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Are you looking for a quick way to decide which STEM program to enroll your kids/teens in? STEM opportunities such as fairs, conferences, and/or workshops?
How to find stem educational programs by Navigating nc stem center
The NC STEM Center is a comprehensive web portal dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in North Carolina. It serves as a valuable resource for families seeking information on STEM programs, events, and opportunities across the state.
Go to the website: Visit https://ncstemcenter.org/.
Below is an overview of what you’ll find:
Explore "Opportunities"
There’s a dedicated Opportunities section where you can enter keywords to explore all available STEM opportunities such as camps, workshops, competitions, and more. Use the built-in search to filter results by topic, location, date, and type of activity.
"News" Section
Instead of “Programs,” you’ll find a News tab that provides regular updates on STEM in North Carolina—background stories, program developments, and relevant news.
"About" Section
Learn more about the NC STEM Center: its history, collaborators, partners, and the NC STEM Center FAQ where you can find answers to questions about joining the Center and other related inquiries.
"Contact" Section
If you want more information, visit the Contact section where you can fill out a form to request additional details or ask questions about opportunities and available resources.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide, refer to the Family Engagement page.
Additional Resources for Family Engagement in STEM
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DIY Guide to STEM Community Engagement: Developed by the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center, this guide provides tools for schools, districts, and local community organizations to engage families in STEM education. ncsmt.org+1ncstemcenter.org+
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1North Carolina Statewide Family Engagement Center: A partnership aimed at providing equitable, coordinated family engagement support to build capacity in communities, schools, and families for improved student development and family well-being .soe.uncg.edu+1ecac-parentcenter.org+1
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Family Engagement and the Power of Connection: An article by STEM Next Opportunity Fund discussing the importance of family involvement in inspiring a passion for STEM in children .stemnext.org+1stemnext.org+1
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Family Engagement: Make it About Empowerment: This resource emphasizes the need for programs to empower families, building their confidence and capacity to support STEM learning stemnext.org
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Family Engagement - Exceptional Children's Assistance Center: Offers resources and strategies to help families support their children's learning and development, particularly in early childhood education.
Stem program and opportunity highlights
North Carolina is home to numerous organizations and providers that are actively promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the state. These programs aim to increase access, equity, and participation in STEM learning—particularly for underrepresented communities.
Below is a curated list of highlighted STEM programs and opportunities, organized by focus area. These selections were identified using the program database on NCSTEMCenter.org, with emphasis on diversity, cost-efficiency, and community impact.
Highlighted Programs by Focus Area
🔬 Science
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NC Museum of Natural Sciences – Science Cafés & Outreach
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Offers free public programs and virtual events that connect students and families to real scientists.
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More Info » https://naturalsciences.org/
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Morehead Planetarium & Science Center
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Hands-on science experiences, summer camps, and STEM enrichment with a focus on accessibility.
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💻 Technology
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Code Ninjas – Coding for Kids
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Teaches children ages 7–14 to code in a fun, game-based environment. Select locations offer scholarships and discounts.
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Digital Bridge (formerly Kramden Institute)
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Provides technology access and digital literacy training to underserved youth and families.
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More Info » https://kramden.org/kramden-institute-bridges-digital-divide-with-refurbished-computers/
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🏗️ Engineering
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NC State Engineering Summer Programs
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Cost-friendly engineering camps with a commitment to increasing representation of girls and minority students in engineering.
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More Info » https://engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/summerprograms/
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UNC Charlotte Engineering Exploration Events
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Day events and camps for middle and high school students, with scholarship support available.
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More Info » https://cstem.charlotte.edu/hsengineering/
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➗ Mathematics
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Mathnasium Learning Centers
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Offers math enrichment and tutoring with some locations providing financial assistance. Check with your local center.
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NC A&T State University – Summer Math Enrichment
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STEM summer programs with a focus on preparing minority students for success in college-level math and science.
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More Info » https://www.ncat.edu/academics/summer-sessions/index.php
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🔍 How These Programs Were Selected
Programs were selected using the NC STEM Center searchable database by filtering:
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Diversity focus: Programs that specifically mention serving underrepresented groups.
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Cost-efficiency: Programs that are free, low-cost, or offer scholarships or financial support.
