Expanding Global Ed, BWF CAST, NSF, GRFP, and Reshaping STEM in College: This is your NC STEM e-Update

Fresh Newsletter

What's Happening in STEM

Aug. 27 | Volume 16 - 2026

The NC STEM Center is a Web Portal for all things related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education in North Carolina

Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Career Award for STEM Teachers ↴

Applications for 2026 BWF CAST Awards close next month

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 details and apply.

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

	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

	STEM Spotlight ↴ Campus Canopy Census Help turn NC State University into a living lab! Join the Campus Canopy Census - a crowd-sourced mission to map every single tree on the campus. The real-time data captured will help track carbon footprints, and protect the campus canopy. → Read more

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program ↴

NSF sets October deadlines for 2027 GRFP proposals

The National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is offering unparalleled support for outstanding students pursuing full-time master's and doctoral degrees in STEM fields. This highly coveted fellowship provides a $37,000 annual stipend alongside a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance for three years. With discipline-specific application deadlines approaching this October, prospective candidates should explore the guidelines and start crafting their proposals to secure funding. → Learn more

University of North Carolina Wilmington ↴

UNCW awaits new $7.5M research vessel

UNC Wilmington is preparing to receive a new $7.5 million, state-funded marine research vessel that will expand research capabilities and student learning opportunities. The 78-foot aluminum catamaran, R/V Osprey, was built in Washington state and recently completed sea trials. University officials say delivery is imminent. → Full story

Inside look at how a new coalition is equipping local talent for a global future ↴

Expanding global education across North Carolina

The newly formed NC Coalition for Global Education has spent 2026 forging public-private partnerships to elevate global education opportunities throughout North Carolina. Find out how their work is already making a difference and what they are planning next.. → Read on EdNC

Higher Education ↴

5 ways colleges are reshaping STEM education

Getting more students into science, technology, engineering and mathematics has long been a higher education priority, but access alone doesn’t guarantee success. Recent efforts show colleges rethinking how they support students across the STEM pathway — from redesigning gateway math courses and expanding hands-on learning to strengthening career preparation and creating new avenues into technology careers. → View the five approaches

Sept. 16, 2026 ↴

Every Child & County

This forum on Sept. 16 brings current and former state superintendents together to discuss key NC education issues. → More

Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2026 ↴

NCED Connect

NCDPI's next NCED Connnect Symposium is next month at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. → 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

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!

NC STEM
Phone: + 1 919 991 5111
21 T.W. Alexander Drive
Durham, N.C. 27713
www.ncstemcenter.org