Partnerships & Centers

Partnerships & Centers Partnerships & Centers

"Our academic programs and our impact in the region are distinctly enhanced by the work of our centers and the partnerships we maintain with schools and school districts, universities, community colleges, businesses and community organizations throughout Southeastern North Carolina."

3,128

Field Experiences Provided Each Year

11,669

Professional Development Contact Hours Provided Each Year

200,000

Children and Teens Have Participated in MarineQuest Programs

Regional Partnerships

Teacher helping two students with an assignment

Professional Development System Our school-university partnership with 11 school districts and more than 2,000 teachers gives students classroom experience and supports the needs of teachers, schools and districts in our region. LEARN ABOUT PDS

Three students walking on a community college's campus

Community College Collaboration Our community college-university partnership was created in 2019 to develop strong future leaders for North Carolina’s community colleges and strengthen higher education offerings in the state. LEARN ABOUT UNCW/3C

Students study a projection of a topographical map on a table

STEM SENC Our network of formal and informal STEM educators in 13 counties, provides aspirational learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math for students, families and educators. LEARN ABOUT STEM SENC

EDUCATOR SUPPORT

WCE continues to support new teachers through the First Years of Teaching Support Program. We also support teachers at all levels through the National Board Certification Support Program, professional development opportunities and on-campus resource libraries located in the Center for Assistive Technology, CESTEM and the Curriculum Materials Center.

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EDUCATORS OF COLOR NETWORK

In 2022, the Watson College launched an Educators of Color Network to provide opportunities for educators to work together to recruit and retain teachers of color. More than 150 educators from across the state are participating in the EOC Network. Join them!

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WCE CENTERS & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

CESTEM WCE’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CESTEM) partners with schools, businesses and the broader community to promote STEM education through professional development, a technology loan program and regional competitions such as Science Olympiad. Learn More

CENTER FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY WCE’s Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) partners with CESTEM to provide STEM opportunities for exceptional learners and serves as a lending site for AT equipment for individuals with disabilities. Connect With CAT

CURRICULUM MATERIALS CENTER The CMC, located in the Education Building on campus, connects educators to teaching resources, and empowers users to think creatively and explore methods in innovation. Visit the CMC

EDUCATION LAB The Ed Lab is a distinguishing feature of WCE’s Teacher Education program. The Ed Lab gives future teachers an opportunity to teach children in a supervised setting on campus before beginning field placements in local school classrooms. CONNECT WITH THE ED LAB

MARINEQUEST MarineQuest is the official marine science outreach program for UNCW, WCE and the Center for Marine Science. For 40 years MQ has provided exciting academic enrichment opportunities for young people interested in the marine environment. EXPLORE MARINEQUEST

JUNIOR SEAHAWK ACADEMY Watson is home to the Junior Seahawk Academy, a summer program designed to encourage middle school students’ interest in STEM, health and education careers. LEARN MORE

Class field trip walking next to the river

Coastal Eco Explorers

This mobile app combines biological education and outdoor exploration to create a fun and engaging park experience. Created as a partnership between UNCW faculty and students and North Carolina State Park rangers, the app guides both novice and experienced hikers through native ecosystems at Carolina Beach State Park and the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.

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