Eastern North Carolina – [February 24, 2025] – STEM East, an initiative of NC East Alliance, is partnering with eight STEM East member school districts to participate in the Strategic Planning Institute (SPI) hosted by the Smithsonian Science Education Center in Washington, DC. From February 24-28, 2025, educational leaders from across eastern North Carolina will convene at the National Museum of the American Indian on the Smithsonian National Mall for an intensive, week-long strategic planning program..
The Strategic Planning Institute provides school district leaders with the tools and expertise necessary to develop and implement comprehensive STEM education strategies. Throughout the week, teams will evaluate their district’s current STEM programming, align their curricula with regional workforce needs, and foster stronger community and industry partnerships. The ultimate goal is to create sustainable improvements in STEM education that enhance student engagement and prepare the next generation for high-demand careers in eastern North Carolina.
“Hyde County Schools is excited to partner with STEM East, the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center (NCSMT), and the Smithsonian Science Education Center to strengthen STEM education for our students,” said Dr. Melanie R. Shaver, Superintendent of Hyde County Schools. “By aligning our district’s efforts with regional workforce needs and leveraging community partnerships, we are committed to ensuring that our students are prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow. This collaboration will allow us to build a strategic and sustainable STEM foundation that connects learning in the classroom to real-world applications, empowering our students in rural, Northeastern North Carolina to become our region’s future innovators and problem-solvers.”
By participating in the Strategic Planning Institute, these school districts are taking a proactive approach to strengthening STEM education, bridging the gap between classroom learning and workforce needs, and fostering a culture of innovation and career readiness. The Smithsonian Science Education Center’s guidance and resources will support these districts in developing actionable plans that align with best practices, industry trends, and community-driven STEM initiatives.
Bruce Middleton, Executive Director, STEM East Dr. Patrick Miller, Director of District Engagement and Support, STEM East, and Dr. Ethan Lenker, Director of Industry Engagement and Support, STEM East are all attending the SPI along with the STEM East member school district representatives. “The Strategic Planning Institute allows our school districts to engage in critical discussions that will shape the future of STEM education in our region,” said Bruce Middleton, Executive Director of STEM East. “By collaborating with the Smithsonian Science Education Center and our local industry partners, we are ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in the workforce.”
The following STEM East member school districts are participating in the SPI: Wilson County Schools, Nash County Public Schools, Martin County Schools, Edenton-Chowan Public Schools, Edgecombe County Public Schools, Wayne County Public Schools, Hyde County Schools, and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools.
Following the Strategic Planning Institute, STEM East and participating school districts will begin implementing their strategic STEM action plans, working alongside local industries, educators, and workforce development organizations to drive meaningful, long-term improvements in STEM education throughout eastern North Carolina.
This partnership exemplifies STEM East and NC East Alliance’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable STEM education pipeline, ensuring that eastern North Carolina’s students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
About NC East Alliance & STEM East
STEM East is an education and workforce development initiative of NC East Alliance, a regional economic development organization dedicated to promoting growth in eastern North Carolina. Through education-industry partnerships, strategic planning, and workforce training, STEM East ensures that students are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in high-growth STEM industries. The NC East Alliance model of combining economic development, education, workforce development, and marketing is a unique and innovative solution for rural economic development.
CONTACT: Trey Goodson @ (252) 814-0484 or goodson@nceast.org
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