STATE POLICy Issues

North Carolina

North Carolina is a state known for its innovation in business, research and technology and pharma businesses. It is also home to the National Institutes of Health and U.S. AID. While a significant percentage of GDP for NC is through research and development dollars, other small to medium enterprises are what maintains the vibrancy and health of its economy. How are these businesses and the state helping to support STEM education?

Landscape

In STEM education, North Carolina continues to gain good marks with 8th graders testing at higher than national averages in both math and science. This is significant given the urban/rural split of the state. With over 80% of their high school students graduating high school and a large percentage of students taking the ACT and SAT, students in North Carolina appear to be on track for college educations.

There are many efforts in the state to improve the quality of STEM education throughout the state. Most notable organization is the North Carolina Science, Math and Technology Center and the North Carolina STEM Community Collaborative. One of HOSP’s members is also part of a NC effort with the New Schools Project that focus on science.

Activities

HOSP has reached out to leadership in many of the state’s STEM education programs and offered support and assistance. We have also connected with legislative leaders to articulate support for professional development and the inclusion of inquiry-based materials as it evaluates investments in STEM Education.

HOSP also participated in a recent survey the North Caroline STEM Community Collaborative where a diverse number of programs have been asked to support efforts by the Governor's Education Cabinet, the North Carolina JOBS Commission, and various education systems and private-sector partners to create North Carolina's first Statewide STEM Strategy and aid in the development of the N.C. Department of Public Instruction's first STEM Operational Plan. HOSP will follow the activities on this new state plan and offer support and expertise as new actions come forward.

HOSP is always looking for ways to support the great work in STEM across the U.S. Do you have a story you want to tell, an organization or idea that is doing good work or legislation that you would like some advocacy help with? We want to help!
Please email us at info@handsonsciencepartnership.com