| March 5 | Volume 5 - 2026 |
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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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Nine public school leaders from across the state have been recognized ↴
North Carolina names Principal of the Year finalists
On May 15, one of nine public school leaders across the state will be named the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year at a ceremony in Cary. The 2026 finalists are: Kelly E. Flora, Nags Head Elementary School (Dare County Schools); Dr. Marlow Artis, Craven Early College High School (Craven County Schools); Dr. Mariah Walker, Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy (Wake County Public School System); Dr. Latreicia Allen, John Griffin Middle School (Cumberland County Schools); Dr. Darrell A. Harris, Jr., Eastern Guilford High School (Guilford County Schools); LaTresha Wilson, Tuckaseegee Elementary School (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools); Dustin Farmer, Ashe County High School (Ashe County Schools); Jennifer McBrayer, CHASE Middle School (Rutherford County Schools); and Deborah Brown, The Exploris School. The Wells Fargo Principal of the Year is an ambassador for the state’s approximately 2,700 principals. The individual selected for this honor serves in an advisory capacity to the State Board of Education for a two-year term and on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Public School Forum. Follow along on social media at #NCTOYPOY. Read more about this recognition. Thanks for all you do in NC!
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 ↴
LABracadabra
 Learn the science behind amazing tricks and illusions as you prepare a science magic show as part of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center's summer camp programming that begins in June. This camp is designed for grades 2-3.
→ Read more
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Learn more about FRC on March 13 or March 27 and help ignite STEM in your school ↴
Register now for FIRST Robotics PD Workshops
 High school educators are invited to a free, one-day professional development workshop on March 13 at UNC Asheville or March 27 at UNC Pembroke. This hands-on experience allows teachers to build robot chassis, explore STEM and computer science programming, and learn how to align the FIRST curriculum with state standards. Participants will gain access to a statewide support network to help them launch competitive robotics programs at their schools. By attending, educators can discover how to foster student leadership and innovation while connecting their classrooms to future scholarship and career opportunities. → Learn more
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Event commemorates 25th anniversary of Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership ↴
Call for Proposals: 2026 Reigniting Teacher Passion Conference
 Join fellow K-12 educators for a dynamic professional learning experience celebrating 25 years of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership on Aug. 3-4 at the William and Ida Friday Center in Chapel Hill. Presenter proposals will be accepted until March 9. → Submit here
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BEST NC's latest report outlines a shared vision for K-5 mathematics ↴
Policy Brief: North Carolina Counts on Math
 BEST NC, partnering with the education consulting firm Watershed Advisors, convened the North Carolina Counts on Math (NCCOM) working group consisting of a cross-section of state and local mathematics educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to examine current conditions in K-5 mathematics and to identify opportunities for improvement. Over a three month period, the working group was able to compose a final report for a unified vision of the future of K-5 math instruction in North Carolina. → Access full report
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NCSSM is recruiting to help review Summer Ventures applicants starting next week ↴
Final call for Summer Ventures application readers
 Since 1985, Summer Ventures has provided a free, four-week STEM research experience for high school students at UNC System campuses. Organizers are currently looking for volunteers to serve as Selection Readers for the 2026 admissions cycle. Readers will score applications, essays, and transcripts virtually via Zoom on March 9-10. Training is provided in advance. If you require CEUs or community service verification for your employer, documentation will be provided. → Get involved
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Less than a month away! The 2026 NC Science Festival is coming soon ↴
Submit your STEM event(s) for 2026 NC Science Festival
 North Carolina's biggest celebration of science happens every April with more than 500 virtual and in-person events scheduled throughout the state. Organizers are currently seeking proposals from those interested in hosting an event to get in on the fun this year. Use the link to submit your event today. And, of course, there are also ways for you to volunteer. → Submit here
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March 26, 2026 ↴
AI and Art of Feedback
Learn AI strategies for providing student feedback as part of Kenan Fellow's Not Your Average PD spring semester. → More |
March 30-31, 2026 ↴
Future Forum
NC East Alliance will host Eastern NC Future Forum at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern on March 30-31. → More
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April 7, 2026 ↴
Eggs & Issues 2026
Join the Public School Forum on April 7 for an annual update on top education issues across the state. → 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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