Industry in Schools
Teacher Leadership Institutes
Summer 2025
Get ready for an exciting summer in 2025! STEM East is teaming up with our amazing community college and industry partners to significantly expand our reach across the region. We’re thrilled to introduce twelve dynamic institutes across six vibrant industry clusters, offering an engaging look into our local industries! Each institute will provide an interactive experience, spotlighting community college pathways for career preparation. Our dedicated staff will collaborate with teacher leaders to enrich K-12 standards instruction, making lessons even more captivating and relevant for all students. If you teach science, math, social studies, or ELA at any grade level, this institute is just for you! Don’t miss out!
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Engage with our diverse regional industry clusters
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Investigate current and emerging trends & technologies
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Align and integrate into grades K-12 NC course standards
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Develop a regional teacher leadership cohort focused on creating engaging instruction contextualized by our regional industry clusters
Below, you’ll discover all of our 2025 summer institutes, complete with links for easy registration. These amazing opportunities are exclusively for teachers from our STEM East member districts, and guess what? They’re completely free for you! All expenses are covered through district membership fees, state funds, grants, and generous partner contributions. The only thing you'll need to cover is your travel to and from the institute.
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Teachers will receive a $175/day stipend (must attend all days)
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Hotel accommodations will be provided if traveling more than 50 miles one way.
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Meals will be covered for both days
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Industry banquet, on the evening of Day 1, is required
Aviation Cluster
The aviation sector in eastern North Carolina plays a vital role in the region's economy, leveraging its strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure. Home to several key military installations, including Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, the area benefits from significant federal investment and defense-related activities. Additionally, the region hosts a growing number of aerospace companies, ranging from manufacturing and maintenance to research and development. Eastern North Carolina's airports, such as Pitt-Greenville Airport and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, facilitate both commercial and cargo flights, supporting local businesses and tourism. This dynamic sector not only provides high-paying jobs but also fosters economic diversification and resilience in the region.
Aviation Sciences Institutes:
College of the Albemarle
July 16-17, 2025
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: July 16, 6:00 - 8:00)
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Craven Community College
July 29-30, 2025
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: July 29, 6:00 - 8:00)
For assistance contact: Dr. David Lewis, Program Lead
SmartAg Cluster
The smart agriculture economy in North Carolina is rapidly evolving, integrating advanced technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability. Farmers are leveraging precision farming techniques, such as GPS-guided equipment, remote sensing, and IoT devices, to optimize crop yields and resource management. The state is also investing in research and development, promoting innovations like automated machinery, drone surveillance, and data analytics for soil health and weather forecasting. This tech-driven approach not only boosts agricultural output but also addresses environmental concerns by reducing water usage and minimizing chemical inputs. North Carolina’s commitment to smart agriculture positions it as a leader in the modern farming landscape, fostering economic growth and resilience in its rural communities.
For assistance contact: Dr. Ben Thigpen, Program Lead
Smart Agriculture Institutes:
Martin Community College
June 25-26, 2025
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: June 25, 6:00 - 8:00)
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James Sprunt Community College
August 6-7, 2025
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: August 6, 6:00 - 8:00)
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Health Science Cluster
The health science economy in eastern North Carolina is a dynamic and integral part of the region's economic landscape. Anchored by major healthcare institutions like ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, the area has seen significant growth in healthcare services, medical research, and education. These institutions not only provide critical health services to the population but also contribute to the local economy through job creation, research funding, and partnerships with biotechnology firms. The region's focus on health sciences has spurred developments in telemedicine, rural healthcare delivery, and public health initiatives, addressing unique regional challenges. Additionally, collaborations with local community colleges and vocational schools help ensure a steady pipeline of trained healthcare professionals, further strengthening the economic impact of the health sciences sector in eastern North Carolina.
Health Science Institutes:
College of the Albemarle
June 18-19
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: June 18, 6:00 - 8:00)
Pitt Community College
June 23-24
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: June 23, 6:00 - 8:00)
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For assistance contact: Dr. Ethan Lenker, Program Lead
Green Energy Cluster
North Carolina’s green energy economy is a rapidly growing sector that combines environmental sustainability with economic development. The state has become a leader in solar energy, ranking among the top in the nation for installed solar capacity. Additionally, North Carolina is investing in wind energy, biomass, and other renewable sources. This shift towards green energy has created numerous jobs in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance of renewable energy facilities. The state government supports this growth through various incentives and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and encouraging clean energy adoption. As a result, North Carolina is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also fostering a robust, sustainable economy.
For assistance contact: Dr. Valerie Bridges, Program Lead
Green Energy Institutes:
College of the Albemarle
June 24-25
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: July 24, 6:00 - 8:00)
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Green Energy Institutes:
Halifax Community College
August 4-5
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: August 4, 6:00 - 8:00)
Blue Economy Cluster
The blue economy in eastern North Carolina is a burgeoning sector that capitalizes on the region's abundant marine resources and coastal assets. This economy encompasses a wide range of activities, including commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, tourism, and shipping. Leveraging its extensive coastline, estuaries, and the Outer Banks, eastern North Carolina has become a hub for sustainable economic development that balances ecological health with economic growth. Efforts to promote clean energy, such as offshore wind farms, and the protection of marine ecosystems are integral to this region's strategy, fostering innovation and resilience in local communities. This synergy between the environment and economy positions eastern North Carolina as a leader in the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources.
Blue Economy Institutes:​
ECU Coastal Studies Institute
July 30-31
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: July 30, 6:00 - 8:00)
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Carteret Community College
August 5-6
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: August 5, 6:00 - 8:00)
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For assistance contact: Lisa Jackson, Program Lead
BioPharma /Life Science Cluster
Eastern North Carolina has emerged as a significant hub in the biopharma economy, driven by a robust ecosystem of research institutions, manufacturing facilities, and a skilled workforce. The region benefits from its proximity to major universities like East Carolina University and a strong network of community colleges, which foster innovation and provide a steady stream of qualified graduates. Additionally, the presence of industry leaders and specialized biotech firms has attracted substantial investments, fueling growth and development. The biopharma sector in this area is known for its production of pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices, contributing significantly to both the local economy and the global healthcare market. Collaboration between academia, industry, and government has also been pivotal in advancing research and development, making eastern North Carolina a key player in the biopharma landscape.
BioPharma / Life Science:
​Pitt Community College
July 15-16
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: July 15, 6:00 - 8:00)
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Wilson Community College
July 22-23
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: July 22, 6:00 - 8:00)
For assistance contact: Lisa Jackson, Program Lead
Smart Manufacturing
Smart Manufacturing in Eastern North Carolina is driving economic growth by integrating advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence into the region’s industries. With a strong presence of agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace manufacturing, innovative technologies enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and create high-skill job opportunities. This shift supports workforce development initiatives, aligns with regional economic strategies, and attracts investment by positioning Eastern North Carolina as a hub for innovation and competitive manufacturing. Additionally, the adoption of smart manufacturing strengthens supply chains, making local industries more resilient and adaptable to global market demands.
Smart Manufacturing:
​Edgecombe Community College
July 9-10
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: July 9, 6:00 - 8:00)
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Lenoir Community College
July 21-22
9:00 - 4:00
(Industry Dinner: July 21, 6:00 - 8:00)
For assistance contact: Frank Creech, Program Lead