| Nov. 20 | Volume 22 - 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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Working together to strengthen, protect and celebrate our public schools ↴
NC STEM celebrates American Education Week
American Education Week is underway celebrating the wide range of incredible educators and support professionals who help our students succeed. Each play a vital role supporting students and families while keeping our schools running and thriving. The National Education Association (NEA) was one of the creators of American Education Week. The first observance occurred Dec. 4-10, 1921, with the NEA and American Legion as the co-sponsors. A year later, the then U.S. Office of Education joined the effort as a co-sponsor, and the PTA followed in 1938. Join us in honoring the education professionals who support, nourish, and protect our public school students; they make public education possible every single day! Show your support this week using #aew2025. Learn more about American Education Week.
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 ↴
Balloon Breakdown
 Have you ever wondered what happens to a balloon after it pops? Help compost 40,000 latex balloons! Use the link to visit the project website, download the booklet, and submit data as it comes in to the contact info in the booklet. There's no official sign up.
→ Read more
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Recipients to be honored next spring at the Celebration of Science, Mathematics, and Technology ↴
Nominations are now open 2026 SMT Awards
 Please join us is recognizing individuals and organizations whose extraordinary contributions to STEM education in North Carolina are helping to advance the mission of the SMT Center by submitting a nomination for the 2026 SMT Awards by Dec. 16. → More
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Learn more about the NCISC, requirements, FAQs, timeline, and more ↴
Deadline nears for North Carolina International Science Challenge
 Applications are open for next year's North Carolina International Science Challenge (NCISC), which is a yearly competition connecting North Carolina high school students with their peers from all over the world in order to share scientific discoveries on an international stage. A completed application, including abstract and research paper, need to be electronically submitted for judging no later than Dec. 1. → More
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Fourth Grade teacher Shane Henderson joins Milken Educators ↴
Chatham County educator surprised with national award
 Under the guise of a school-wide assembly this week at Pittsboro Elementary School, fourth grade teacher Shane Henderson was surprised to receive this year's Milken Educator Award. He is the sole North Carolina recipient this year, and the state’s 58th recipient since 1994. → 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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Technology nonprofit marks important milestone by recognizing community leaders who have helped pave the way for North Carolina’s broadband-powered past, present and future ↴
MCNC celebrates 45 years of transformation at Community Day
 MCNC hosted more than 200 technology, government and business leaders earlier this month for its signature event – MCNC Community Day – at the Durham Convention Center. This year’s event theme, 45 Years of Transformation, celebrated MCNC’s past successes, current contributions, and the influential future it has planned for connecting North Carolina. → Full story
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Annual awards recognize outstanding K-12 science and STEM educators ↴
ICYMI: Applications for 2025–2026 NSTA Awards due next month
 The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is 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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How community colleges can help women pursue an engineering careers ↴
Paving the way for female engineers
 While the field of engineering continues to expand, why are so few women pursuing engineering careers? A study by the Society of Women Engineers found that fewer than 2 percent of women who transfer from a two-year college to a four-year university majored in engineering and computer science compared with 11 percent of men. So, what can community colleges do to help close the engineering gender gap? → Explore report perspective via EdNC
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Nov. 21, 2025 ↴
Teen Science Cafe
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center's next Teen Science Cafe is this Friday (Nov. 21) at 6 p.m. in Chapel Hill. → More |
Dec. 9, 2025 ↴
NC TECH Awards
Celebrate a year in technology at the NC TECH Awards on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Raleigh Convention Center. → More
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Feb. 19-20, 2026 ↴
Science For All Summit
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will host the 2026 Science for All Summit on Feb. 19-20 in Chapel Hill. → 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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