Maritime Accelerator, Higher Ed, NSTA Awards and Genius Grants: This is your NC STEM e-Update

Fresh Newsletter

What's Happening in STEM

Oct. 8 | Volume 19 - 2026

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

Annual awards recognize outstanding K-12 science and STEM educators ↴

Applications open for 2026–2027 NSTA Awards

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Awards Program. NSTA Awards honor K-12 educators for their outstanding work and achievement in science and STEM education. In addition to receiving cash and prizes, all awardees will be formally recognized during the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston on March 17-20, 2027. Applications are due by Dec. 18. To apply or nominate someone for an award, visit the NSTA Awards. NSTA also is hosting a webinar on Oct. 14, from 7 to 8 p.m., to share additional information on how to 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 ↴ App Challenge Do you want to create a game? Do you want to create an app to solve a problem? There is no limit to what you can create for the Congressional App Challenge. Student registration for this year's competition is now open through Oct. 26! → Read more

Kenan Fellows now accepting applications for the 2027-28 fellowship year ↴

Discover your next professional learning community

Applications to join the 2027-2028 cohort of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at NC State University are open online now through mid-January 2027. For those interested, use the link provided to learn more about this exclusive program. → Learn more and apply

Effort places emphasis on math, making, and the constructive use of AI ↴

MIT announces 'MIT for America' initiative

Massachusetts Institute of Technology has announced MIT for America, which seeks to strengthen STEM education nationally, at many levels of learning. Addressing a critical national need, the initiative ranges across STEM fields and will engage students from kindergarten through community college. → Full story

Felipe De Brigard was awarded this coveted fellowship for his work on brain and memory issues ↴

Duke scientist receives MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’

A Duke University professor and two others with North Carolina ties have won “genius grants” from the MacArthur Foundation. Duke officials say the foundation fellowship awarded to 47-year-old philosopher and cognitive scientist Felipe De Brigard comes with an $800,000 stipend. He is the fifth Duke faculty member to win the award, and the first since 2019. → Read more

Opinion ↴

How universities can help North Carolina’s economy grow

To sustain North Carolina's booming economic growth, Business NC reporter Chris Rousch explains that the state must build stronger, more intentional partnerships between local businesses and higher education institutions. Facing an impending enrollment cliff and a projected need for more than 250,000 new workers by 2034, he writes that colleges and universities must collaborate directly with employers to equip students with the essential skills required for the evolving workplace. → Click here to read the full story

SBA Award to launch Eastern North Carolina Maritime Supplier Accelerator ↴

NC EAST looks to strengthen maritime supply pipeline

NC East Alliance has been awarded a $380,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to launch the Eastern North Carolina Maritime Supplier Accelerator, a new initiative designed to help small manufacturers across the region enter and expand within the nation’s maritime and defense industrial base. → Learn more

Oct. 15 & Nov. 19, 2026 ↴

Free Kenan Fellows PD

Two "Not Your Average PD" sessions coming up focus on memorable classroom lessons on Oct. 15 and engaging students outdoors on Nov. 19. → More

Oct. 22-23, 2026 ↴

Bridging the Gap 2026

Bridging the Gap 2026 is right around the corner and will be held this month at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in RTP. → More

Nov. 12-13, 2026 ↴

2026 NCSTA Conference

Registration is still open for North Carolina Science Teachers Association's annual conference scheduled 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