheduled throughout the state. Next year aims to be even bigger! The North Carolina Science Festival is currently seeking proposals from organizations interested in hosting an event in 2025 and get in on the fun. Use the link to submit your event today. And, of course, there are also ways for you to volunteer. Read more.
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Thank you for a great year!
Happy Holidays
We're excited for what's to come in 2025 |
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Have STEM News or Event to share?
The NC STEM Center is a project of the NC STEM Learning Network, a statewide effort through the North Carolina Science, Mathematics & Technology (SMT) Education Center in collaboration with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina Community College System, and UNC General Administration.
Thanks for your continued support! |
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NC STEM
Phone: + 1 919 991 5111
P.O. Box 13901
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709
www.ncstemcenter.org
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