| July 9 | Volume 13 - 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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Statewide coalition is connecting and powering next generation STEM workforce ↴
Video: NCShare unites North Carolina institutions
NCShare is a collaboration dedicated to enhancing research and STEM education throughout North Carolina. The project is a coalition involving Duke University, Davidson College, North Carolina Central University, and MCNC. The NSF-funded initiative aims to address the disparity in research capabilities between large research institutions and smaller colleges by providing shared access to high-performance computing. The project intends to continue growing across the state to assist faculty at smaller universities who are eager to engage in advanced research. By increasing the number of participants, the initiative aims to further improve efficiency, expand access to knowledge, and strengthen collective capabilities. In this new video spotlight, learn from NCShare’s Jon Gant and Tracey Collins how NCShare is helping small universities across our state access the same research resources and tools. This shared cyberinfrastructure, powered by MCNC’s high-speed broadband network, is bridging the digital divide and fueling the next generation of the STEM workforce.
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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 ↴
Magic Tree House Research
 How many stars are in our sky? How does it feel to journey through space? In this camp on July 20 and Aug. 3 (both at 9 a.m.), the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will help students grades 2-3 discover the answers to these questions and more.
→ Read more
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Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Career Award for STEM Teachers ↴
Applications open for 2026 BWF's CAST Awards
 The Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Career Award for STEM Teachers (CAST) recognizes outstanding STEM teachers in North Carolina public primary and secondary schools. The award provides $175,000 over five years and is available to teachers who have an outstanding performance record in educating children and who demonstrate a solid knowledge of STEM content. Teachers working in hard-to-staff, economically deprived classrooms in North Carolina will receive special consideration. Efforts to integrate environmental science into STEM-related curricula will also receive special consideration. Applications are due by Sept. 30. → Explore and apply
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2026-2027 WNC Elementary STEM Teacher Leader Cohort ↴
Apply now for WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice
 Western Carolina University is accepting applications until Aug. 19, for its WNC Elementary STEM Teacher Leader Cohort, a professional development opportunity limited to just five or six K-4 educators running from September to May 2027. The program features monthly virtual meetings, classroom mentoring, and a leadership role facilitating a regional spring retreat. Participants will earn CEUs, help co-author a regional STEM playbook, and receive a $500 classroom stipend alongside a $500 participation stipend. Interested teachers must submit an online application and a principal support form to be considered. → Learn more and apply
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Gov. Josh Stein signs North Carolina's $34 billion budget ↴
State budget boosts community colleges, Propel NC
 North Carolina’s new budget was signed this week and will spend more than $19 billion on education, making it the largest bucket of state spending and $1.1 billion more than the last enacted budget in 2023. Among other things, the budget features 8 percent average pay raises for teachers and increased funding for literacy and math. Also within the budget is $1.86 billion for the community college system, including funding for the Propel NC workforce-based funding model, enrollment growth, employee raises, and workforce initiatives. → Read more
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Empowering NC entrepreneurs to achieve their potential ↴
NC IDEA fall grant cycle opens July 27
 Early-stage, growth-oriented companies can apply for one of two different NC IDEA grants: NC IDEA MICRO awards $10,000 project-based grants to young companies looking to validate assumptions and develop a business model; NC IDEA SEED offers $50,000 grants to early-stage companies, often the critical funding they need to scale faster. Applications open July 27 and close on Aug. 24. → Learn more and apply
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July 28-29, 2026 ↴
ECU STEM Symposium
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
Registration for Reigniting Teacher Passion hosted by Kenan Fellows on Aug. 3-4 in Chapel Hill closes on July 24. → More |
Oct. 22-23, 2026 ↴
Bridging The Gap 2026
Bridging the Gap 2026 will be held in October at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in RTP. → 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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