Industry in Schools
Teacher Leadership Institutes
Summer 2024
For summer 2024, STEM East has worked with our community college and industry partners to expand the number of industry clusters we can serve across the region. There will be a total of nine institutes across six industry clusters to provide an expanding view of our regional industries. Each institute will showcase an interactive dive into the cluster content while highlighting community college pathways for career preparation. The institute staff will work with teacher leaders to use this experience to provide regional context to their K-12 standards instruction, making lessons more engaging and relevant for students. Instructional conversations are designed to benefit all K-12 teachers in core content areas. If you teach any or all of these subject areas - science, math, social studies, ELA - at any grade level, then this institute is designed for you!
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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 will find all of our 2024 summer institutes, along with links for registration. Institutes are exclusively for teachers who teach in one of our STEM East member districts. Institutes are without cost to teachers as expenses are covered through district membership fees, state funds, grants, and partner contributions. The only cost to teachers is their 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 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.
For assistance contact: Dr. David Lewis, Program Lead
Aviation Sciences Institute:
Craven Community College
(Havelock Campus)
305 Cunningham Blvd.

Havelock, NC 28532
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August 7-8, 2023
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: August 7, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required
For assistance contact: Dr. David Lewis, Program Lead
Aviation Sciences Institute:
College of the Albemarle
(Currituck Campus)
107 College Way
Barco, NC 27917
July 11-12, 2024
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: July 11, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required
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 Institute:
James Sprunt Community College
133 James Sprunt Dr.
Kenansville, NC 28349
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August 5-6, 2024
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: August 5, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required
For assistance contact: Dr. Ben Thigpen, Program Lead
Smart Agriculture Institute:
Martin Community College
1161 Kehukee Park Rd.
Williamston, NC 27892
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June 19-20
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: June 19, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required
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. Ethan Lenker, Program Lead
Health Science Institute:
Pitt Community College
1986 Pitt Tech Rd.
Winterville, NC 28590
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June 24-25
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: June 24, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required
For assistance contact: Dr. Ethan Lenker, Program Lead
Health Science Institute:
College of the Albermarle
(Elizabeth City Campus)
1208 N. Road St
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
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August 1-2
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: August 1, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required
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 Institute:
Halifax Community College
(at the Center for Energy Education)
460 Airport Rd
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
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July 29-30
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: July 29, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required
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: Lisa Jackson, Program Lead
Blue Economy Institute:
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Carteret Community College
3505 Arendell St.
Morehead City, NC 28557
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July 30-31
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: July 30, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required
BioPharma 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: Bruce Middleton, Program Lead
BioPharma Manufacturing:
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Pitt Community College
(Pharmaceutical Services Network)
1800 N Greene Street
Greenville, NC 27834
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July 16-17
9:00 - 4:30
(Industry Dinner: July 16, 5:30 - 8:00)
Participants will receive:
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Workbooks and materials provided
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Meals and overnight stay provided (if needed)
Participant requirements:​
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Full-day (2) participation required
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Industry dinner attendance is required