Fresh Newsletter
What's Happening in STEM
April 2 | Volume 7 - 2026
The NC STEM Center is a Web Portal for all things related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education in North Carolina
 
 
Ignite your curiosity and experience that spark of discovery this month all across the state 

North Carolina Science Festival is back!

Science fuels our culture, drives our economy, and builds our world. A single day isn't nearly enough to contain the energy of North Carolina’s massive science scene, so the North Carolina Science Festival is taking over the entire month of April. From the mountains to the coast, the NC Science Festival is officially underway for 2026, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more hands-on than ever before. With over 500 events popping up in local communities as well as streaming across virtual platforms, there is an adventure waiting for every age and interest level. This isn't just about textbooks — it’s about amazing experiments, cutting-edge tech, and the thrill of those "aha" moments that shape our future.

Happy Spring, and Happy Science! Find your event today and join the celebration..

Please enjoy your e-Update. Connect with us to share your feedback.

 
 
  Opportunities

Explore NC STEM Center

Explore NC STEM CenterDo 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!

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  STEM Spotlight

Night with The Goonies

goonies.jpg“Hey you guys!” Are you ready for a legendary treasure hunt? Join the NC Museum of Natural Sciences on June 11 for a special screening of the 80s adventure classic, The Goonies. Use the link for more details and ticket information.

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Student STEM Enrichment Program 

Curiosity needs a place to go! Apply today for SSEP grants

SSEP2026.jpgThe Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund supports diverse programs with a common goal: to enable primary and secondary students to participate in creative, hands-on STEM activities for K-12 students and pursue inquiry-based exploration in North Carolina. These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. The application window is now open through June. 10. → Learn more
 
Christina Koch will be the first woman to journey around the moon

Artemis II launches North Carolina astronaut into history

artemis.jpgOn Wednesday (April 1), the Artemis II mission successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center at 6:35 p.m. EDT. The 10-day mission is the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years, carrying four astronauts — including North Carolina native and NC State graduate Christina Koch — on a journey to orbit the moon, marking a historic, nearly 10-day trip. Use this link to read more about her contributions to space exploration. → Follow the Artemis II mission via NASA
 
Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society

CYESS announces Youth Voice Week later this month

voiceweek2026.jpgJoin the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS) the week of April 13-17 in amplifying youth voices and celebrating how after school and summer programs help empower young people to take action on issues they care about. → Learn more
 
Wilmington Regional NC Science Olympiad 

Future innovators take the stage at UNCW

uncwstem.jpgSixty-five teams, representing nearly 1,000 middle and high school students, competed in the 2026 Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad last month at UNCW. Hosted by the Watson College of Education’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (CESTEM), the annual event is held in partnership with local schools and supported by campus and community volunteers. Full story
 
Empowering classroom excellence to elevate student outcomes

NC State faculty and Friday Institute staff win AERA Award

aera.jpgA team of researchers from the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation and NC State University's College of Education have been awarded the American Educational Research Association’s (AERA) Division L Outstanding Long Policy Report Award for their work on the 2024 evaluation of the Advanced Teaching Roles (ATR) program.  Read more
 
 
April 7, 2026

Eggs & Issues 2026

Eggs and Issues 2026
Join the Public School Forum on April 7 for an annual update on top education issues across the state.  More   
April 13-17, 2026

Legislators in Schools

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North Carolina's Legislators in Schools Week will be held the week of April 13-17 in local public schools all across the state.  More  
June 11, 2026

Soar into STEM

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SOAR into STEM: Lead the Adventure, hosted by CESTEM, is set for June 11 at UNCW’s Watson College of Education.  More