Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Teacher helps with crafts
img_30

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."

picture

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 12 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
Student studies item under a microscope 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.

Learn More

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!

LEARN MORE

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.

Learn More

SCHOOLS & SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

Two children reading a Dr. Suess book D.C. Virgo D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy is a K-8 public school opened by UNCW in 2018. The school serves more than 200 students and their families in the downtown Wilmington area. Learn More
Students conducting an experiment Isaac Bear Isaac Bear Early College High School is located on the UNCW campus. The school offers challenging academics, research and community service projects, and the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credits before graduating from high school. VISIT IBECHS
Future Teachers Academy participants Future Teachers Career Academy In 2018, UNCW opened a Future Teachers Career Academy at Isaac Bear in partnership with New Hanover County Schools. The FTCA is a small learning community for high school students interested in a teaching career. ABOUT FTCA

Community Outreach

See everything happening in the Office of Engagement, Professional Learning, and Scholarship

Learn More
top