Snow HIll – Greene County Schools hosted the 9th Annual STEM Expo on Thursday, April 25. This year the Expo was a multi-site experience with STEM students from Greene Central, GCMS, and GEC leading stations and sharing their creations. Students from West Greene, Snow Hill Primary, and Greene County Intermediate got a first-hand experience of what STEM looks and feels like later in their school career. 

Dr. Jose Garcia, K-12 Curriculum and STEM Director shared “The STEM Education and Community Expo is about to enter its 9th year, emphasizing student learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from Pre-K through 13. The event aims to exhibit student projects, involve the community, foster partnerships, and increase awareness about STEM education. The format for this year is always extra special in that it allows middle, high, and early college students to engage with our elementary students at MakerSpace stations connected to different hands-on STEM-focused activities.”

He went on to share “ The elementary students are excited about the event itself, yet adding their family members as event facilitators takes it to a whole new level. The students are often more excited to see their brother, sister, or other family members leading the MakerSpace activities. Equally important is our educational partners' participation, who set up hands-on stations connected to real-world topics or careers. “

While the format for this year is focused on our elementary schools, the event will shift back to an evening community format for the 2024/2025 school year. Garcia shared:”A balance between both formats has allowed Greene County Schools to include our students and community in a celebration of innovation, inspiration, and the transformative power of STEM Education.”

Dr. Emily Lahr, GCS STEM Coach shared “ The Expo serves to showcase student products, engage the community, strengthen partnerships, and raise STEM awareness. We have several vendors from Greene County and surrounding communities that will be supporting the students at the event.”

 Dr. Garcia shared the success of the STEM program and how this event helps to share that with students of all ages. Greene County Schools has 2 STEM Schools of Distinction and continues to expand the STEM Program. Gracia shared “Greene County Schools continues to support STEM Education across North Carolina by hosting regional STEM-focused trainings, STEM Education site visits, developing mutual partnerships, and finding ways to collaborate within the STEM Leaders Network. The STEM Leaders Network is an organic collaboration among school districts to assist with STEM Education initiatives.” Community partners or  Schools interested in joining the network can contact José Garcia at josegarcia@greene.k12.nc.us