Location: Accessibility across multiple counties and rural/urban areas in North Carolina.
bIOLOGY fOCUS
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McClintock Partners In Education
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Junior Seahawk Academy
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Young Women in Bio
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Catawba Science Center
cODING & pROGRAMING fOCUS
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Young Women in Bio
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FIRST North Carolina
http://www.firstnorthcarolina.org
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Programming 4 Girls
http://www.programming4girls.com
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Kramden Institute
eARTH & eNVIRONMENTAL sCIENCE fOCUS
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The North Carolina Arboretum
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EcoExplore
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Young Women in Bio
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Catawba Science Center
eNGINEERING fOCUS
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Above and Beyond Students
http://aboveandbeyondstudents.com
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The Imhotep Academy
https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/
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The Engineering Place at NC State University
https://www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/
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MSEN Summer Scholars
https://fi.ncsu.edu/teams/msen/apply-register-for-summer-camp/
rOBOTICS fOCUS
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NC First Robotics
http://www.firstnorthcarolina.org/
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Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center – STEM Academy
https://www.nehemiahcec-gso.org/stemacademy
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Young Women in Bio
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Catawba Science Center
sPACE sCIENCE, aEROSPACE AND Rocketry focus
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STEM for Kids
minority-focused stem initiatives
TECHNOLOchicas– https://technolochicas.org/
TECHNOLOchicas is a national initiative of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Televisa Foundation designed to raise awareness among young Latinas and their families about opportunities and careers in technology. TECHNOLOchicas uses the powerful stories of Latinas from diverse backgrounds, who are in technology fields, and recognize the power of innovation to change the world. These stories allow girls to see and relate to real-life role models.
College and university stem associations, organizations and clubs for students
UNC-Chapel Hill:
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Allies for Minorities and Women in Science and Engineering–https://amwise.web.unc.edu/
WISE meets once a month to have discussions on topics that relate to the problems that women scientists confront throughout their careers. Our focus is on studying these problems in a scientific manner and to find courses of action that can be taken to address these problems. We also learn about the life and career of an inspirational woman scientist to gain insight into her scientific accomplishments as well as the barriers that she faced.
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Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity –https://www.axs-unc.com/
UNC’s chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma (AXS) was founded on May 6, 1912, and for 103 years the chapter has been dedicated to giving back to the community while using its vast chemistry knowledge as an advantage.
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Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society – https://www.uncaed.org/
AED, Alpha Epsilon Delta, is UNC’s pre-health honor society, as well as the national pre-health honor society with chapters in universities across the country. UNC-CH’s AED was nationally chartered in 1936 and is the second oldest chapter in North Carolina. Our goal is to provide our members and pledges with valuable resources and experiences that help guide them on their way to professional careers in health care.
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Association for Students in Information Science and Technology, UNC-CH Chapter –https://sils.unc.edu/
ASIS&T, the Association for Information Science & Technology, is dedicated to fostering intellectual discourse and career development for information professionals worldwide. Our student chapter advances those goals at the local level, by sponsoring lectures, panel discussions, field trips, and other activities. We focus on areas such as database administration, information architecture, user-centered design, and web development.
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Association of Women Surgeons –https://www.womensurgeons.org/
Connect with women who share your interests, join an association dedicated to serving women aspiring to be surgeons.
For a full list of student organizations at UNC-Chapel Hill please visit:https://carolinaunion.unc.edu/departments/student-life-leadership/student-organizations/
NC State University:
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American Institute of Chemical Engineers -https://www.ncsuaiche.com/
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter at North Carolina State University is one of the most active chapters in the nation. AIChE is a professional student-led organization that focuses on professional development, leadership, networking, continuing education, as well as social service and outreach.
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American Nuclear Society at NC State -https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/ans
The NC State section of ANS supports the academic, professional, and social development of its members. ANS hosts invited speakers from academia, industry, and government, professional development activities and workshops and field trips to industry. It helps build a strong network that will become the foundation of future endeavors for members.
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American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers – https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/ASABE
The purpose of this student organization is to provide a sense of community among Biological and Agricultural students. The club hosts speakers, social events, professional development seminars, tours of local engineering firms, and many other events to help students stay connected and informed in their field of study.
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American Society of Mechanical Engineers Student Section at NC State –https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/NCSU_ASME
The NCSU student chapter of ASME was founded in 1920. We hold resume workshops, professional seminars with company representatives, social events, and service events. We also attend several professional development conferences every year.
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American Society of Civil Engineers – https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/ASCE
ASCE is the oldest, most well-known organization of professional civil engineers. The group publishes books and journals, establishes codes and standards, and supports the people and institutes of the discipline of the civil work. Here at NC State, we have a student chapter. Our primary goal is to introduce students of all CCEE concentrations to the professional industry through guest lectures and networking programs. This year, State will be attending the annual Carolinas Conference (a regional competition for students studying civil engineering) at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro. Our chapter will focus heavily on planning, designing, and competing for the event in the Spring of 2017.
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Biomedical Engineering Society Student Chapter at NC State – https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/BMES
The BME Society is a great way to get involved in the biomedical field. At our meetings, you can learn more about Biomedical Engineering, meet other students and faculty, and network with local professionals. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
For a full list of student organizations at NC State University please visit: https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/Organizations
For a list of STEM associations, organizations, and clubs for students at the 17 university campuses of the University of North Carolina System, at the 59 college locations of the North Carolina Community College System, and at all the independent and private colleges and universities in North Carolina please visit:
University of North Carolina System: www.northcarolina.edu/content/our-17-campuses
North Carolina Community College System: www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/about-us/main-campuses
North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities: www.ncicu.org