| July 30 | Volume 14 - 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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$19M investment delivers high-speed internet to underserved and overlooked NC communities ↴
MCNC completes historic HERO Project
MCNC, the technology nonprofit that builds, owns and operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), has completed its HERO (High Speed Economies for Rural Opportunity) Project. Along with MCNC’s own investments and continued support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, the HERO project has been a $19 million total infusion towards high-speed internet and technology services in 11 counties, bringing a modern “infrastructure of opportunity” to these rural and economically-challenged areas. Full story.
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 ↴
SciVentures: ER
 The final week of this middle school summer camp starts on Monday (Aug. 3) at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. The hands-on experience includes touring UNC Hospitals and speaking with health care professionals.
→ Read more
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New NCCCS leader comes from Louisiana ↴
Dr. Monty Sullivan to lead N.C. Community College System
 The State Board of Community Colleges has selected Dr. Monty Sullivan as the new president and chief executive officer of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). Sullivan previously led Louisiana’s community college system and succeeds Jeff Cox. → Read full story
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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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Quiet season projected ahead but coastal risk remains real ↴
What’s in store for hurricane season 2026?
 Hurricane season in the Atlantic lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30. As we move into August, we enter into the peak part. In contrast to recent years, the National Weather Service is forecasting a modest 2026 hurricane season with a 55% chance of a below-normal season, a 35% chance of a normal season, and a 10% chance of an above-normal season. → Read more from UNC
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What the 2026-27 NC Principals of the Year want you to know ↴
Wisdom from the front lines of school leadership
 School leadership plays a critical role for students, educators, and families. This is not an easy task, but there are several principals across the state who excel at the job. The Public School Forum recently spoke with some outstanding educators, the 2026-27 North Carolina Wells Fargo Regional Principals of the Year. Visit EdNC and read what they would like you to know about their schools and public education in North Carolina. → Learn more
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Aug. 3-4, 2026 ↴
KF Annual Conference
The Reigniting Teacher Passion conference hosted by Kenan Fellows is next week (Aug. 3-4) in Chapel Hill. → More |
Aug. 23-26, 2026 ↴
GMIS MEETS 2026
2-for-1 registration is now available for GMIS MEETS happening on Aug. 23–26 in historic Williamsburg, Va. → 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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