| Oct. 23 | Volume 20 - 2025 |
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The NC STEM Center is a Web Portal for all things related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education in North Carolina
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New statewide framework aims to empower and equip North Carolinians to close the digital divide ↴
NCDIT launches Digital Skills Standards
The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity has published the North Carolina Digital Skills Standards, which are designed to provide those throughout the state with the digital tools and competencies they need to thrive in the modern world. A key component of this work was to define what it means to be digitally prepared. Recognizing that digital access alone is not enough, this project introduces a statewide framework that identifies six core areas of essential knowledge and abilities for full participation in civic, economic and social life. These standards were developed in partnership with the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State University as well as input from 25 other organizations and agencies across the state.
Please enjoy your e-Update. Connect with us to share your feedback. |
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Opportunities ↴
Explore NC STEM Center
 Do you have an opportunity or program doing great STEM work in North Carolina? Here's how you can post and promote your special events, camps, and afterschool programs all year long. We invite you to create an account to get started today!
→ Read more
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STEM Spotlight ↴
Built for the Cold at NC Zoo
 On Dec. 9, discover the unique ways Arctic animals survive extreme cold as part of the North Carolina Zoo’s 2025–2026 Homeschool Days: Environments Around the World! This is the final event of 2025 with additional sessions in March and May 2026.
→ Read more
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Applying this week could waive your application fee ↴
It’s College Application Week in North Carolina
 This week is College Application Week, part of North Carolina’s Countdown to College campaign. Now through Oct. 26, dozens of North Carolina colleges and universities are waiving application fees. → More
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Kenan Fellows now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Fellowship Year ↴
Discover your next professional learning community
 Applications to join the 2026-2027 cohort of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University are now open online through mid-January 2026. For those interested, use the link provided to learn more about this exclusive program and apply.. → Learn more
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Innovative Technology Experiences for Teachers and Students (ITEST) program ↴
NSF funding helps expand AI education in NC, two other states
 Before the public launch of ChatGPT and the widespread interest in AI education in schools, a team of researchers from NC State and Indiana University had ideas to teach elementary school students about AI. Now, a four-year, $3.5 million NSF project is helping researchers foster students’ interest in STEM in three states while equipping them with fundamental AI skills. → Full story
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Annual awards recognize outstanding K-12 science and STEM educators ↴
Applications for 2025–2026 NSTA Awards due in December
 The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Awards Program. NSTA Awards honor K–12 educators for their outstanding work and achievement in science and STEM education. In addition to receiving cash and prizes, all awardees will be formally recognized during the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Anaheim, Calif., on April 15–18, 2026. Applications are due by Dec. 19. → Read more
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Efforts to make transfer pathways simple, faster and more transparent starting to pay off ↴
UNC System sees record number of transfer students in 2025
 This fall, the University of North Carolina System welcomed in a record 18,719 transfer students, an 8.2 percent increase from fall 2024. Of those, 10,840 transferred from community colleges, underscoring the system's ongoing efforts to improve transfer pathways. → Read more
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Oct. 23, 2025 ↴
Lights On Afterschool
Today (Oct. 23) is Lights On Afterschool - a project of the Afterschool Alliance celebrating afterschool programs. → More |
Oct. 28-29, 2025 ↴
Bridging the Gap 2025
The 2025 Bridging the Gap conference will be Oct. 28-29 at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in RTP. → More
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Nov. 5-6, 2025 ↴
MCNC Community Day
MCNC Community Day is back for 2025 and is set for Nov. 5-6 at the Durham Convention Center. → More |
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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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