Industry in Schools
Symposium
Summer 2026
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Redesigned for Summer 2026
3 Regional Symposiums • One Unified Experience • Local Connections
3-day, in-person professional learning for K-12 classroom teachers.
Engage with all 8 eastern NC regional industry career clusters
Hands-on, dynamic industry tours
Connect to local community college career pathways
Create classroom-ready, STEM & career-connected resources
Collaborate with educators from your subregion
Become a member of our STEM East regional teacher network
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​Get ready for an exciting summer in 2026! STEM East is once again teaming up with our amazing community college and industry partners to significantly expand our reach across the region. We’re thrilled to introduce three new dynamic symposiums, each one covering all eight of our vibrant industry clusters! Join us for this redesigned interactive experience connecting career awareness and classroom standards instruction to provide an authentic context for learning. Our dedicated staff will facilitate teacher collaboration during each 3-day symposium 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!
Below, you’ll find a map of our region divided into 3 subregions. Each event will serve the districts within that subregion to ensure local connections to all career clusters. These amazing opportunities are exclusively for teachers from our STEM East member districts. All workshop 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.
NOTE: This is different from last year, when we had funds to cover attendee lodging at each site. Since we are no longer able to cover lodging, we have reorganized the summer symposiums as subregional events to lessen travel distances for your convenience. With this new format, you only need to register for one event since all clusters will be covered at each event.
Teachers will receive:
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Curriculum and materials will be created and provided that align with each career cluster and your specific grade-level and content standards
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Teachers will receive a $300 education stipend (must attend all 3 days)
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Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all three days
Apply below:
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1) Select your county 2) Apply for your regional institute 3) Build local classroom connections.
Learn more about our clusters:
For assistance, contact:
Dr. David Lewis, Program Lead
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.
For assistance, contact:
Dr. Ben Thigpen, 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. Ethan Lenker, Program Lead
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.
For assistance, contact:
Dr. Frank Creech, Program Lead
Energy Systems 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. Lisa Jackson, Program Lead
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.
For assistance, contact:
Dr. 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.
For assistance, contact:
Dr. Frank Creech, 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.
For assistance, contact:
Dr. David Lewis, Program Lead
Gov't & Legal Systems
Eastern North Carolina is experiencing a quiet but consequential shortage of government service professionals and legal practitioners, creating gaps in access to justice, public administration, and civic stability. As fewer individuals enter careers in public service and law, rural counties face longer case backlogs, limited legal representation, reduced capacity in district attorney and public defender offices, and a strain on local government functions that residents depend on every day. Without a strong pipeline of attorneys, clerks, policy professionals, and civic leaders, communities risk diminished economic development, weaker institutional trust, and barriers for families and small businesses seeking guidance. Expanding pathways into legal and government careers, strengthening regional law offices, and investing in recruitment and retention efforts are essential steps to ensure that Eastern North Carolina remains governed effectively, fairly, and with responsive local leadership rooted in the communities it serves.