Eastern North Carolina – On Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23, educators from across eastern North Carolina gathered at D.H. Conley High School in Greenville for a day of hands-on learning, inspiration, and innovation during the STEM East FIRST Robotics Investigation and Awareness Workshop. This immersive professional development event, hosted by STEM East, is a major step forward in expanding access to FIRST Robotics programming throughout the region.

Led by Julia Wagner, Director of Education & Programs for FIRST North Carolina, and Dr. Bill McClung, Professor at East Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology and long-time FIRST coach, the workshop provided aspiring coaches with practical training to help launch robotics teams in their own schools. Educators from 13 different schools across the STEM East network participated in this inaugural event, representing a broad commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for students in rural and underserved communities.

“STEM education is crucial to preparing students for the future workforce, and robotics programs like FIRST provide an incredible opportunity for hands-on learning,” said Dr. Patrick Miller, Director of District Engagement & Support for STEM East. “By equipping educators with the tools to lead these teams, we are opening doors for more students to participate in robotics competitions, develop critical problem-solving skills, and explore careers in engineering and technology.”

This workshop is part of STEM East’s broader initiative to grow FIRST Robotics programs in high schools throughout the 29-county NC East Alliance region. The event featured robot demonstrations, guidance on team organization and fundraising, and connections with current coaches and mentors. Attendees also received invitations to attend a live FIRST Robotics competition the following day, providing them with firsthand insight into the energy and teamwork that define these events.

NC East Alliance and STEM East are proud to support this effort with funding assistance and continued professional development, ensuring educators have the resources they need to spark interest in robotics and engineering in their classrooms. With overwhelming interest in this initial session, plans are already underway for future workshops and expanded support.

For more information on upcoming FIRST Robotics events, team startup support, or how to bring STEM East initiatives to your school, contact Dr. Patrick C. Miller (pmiller@nceast.org).

Eastern North Carolina – [March 10, 2025] – STEM East, an initiative of NC East Alliance, recently hosted a successful Lunch and Learn series aimed at strengthening career pathway awareness in eastern North Carolina. The sessions brought together career development coordinators (CDCs), middle and high school counselors, and career center advisors to discuss regionally significant career clusters and strategies for integrating industry connections into education.

There were three sessions held across the region, hosted by Craven Community College’s VOLT Center, Edgecombe Community College, and College of the Albemarle (CoA). The sessions engaged a total of 88 attendees representing 25 school districts and six community colleges. Participants explored the career clusters currently supported by STEM East’s Industry in Schools program, which include:

• Aviation
• Biopharma
• Blue Economy
• Energy Sector
• Health Science
• Smart Agriculture

These industries play a crucial role in eastern North Carolina’s economy, and STEM East is committed to ensuring that students have access to career pathways that align with their interests and regional workforce needs.

The Lunch and Learn sessions featured a presentation from Jamie Vaughn, Senior Analyst for Market Intelligence at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, who provided insight into labor market data and career development plans for students in grades 5 and 10. Natasha Roberson, a career center coordinator at Martin Community College, also co-presented, emphasizing the importance of equipping educators with the tools to guide students toward sustainable, in-demand careers.

“Educators are key in connecting students to career opportunities,” said Bruce Middleton, Director of STEM East. “By increasing awareness of industry needs and integrating real-world career examples into classroom instruction, we can better prepare students for the workforce and keep talent within our region.”

Each session also highlighted NCcareers.org, an essential resource for students to explore career options and build career development plans.

With Industry in Schools Leadership Institutes serving as a foundation, STEM East continues to collaborate with regional partners to enhance career exploration opportunities. These efforts ensure that educators can effectively guide students toward pathways in high-growth industries that support economic development in eastern North Carolina.

For more information about STEM East’s workforce development initiatives, please contact:

Trey Goodson
Chief Information Officer, NC East Alliance
Phone: (252) 814-0484
Email: goodson@nceast.org

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 programs like Industry in Schools and collaborative partnerships, STEM East bridges the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in the region’s workforce. The NC East Alliance model of combining economic development, education, workforce development, and marketing is a unique and innovative solution for rural economic development.

