Education Initiatives

Strengthening The Eastern NC
Economy

Students and educators strengthen communities. NC East Alliance connects education to industries in the region, highlighting excellent career paths, applying classroom learning, and assisting individuals in becoming valuable contributors to local economic growth.

Education Initiative Goals:

Excited students, supported teachers, thriving workforce 

Though our education initiatives we aim to:

  • Align K-12 and community college curricula with local industry needs
  • Equip teachers with the tools and resources they need to deliver STEM-focused, real-world education
  • Inspire students with hands-on learning experiences and career exploration opportunities
  • Build a future-ready workforce that meets the demands of regional employers and our changing world
  • Foster collaboration between schools, businesses, and communities to create lasting impact

STEM East Industry in Schools:

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“We have a great opportunity to help bridge the gap between our schools and our industries. Not just industries anywhere, but local industries. We can get our students involved and give them an idea of what the world is going to be like in the future.”

– Blair Daniels, Pitt County Schools

Community College Members

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School District Members

What We Do:

Driving action alongside our region’s educators, schools, and employers

We deliver on our education goals through targeted actions, including:

  • STEM Schools of Distinction:
    Helping schools organize around STEM education with a clear, actionable framework for success
  • Industry-Supported Design/Training Labs:
    Creating hands-on, industry-specific training environments in schools to prepare students for real-world careers
  • Career Centers:
    Partnering with community colleges to provide region-wide access to career planning and job opportunities
  • Micro-Credentialing:
    Developing industry-specific certifications in collaboration with businesses to give students a competitive edge
  • Industry Cluster Focus Weeks:
    Engaging students and educators through immersive career exploration events, such as the NC Blue Economy Week

Let’s Work Together to Make Eastern North Carolina an Amazing Place to Learn and Work.

NC East Alliance’s Key Initiatives:

Education Initiatives

STEM East builds a strong regional talent pipeline by equipping educators and students with STEM resources, curriculum, and real-world career pathways.

Economic Development & Employer Initiatives

We partner with regional employers to strengthen Eastern North Carolina’s workforce pipeline, promote career opportunities, and support efforts to prepare, attract, and retain top talent.

Marketing Initiatives

We elevate Eastern North Carolina’s story through region-wide marketing that highlights the area’s opportunity, beauty, and creativity for residents and audiences beyond.

Lost & Hidden Talent

We strengthen the region’s talent ecosystem by surfacing untapped opportunities and supporting overlooked individuals in accessing training and career pathways.

Community Development Initiatives

We help restore vibrancy and pride in Eastern North Carolina’s small towns and rural communities through redevelopment planning and revitalization efforts.