Eastern North Carolina – [April 1, 2025] – STEM East is proud to announce its inaugural Industry in Schools Week, a weeklong celebration of STEM education and workforce development, scheduled for April 5-12. This first-of-its-kind regional initiative will feature over 40 events, hosted in partnership with regional community colleges and industry leaders, designed to expose students to the exciting career opportunities available in eastern North Carolina.

“Industry in Schools Week is about connecting students to real career paths right here in their own communities,” said Bruce Middleton, Executive Director, STEM East. “By partnering with our regional businesses and community colleges, we’re providing students with hands-on experiences that can shape their future career choices and strengthen our local workforce.”

To ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate, STEM East is offering transportation funding to school districts. Funding amounts range from $500 to $1,500, depending on student enrollment, to help offset transportation costs associated with attending Industry in Schools Week events. Schools are encouraged to register for events and submit their participation details to STEM East to qualify for reimbursement.

This initiative aligns with STEM East’s mission to bridge education and workforce development, ensuring that students are aware of the high-demand careers available in industries such as biopharma, aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing, and more. Industry in Schools Week is a vital step toward preparing students for successful, growing careers in eastern North Carolina.

To learn more about Industry in Schools Week, explore participating events, or register, please contact Ethan Lenker, Director of Industry Partnerships, STEM East at [email protected].