This Lunch and Learn series is another step forward in preparing eastern North Carolina’s students for meaningful, high-demand careers while strengthening the connection between education and industry.

Eastern North Carolina – [March 3, 2025] – STEM East, an initiative of NC East Alliance, awarded Fall Outreach Grants to STEM East Community College Network members, supporting STEM-focused events across eastern North Carolina. The grants enabled 1,038 students, educators, and community members to participate in hands-on STEM learning experiences, fostering interest in high-demand careers.

The Fall 2024 STEM Outreach Grants funded a wide range of programs, including engineering camps, coding workshops, STEM career exploration days, and industry skill development sessions. These events, hosted by community colleges across the region, introduced students to career pathways in mechanical engineering, computer science, environmental science, forensics, industrial technology, and more.

Among the many successful programs, Wayne Community College’s Fire Pit Design and Construction Camp saw direct enrollment results, with students choosing to pursue advanced technical training after attending. Tiffany Creech, Director of Grants Development & Management at Wayne Community College, shared the impact of these events, stating:

“We are happy to report that two students from the camp are now enrolled in blueprint reading, two other students are now enrolled in WCC’s engineering program, and one other student is now enrolled in the machining program. These camps are great outreach and recruiting tools for the college and go a long way toward getting students interested in high-wage programs simply by taking part in a fun and engaging STEM camp!”

Key Fall STEM Outreach Grant-Funded Events:

• Beaufort County CC – Careers in Engineering (60 students)
• Carteret CC – MLK STEM Youth Camp in partnership with NC Central University (25 students)
• College of The Albemarle – Star Nights & Hour of Code (151 students & parents)
• Craven CC – STEM Connections (150 students)
• Halifax CC – Skilled Industry Days (60 students)
• Lenoir CC – STEM Boat Race (110 students)
• Martin CC – STEM Day Camps (69 students)
• Pamlico CC – Fall Into STEM (175 students)
• Pitt CC – EASE: Effective & Authentic Science Events (185 students)
• Roanoke-Chowan CC – STEM Outreach Days (19 students)
• James Sprunt CC – Professional Development for Teachers (20 teachers)
• Wayne CC – Fire Pit Design & Construction (14 students)

Bridging Education and Industry

These outreach events reflect STEM East’s and NC East Alliance’s commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to regional career opportunities. By partnering with community colleges, K-12 educators, and industry professionals, STEM East is helping to create a pipeline of skilled talent ready to enter North Carolina’s high-growth industries such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, and health sciences.

“Through these outreach grants, our community colleges are equipping students with the skills and awareness needed to pursue careers in STEM fields that drive our regional economy,” said Wesley Beddard, STEM East Consultant. “Providing hands-on experiences and industry connections at an early age increases the likelihood of students staying engaged and pursuing careers in high-demand fields here in eastern North Carolina.”

Looking Ahead

STEM East and NC East Alliance remain committed to expanding workforce development initiatives and strengthening the connection between education and industry. By continuing to support programs like the Fall STEM Outreach Grants, the region is ensuring that students have clear pathways to meaningful careers that support the economic growth of eastern North Carolina.

These grants are just one example of how STEM East and NC East Alliance are working to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs, ensuring that eastern North Carolina remains a hub for innovation, talent development, and economic growth.

About NC East Alliance and 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 programs like Industry in Schools and collaborative partnerships, STEM East bridges the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in the region’s workforce. The NC East Alliance model of combining economic development, education, workforce development, and marketing is a unique and innovative solution for rural economic development.

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.

For more information about STEM East, its partnership with the Smithsonian Science Education Center, and its ongoing efforts to expand STEM education and workforce development opportunities in eastern North Carolina, please contact:

Trey Goodson
Chief Information Officer, NC East Alliance
Phone: (252) 814-0484
Email: goodson@nceast.org

About STEM East & NC East Alliance

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.

