Our program aims to establish and foster a global Community of Practice, uniting local, regional, and state STEM Learning Ecosystems worldwide. These ecosystems encompass various entities such as preK-16 schools, community-based organizations, higher education institutions, STEM expert organizations, businesses, funders, and informal learning experiences. Membership in the NC Piedmont-Triad STEM Ecosystem offers access to regional gatherings, webinars, and an online community, fostering peer-to-peer support and mentoring.

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For students, our objectives are to advocate for connected STEM-rich learning opportunities across the educational journey, from preschool through higher education and into the workforce. We strive to enhance student engagement and success in STEM fields, ultimately increasing the number of local students pursuing rewarding careers in these fields.

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For teachers, we collaborate with K-12 educators to integrate STEM activities into their curriculum, enhancing the quality and depth of learning. We provide professional development workshops in science and mathematics, emphasizing practical educational resources and facilitating attendance through stipends, hybrid models, and virtual options. These workshops empower teachers to incorporate inquiry-based learning and real-data collection into their science classes. Additionally, we offer orientation sessions for K-12 guidance counselors to inform them about STEM educational pathways and career opportunities.

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For the public and community, we offer local events to promote scientific understanding, featuring expert discussions and interactive experiences. We curate both physical and virtual collections of STEM technological and instructional resources for educators in the region to utilize and share.

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Overall, our program aims to advocate for and facilitate the creation of interconnected STEM learning opportunities for children, youth, and families across all stages of education and career development.