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.