STEM West is like a snowflake — beautifully built from many connected parts. Each partnership with schools, industry, higher education, and community organizations is like a crystal that strengthens the whole structure.
Just as a snowflake forms when small pieces join together, STEM West grows by uniting partners to create more STEM opportunities for students. And, like no two snowflakes are the same, STEM West serves diverse learners and communities with programs that meet their unique needs.
Through these connections, STEM West creates a strong, intricate network of support that helps students discover and pursue STEM careers — one snowflake-like partnership at a time.
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Empowering Communities Through Technology, Innovation, and Connection
STEM West is honored to be chosen to participate in the TechSpark Fellows Program. The TechSpark Fellows Program provides training on how to integrate AI into personal, organizational, and community work and services. Focus areas for this training include:
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Digital Access: Expanding broadband infrastructure.
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Computer Science Education: Helping integrate computer science classes into local schools.
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Digital Skills: Providing people with the skills needed for future jobs, especially related to AI and data literacy.
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Digital Transformation: Assisting nonprofits, startups, and local businesses in leveraging technology to grow.
There are multiple online sessions to deliver the training, and STEM West will share this training with partners once completed.
For the past eight years, Microsoft has been committed to sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities through Microsoft TechSpark – an economic development, skilling, and community-building initiative that connects local innovation with global technology resources.
Since its launch in 2017, TechSpark has worked with more than 100 communities across the United States, helping them build inclusive digital economies. Together, these efforts have resulted in 4,500+ jobs created, 65,000+ individuals trained in AI and digital skills, and $700M+ in community funding leveraged for local projects
TechSpark’s mission is simple but powerful: help every community thrive in the digital economy – whether rural or urban, coastal or inland – by building capacity, driving innovation, and preparing people for the jobs of the future.
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| On December 2, Donna Heavner traveled to Raleigh to take part in the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) New Directors Meeting. The gathering brought together newly funded program leaders from across North Carolina to learn about SSEP expectations, share ideas, and strengthen partnerships that support hands-on STEM learning for students. |
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STEM West at the Bridging the Gap Conference
STEM West proudly participated in this year’s Bridging the Gap conference, a statewide gathering focused on strengthening STEM education and workforce connections across North Carolina. Not only did STEM West present sessions, but the team also set up an informational table to showcase regional programs, partnerships, and opportunities for schools and communities in western NC.
By sharing resources and connecting with educators, industry partners, and statewide leaders, STEM West helped highlight the importance of rural STEM access and collaboration. Attendance at Bridging the Gap continues to expand STEM West’s reach and reinforces its mission to build strong STEM pathways for all students.
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STEM West Participates in Mission Tomorrow Event in Virginia
STEM West recently attended the Mission Tomorrow career-exploration event in Virginia, joining educators, industry partners, and thousands of seventh grade students for a day focused on future workforce opportunities. Mission Tomorrow is known for its large, interactive exhibits that introduce students to hands-on STEM activities and real-world career pathways. By attending, STEM West has many ideas about how to improve our next Mega STEM Trek in September 2026.
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STEM West Attends Dogwood Health Convening in Asheville
STEM West recently participated in a convening hosted by Dogwood Health Trust in Asheville, bringing together nonprofit and community leaders from across western North Carolina. The event offered sessions for networking, collaboration, and strategic planning to address regional challenges and opportunities. By attending, STEM West highlighted its commitment to linking STEM education with community development, workforce readiness, and overall regional well-being, demonstrating the impact of partnerships that bridge education, health, and economic growth.
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STEM West Selected for Appalachian Regional Commission’s READY Nonprofits Training Program
STEM West has been selected to participate in the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) READY Nonprofits Training Program, a highly competitive initiative designed to strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofit organizations across the Appalachian region.
The READY Nonprofits program provides targeted training in areas critical to long-term success, such as board development, strategic planning, financial management, and leadership growth. Participating organizations gain access to expert-led workshops, peer-learning opportunities, and practical tools that can be directly applied to their missions and operations.
As part of the 2025 cohort, STEM West joined the Board Development training track, held virtually on Mondays from July 14 through August 25, 2025. This course focused on enhancing nonprofit governance, empowering board members, and aligning leadership structures with organizational goals.
Organizations that successfully complete the program are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in capacity-building funding—with no required match. This unique opportunity allows nonprofits to invest in internal systems and strategies that build lasting impact for the communities they serve.
“STEM West is honored to be part of the READY Nonprofits Training Program,” said Dr. Carol Moore, President and CEO of STEM West. “Strengthening our board and leadership capacity will directly enhance our ability to expand STEM opportunities for students and educators across western North Carolina. This investment in our organizational foundation will help ensure that we can continue connecting classrooms with local businesses and advancing workforce development for years to come.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership dedicated to economic development across 423 counties in 13 Appalachian states. By investing in nonprofit capacity-building, ARC helps ensure that organizations like STEM West are well-positioned to drive sustainable community and economic growth.
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STEM West is excited to host FREE Foldscope workshops in partnership with NC BioNetwork, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State University, Isothermal Community College, and Catawba County Schools
Foldscopes are portable, durable, waterproof paper microscopes that are a wonderful tool for students of all ages to explore their world and learn at the microscopic level. Participants will receive CEU credit and a set of teaching materials valued at over $100 that includes a Foldscope Mini Classroom Kit and an Explorer Kit!
Learn more about Foldscope products at foldscope.com |
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We are happy to announce that STEM West will sponsor EDCAMP STEM WEST this year on January 31, 2026 from 9:00-1:00 at NC School For Science and Math in Morganton. EDCAMP STEM WEST is a free event that uses the input from participants to create the learning sessions. Some people consider it an “unconference” because of the unique nature of how the event meets the needs of all participants. There will be breakfast and door prizes available. All who want to learn and grow are welcome to attend: teachers, administrators, pre-service teachers, youth leaders, home school leaders, higher education leaders, etc. Come and join one of the most exciting learning events of the year.
If you want to learn more about EDCAMP STEM WEST, go to: https://sites.google.com/site/edcampstemwest/
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SAVE THE DATES 2026:
For questions about either of the events below contact:
Dr. Carol Moore at cmoore@stemwest.org
Dr. Donna Heavner at dheavner@stemwest.org
EdCamp STEM West 2026
January 31 at NCSSM-Morganton
(door prizes needed)
STEM Trek 2026 at Catawba Science Center
Saturday, April 18 10 AM — 2 PM
We are now recruiting local STEM organizations to be exhibitors for this event. Please click the link below if you would like to register.
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| Watch for more STEM opportunities in the STEM West Newsletter! |
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