Kenan Fellows, DLI, Coolest Thing Made in NC, and Welcome to Fall: This is your NC STEM e-Update

Fresh Newsletter

What's Happening in STEM

Sept. 24 | Volume 18 - 2026

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

Ready to reignite your teaching practice? ↴

Applications now open for 2027–2028 Kenan Fellowship

Communities depend on dedicated teachers to expand student possibilities, model innovation, and strengthen local roots. The Kenan Fellows Program at NC State University addresses the need for sustained leadership investment by connecting educators directly to the regional industries shaping their communities. Through this unique model, fellows gain access to immersive professional learning and stay linked to an enduring network of growth-minded peers. This investment ultimately flows back into classrooms and schools to benefit students every day. Applications for the 2027–28 cohort are open now through mid-January, with placements available across North Carolina and the Virginia Beach area. Explore the details online to find regional opportunities and submit your application today. Start your journey.

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 ↴ Science through movement The Science Through The Art of Movement & Dance is an innovative program based out of Butner that brings customized, in-school science experiences to your school and/or organization. Get your kids moving and learning today! → Read more

Help celebrate North Carolina's manufacturing community ↴

Voting now open for 'Coolest Thing Made in NC' contest

Now in its seventh year, the Coolest Thing Made in NC contest celebrates North Carolina’s manufacturing community through a statewide competition showcasing made-in-NC products. The NC Chamber has announced the 15 finalists for its annual online competition and voters have until Friday (tomorrow) to select three companies across small, medium and large businesses. Winners will be announced Oct. 1. → Click here to cast your vote

Leadership change aims to take nonprofit to the next level ↴

NC East Alliance announces leadership transition

NC East Alliance recently announced a leadership transition designed to build on the organization’s strong foundation and strengthen its impact across Eastern North Carolina. Dr. Frank “Trip” Belote will become President and CEO of NC East, while Vann Rogerson will become CEO Emeritus and continue supporting the organization’s leadership team by focusing on fundraising and special projects. → Full story

The expanded Pilot Xcelerator provides infrastructure and engineering expertise for projects ↴

RTI International opens $14 million RTP expansion

RTI International opened a $14 million, 25,000-square-foot expansion at its Research Triangle Park campus to help startups and other organizations test and scale new technologies.. → Read more

Seventeen LEAs and Charters receive state backing for innovative digital learning programs ↴

NC awards $1.2M to boost digital learning in schools

Seventeen North Carolina public school districts and charter schools will receive more than $1.2 million in grant funding during the 2026-2027 school year to support innovative digital teaching and learning initiatives across the state. The State Board of Education approved the funding through North Carolina’s competitive Digital Learning Initiative Grant Program. → Full story

Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Career Award for STEM Teachers ↴

Applications close next week for 2026 BWF 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 next Wednesday (Sept. 30). → Apply

Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2026 ↴

NCED Connect

NCDPI's next NCED Connect Symposium is next week 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

Nov. 12-13, 2026 ↴

2026 NCSTA Conference

North Carolina Science Teachers Association will host their annual conference on Nov. 12-13 in Winston-Salem. → 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