Fresh Newsletter
What's Happening in STEM
May 21 | Volume 10 - 2026
The NC STEM Center is a Web Portal for all things related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education in North Carolina
 
 
Student STEM Enrichment Program 

Applications for SSEP grants close on June 10

The 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 and pursue inquiry-based exploration in North Carolina. These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. Since the program's inception in 1996, BWF has awarded 309 grants totaling $48 million to 142 organizations that reach more than 62,000 North Carolina students. The application window is open now through June. 10. Apply here.

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  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

Microscope-Building PD

01HHMNZTCTJATRGZ3VHWC9D4ZR.jpgUNC Chapel Hill professor Bob Goldstein has funding from the National Science Foundation to bring microscope-building workshops to teachers at NC public elementary schools. Learn how you can join this 90-minute workshop.

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Dr. Mariah Walker of Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy 

Wake principal is NC's new principal of the year

NCpoY-2026.pngDr. Mariah Walker, principal of Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy (WYWLA), has been named the 2026 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year. → Read more
 
2026 Digital Learning Initiative Instructional Innovation Grants 

NCDPI DLI Grant applications due by June 18

dligrants.jpgThe State Board of Education recently approved up to $1.2 million for the 2026-27 Instructional Innovation Grant to support North Carolina public schools’ Digital Learning Initiative (DLI). Access Grant Instructions. This competitive funding will help Public School Units (PSUs) advance innovative digital teaching and technology integration. → Get more information
 
Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) Brave Innovators of STEM Education

UNCP launches program to address STEM teacher shortage

uncp.jpgUNC Pembroke is launching a new program to help more students become licensed science and math teachers through the BWF Brave Innovators of STEM Education program. → Learn more
 
Apply for the 2026 Strategic Planning Institute by June 15

Meet new Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction program

DiversityinSTEMEducationSummit-23.jpgThe Smithsonian Science Education Center is launching Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction to support education for a more sustainable Future. Schools can now apply to attend the Strategic Planning Institute for this new program in Washington, D.C., on July 13-17. Applications are due by June. 15.. → Get involved
 
Four additional rural NC schools have been selected for $25M Golden LEAF Schools Initiative 

Golden LEAF Foundation adds to 2026 PCBE cohort

glschools.pngFour rural North Carolina middle schools have added to join the Personalized, Competency-Based Education (PCBE) cohort of the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative. The expansion brings the total number of schools in this five-year, $25 million initiative to 19. Read more
 
 
June 2, 2026

Industry Round Table

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How is CS and AI changing what students need to know? The Friday Institute and NCDPI have set up this event to discuss.  More   
July 28-29, 2026

ECU STEM Symposium

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The 2026 ECU STEM Symposium on July 28-29 at East Carolina University is now free for all participants.  More
Aug. 3-4, 2026

KF Annual Conference

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Save the Date for Kenan Fellows' annual Reigniting Teacher Passion conference on Aug. 3-4 in Chapel Hill.  More