Dr. Steven Hill, Executive Director of the STEM East Network, reported today that the Pamlico County Schools System has elected to become the newest member of the Eastern North Carolina Employers & Superintendents Council. The Council serves as the primary advisor of the STEM East Network activities, partnerships and resource allocations.
Dr. Steven Hill, Executive Director of the STEM East Network, reported today that the Pamlico County Schools System has elected to become the newest member of the Eastern North Carolina Employers & Superintendents Council. The Council serves as the primary advisor of the STEM East Network activities, partnerships and resource allocations.
STEM East aims to help students gain better insight and engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – also known as Strategies That Engage Mindsâ (STEM) education. The STEM East Network aligns innovative STEM education programs in Eastern North Carolina with employer interests supporting regional career pathways, adding more real-world relevancy to curriculums and supporting educators.
As stated by Dr. Hill, “STEM East members believe in reaching students earlier and exposing them to problem-project based curriculums related to regional career opportunities.”
Introducing STEM programs at the middle school age is crucial to employers. “We have a strong interest in the development of a STEM trained workforce,” said STEM Employer, Mark Meno. “In our engineering group alone, we employ over 620 engineers with hundreds more STEM-related positions in our specialized artisan workforce, from composite tooling to advanced manufacturing and machining to avionics equipment and more. It is through collaboration with local schools via outreach, providing access to our facilities and facilitating teachers in the presentation of STEM concepts in the classroom through hands-on experiences that allows us to meet our goal of “growing our own” local STEM workforce. Pamlico’s proximity to Cherry Point and FRC-East make it one of our larger employee bases and the county school system joining the STEM East Network will allow us to continue to strengthen those ties.”
“Pamlico County Schools is excited to join the STEM East network. Being a part of the council has already proven to be beneficial as we seek grant opportunities to assist with implementing STEM programs in our schools. The teachers and students are exited about the opportunities for hands-on experiences and more project based activities.” Said Ms. Lisa Jackson, Pamlico Superintendent
The STEM East Network model has received national attention and is currently being replicated in western North Carolina. All parties believe that the collaborative approach of the Council is a true “win-win-win” for students, employers and the regional economy.