North Carolina SMT Center

11/10/2025

Advanced Placement Growth in NC Continues to Outpace the Nation, Makes State History

For the fourth year in a row, North Carolina students increased their scores and participation in Advanced Placement exams, outpacing the national average and setting a new record for the state.

11/07/2025

Four NC schools receive State Blue Ribbon recognition

Four North Carolina public schools were announced today as inaugural statewide Blue Ribbon Schools award winners, a program created by North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to continue the tradition of recognizing and highlighting schools that are excelling in academic success.

04/18/2025

North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association announces 2025 Dr. Samuel Houston Jr. leadership award recipients

The award is presented annually to outstanding graduates of the NCSSA/NCASLD Aspiring Superintendent Program.

02/22/2025

Governor Stein Announces Ten Recipients of Governor’s Educator Discovery Award

Today, Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) announced that ten teachers across the state would be awarded the Governor’s Educator Discovery Award. “Our students benefit when their teachers prioritize their own continued education,” said Governor J...

02/21/2025

Five NC Educators Receive Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Five North Carolina teachers were honored last month as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest award K-12 teachers can receive for instruction in those two subjects by the federal government.

02/20/2025

NC Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced

RALEIGH – Nine North Carolina educators have been named regional Teachers of the Year in recognition of their outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.

02/12/2025

Are we preparing our students for a world that no longer exists? Dr. Samuel H. Houston Jr. challenges the outdated methods of traditional education, advocating for a future-focused approach that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in tomorrow's world. Discover why a shift in our educational paradigm is essential for the success of future generations.

Dr. Houston, serves as the President and CEO of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center. Dr. Houston’s career spans several prestigious roles, including the inaugural executive director of the University of North Carolina Center for School Leadership Development. His prior experience includes teaching in public schools, various administrative roles in education, and superintendent of Mooresville City Schools.

Dr. Houston serves on the Smithsonian Science Education Advisory Board, and the James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy Board of Directors. A respected voice in education reform, Dr. Samuel H. Houston, Jr. has received the Jay Robinson Leadership Award for his exceptional statewide impact on public K-12 education, was recently presented a Distinguished Career Award from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro School of Education and was inducted into East Carolina University’s Educators Hall of Fame. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

Are we preparing our students for a world that no longer exists? Dr. Samuel H. Houston Jr. challenges the outdated methods of traditional education, advocati...

02/06/2025

NC students score at or above average on national assessment, but pandemic gaps persist

Data released today by the U.S. Department of Education shows that North Carolina students are ahead of the nation in eighth grade math and tracking with their peers in other tested subjects.

12/10/2024

Dr. Samuel Houston receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Twice a month the NC STEM Center publishes an e-update on what’s happening in STEM education throughout North Carolina, and their latest edition is now available for you.

11/21/2024

🏆 Shine a spotlight on STEM excellence! Nominate individuals or organizations making a remarkable impact on STEM education in North Carolina for the 2025 SMT Awards. 🌟 Let's honor their contributions!
Submit your nomination here 👉 https://buff.ly/2QTlJsc

10/31/2024

🚀 Building pathways to STEM! Congratulations to this year's Student STEM Enrichment Program grantees, making strides in science, tech, engineering, and math education: https://buff.ly/3NL6qRV

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (October 22, 2024) — The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of its Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) grants. These awards will provide over $1.8 million in funding to 11 organizations across North Carolina that aim to engage stu...

07/24/2024

High schoolers showcase STEM research at WF Leap https://buff.ly/4fs3yWS