STEM Education and Engagement

WCE’s Office of Partnerships & Engagement has launched a new STEM Education and Engagement unit that brings together key Watson College initiatives focused on advancing STEM learning. Led by director Heddy Clark, STEM Education and Engagement unites four partnerships, centers and programs that host STEM conferences and professional development, coordinate regional competitions and collaborate with schools, industry and community organizations.

Together, these efforts expand high-quality STEM learning opportunities for students and educators across Southeastern North Carolina and throughout the state.

The initiatives now housed within STEM Education and Engagement include:

• STEM SENC
• The Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CESTEM)
• The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT)
• Junior Seahawk Academy

As director of STEM Education & Engagement, Clark will continue to oversee CESTEM and STEM SENC. Amy Moody, chair of WCE’s Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education (ITFSE) will continue to oversee the Center for Assistive Technology, and Angie Reid-Griffin, professor of Secondary Education, will continue in her role as coordinator of the Junior Seahawk Academy.

“We’re thrilled to bring this work together under one umbrella and elevate the impact of STEM learning across our region,” Clark said. “For years, our teams have collaborated on innovative programs, events and partnerships. Formalizing this collaboration allows us to build on that momentum, strengthen our connections and create even more meaningful opportunities for students and educators.”

STEM Education and Engagement will host several competitions and events this spring. Join them!

• Regional Science & Engineering Fair — 2/7
• Regional Science Olympiad Tournament — 3/7
• Regional SeaPerch Challenge — 3/14
• Singapore Math Summit — 6/10
• Soar into STEM Conference — 6/11
• Junior Seahawk Academy — June 29 – July 2 and July 7- 10