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.

Eastern North Carolina – November 25, 2024 – NC East Alliance’s education and workforce development initiative, STEM East, has proudly announced its pivotal role in expanding the mock trial program for high schools in the region. Partnering with the North Carolina Mock Trial Program and the North Carolina Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism, STEM East recently provided funding to launch seven new mock trial teams across eastern North Carolina, raising the total number of teams in the region from five to twelve.

Patrick Miller, Assistant Director of STEM East, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “I am pleased that STEM East has been able to deliver critical financial support for high schools in our region to start Mock Trial teams. These teams provide opportunities for our students to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills, as well as enabling students to gain the civic understanding, self-confidence, analytical reasoning, and communications skills that are vital for our region’s future leaders.”

Mock trial programs provide students with real-world insights into the judicial process, enhancing critical skills essential for future workforce success. Through these programs, students learn the art of public speaking, develop logical reasoning abilities, and engage in team-building exercises that prepare them for diverse career paths. The skills gained through mock trial participation complement STEM East’s mission to guide local talent toward local career opportunities by fostering a well-rounded skill set applicable to various industries, including law, public service, and beyond.

The expansion was achieved in close collaboration with NC Mock Trial Executive Director Jerry Smith and Jimbo Perry, Executive Director of the North Carolina Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism (CJCP). Their shared commitment to cultivating student potential has ensured that eastern North Carolina students will benefit from enriched educational experiences. The schools that received funding to start a Mock Trial program are Mattamuskeet School, Ocracoke School, Perquimans High School, Hertford High School, Northside High School, Washington High School and Bertie County Schools.

Jerry Smith says “We are excited to expand our program into new areas and new public schools in Eastern North Carolina. With the help of STEM East and the CJCP, we are now able to reach students in areas considered legal deserts.  In addition to the benefits mentioned by Dr. Miller, our hope is that some students enjoy their experience in court enough that they may one day pursue a career in law and return to their hometowns to practice.”

Pamlico Community College has announced that they are joining the STEM East Network. Pamlico is the 11th Community College to join the network which includes 29 school districts in eastern North Carolina. The growing consortium is an initiative of NC East Alliance that aims to better connect economic development, workforce development, education, and industry in eastern NC. “One of the main goals of this initiative is to build awareness of what job opportunities exist in eastern NC and to train people for those opportunities. Our Community Colleges are an important partner in helping us achieve that goal” said Wesley Beddard, STEM East Consultant.

“We are thrilled to join with regional partners in advancing this important initiative,” said PCC Acting President Michelle Willis-Krauss. “We are excited about advocating for STEM education and ensuring students know about the STEM-based career opportunities available for them in this region. The STEM East Network also will bring professional development opportunities for our instructors. Pamlico is happy to be on the team.”

There are 9 opportunities this summer for teachers and community college staff to learn about the job and training opportunities available within the region in a variety of industry clusters. These Industry In Schools Cluster Workshops will be hosted at STEM East member community colleges throughout eastern NC. The workshops will highlight 6 regional industries which are Health Science; Aviation; SmartAg; Blue Economy; Green Energy; and BioPharma. During these 2-day workshops, participants will learn about the assets available at community colleges that help train the workforce for local job opportunities. They will also leave prepared to take the information they learn and incorporate it into their respective classroom settings.

For more information on the Industry In Schools Cluster Workshops, please visit https://www.stemeast.org/indsch. Industries located in eastern North Carolina are invited to participate in industry dinners that will be held the first night of each workshop. This will be an opportunity to network with local teachers, community college staff, and to learn how you can get involved in growing the workforce and economy of eastern NC.

NC East Alliance has added four new team members to STEM East to lead the development of four industry clusters for the STEM East Industry in Schools Initiative. Dr. Ben Thigpen will lead the Smart Ag Industry Cluster. Dr. David Lewis joins as the lead of the Aviation industry cluster. Lisa Jackson will be the lead of the Blue Economy Cluster. The fourth lead will be Dr. Valerie Bridges who will serve as the lead for the Green Energy Industry Cluster. The industry cluster leads will coordinate schools, community colleges, and industry for their respective clusters. This will include coordination of teacher workshops, development of regional cluster job fairs, and facilitating engagement of industry within schools.

Dr. Ben Thigpen recently retired from Jones County Schools where he served as superintendent for four years. Dr. Thigpen grew up in Duplin County and has 35 years of service in public education. In addition to serving as superintendent in Jones County, he has served as an English teacher and a principal in Duplin County. “I am excited to begin work with the Smart Agriculture cluster of eastern NC. I understand the importance of agriculture to our region. I grew up helping my father, a business education teacher and farmer, before becoming an educator. I appreciate, value, and understand the hard work and persistence required to be successful as a farmer and I am excited about the opportunities to grow the Smart Agriculture cluster of the in eastern NC.”

Dr. David Lewis most recently served as superintendent of Wayne County Schools before retiring in March 2023. Dr. Lewis has 32 years of public education experience in Wayne and Chowan counties as a teacher, school administrator, and district leader. “I believe the work to be done in the Aviation & Aerospace Cluster will be critical to the advancement of commercial, private, and military-connected aviation efforts in Eastern North Carolina.  I look forward to helping our public schools, our community colleges, and our business and industry leaders connect as we seek to develop a talented workforce in eastern NC for the future.”

Lisa Jackson served Pamlico County Schools as superintendent for 8 years and retired in September of 2023. Ms. Jackson has served in public education for 34 years. In addition to serving as Pamlico County Superintendent she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and community college instructor. “I am excited to join the STEM East team and lead the Blue Economy Cluster. Having lived in eastern NC my entire life, I am very familiar with the need for the sustainable use of resources in our communities. The economic growth and opportunities within the Blue Economy Cluster for our schools, businesses and communities are endless and I am excited to be a part of the team to assist with that growth in eastern NC!”

Dr. Valerie Bridges recently retired as superintendent of Edgecombe County Schools. In addition to serving as s superintendent, Dr. Bridges served previously as a high school teacher, middle school assistant principal, and elementary school principal. She will serve as the lead of the Green Energy industry cluster. “I’m excited to join STEM East and the Green Energy Cluster. We are working toward a cleaner environment and better health for our citizens and community. The potential job development and community engagement will have exponential benefits for eastern North Carolina.” For some time Dr. Bridges motto has been “Whatever It Takes” to help students succeed.

The STEM East Industry in Schools Initiative is a 29-county partnership of schools, community colleges, and industry in eastern NC. There are currently 29 schools districts and 13 community colleges that are members of the initiative. The core goal of the initiative is to build awareness of training and career opportunities among the 13,000+ teachers in eastern NC to help incorporate those opportunities into the classroom. STEM East is an initiative of NC East Alliance, which promotes economic development, workforce development, education, and marketing of eastern North Carolina.

NC East Alliance has announced the addition of four new members to its team. Mark Hamblin will transition from Board Chair to Chief Operating Officer. Jennifer Annetta joins the STEM East Leadership team with extensive experience working with teacher training programs. Dr. Ethan Lenker, who has served as longtime Superintendent of Pitt County Schools, will join the STEM East Leadership Team as a consultant. Wesley Beddard, recently retired from Martin Community College, will join the STEM East Leadership team and will work primarily with our eastern NC Community College partners.

NC East Alliance has also made some changes to its Board of Directors. Todd Edwards will move into the Chairman role. Tony Khoury will move into the Vice Chairman role. Todd is a local developer and general contractor who has served the NC East Alliance Board for many years and has extensive experience working with numerous local economic development organizations including being a founding member of The Farmville Group which has led the revitalization of Farmville, NC. Tony is the Owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Eastern NC. He brings extensive experience in assisting in the acquisition and sale of businesses in the region. We would also like to thank longtime retiring board members Roland Vaughn and Ray McKeithan for their many years of service to eastern NC and the NC East Alliance Board of Directors.