SC STEM Educator of the Year Nominations Open
Monday, August 31, 2026 12:00 am EDT
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Duke Energy Science Nights Application Opens
Monday, August 17, 2026 12:00 am EDT
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STEM Education Month is a statewide event inviting STEM stakeholders - students, K-12, higher education, out of school learning, business/industry, and government - to celebrate, explore and discover why a quality STEM education is vital to the future of South Carolina!
STEM Education Month is celebrated annually between March 14th and April 14th. These dates correspond with Pi Day (March 14th) and World Quantum Day (April 14). During the month, we recognize a STEM Educator of the Year, award 5 grants to educators and their schools, celebrate STEM Day at the Capitol, host Duke Energy Science Nights, and much more! We encourage you to join us or create your own event to share with us.Why STEM?
%
of U.S. jobs are supported by STEM
%
of the nation's GDP are supported by STEM jobs
%
of South Carolina's economy is driven by STEM jobs
billion dollars generated by South Carolina's technology industry
%
wage premium of tech professionals over the average South Carolina job
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Why Celebrate STEM Education?
South Carolina attracts leading manufacturers from the automotive, aerospace, life sciences, technology, and advanced manufacturing industries. Each of these industries needs skilled STEM professionals from college to certificate programs.
Opportunities exist for those with STEM-skills to:
- help assemble airplanes in North Charleston,
- work for a leading global provider of technology products and solutions in Greenville,
- join one of the world's leading automotive manufacturers in Greer,
- engineer the world's largest tires in Lexington County, or
- work for a world leader in generic respiratory medication manufacturing in Columbia.
SC STEM Educator of the Year Award
The STEM Educator of the Year award, powered by Comporium, is a prestigious, statewide recognition of South Carolina educators. This award is for teachers who are making a significant difference in the lives of students across the state by providing excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning, and inspiring a passion for STEM beyond the classroom. Thanks to support from our partners, Comporium and Bojangles, the winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize and each of the remaining 4 finalists will receive $1,000.
STEM Day at the Capitol
STEM Day at the Capitol is held annually at the State House during STEM Month (March 14 - April 14). We invite you to join us for a press conference, award ceremony, STEM activities and demonstrations, and networking with speakers and special guests! Organizations from across South Carolina are invited to participate in STEM Day at the Capitol, a special opportunity to showcase the impact of education, workforce development, and business partnerships on the future of our state.
Growing in STEM Grants
The Growing in STEM mini-grants are awarded to South Carolina educators creating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) focused projects for their classroom or school. Mini-grants support collaboration among teachers, students, and the community and allow students to explore real-world applications of STEM concepts.
Duke Energy Science Nights
Duke Energy Science Night offers resources to K-5 schools in the Duke Energy service area of South Carolina. The program is now in year 6 for the 2026-2027 school year after five highly successful years since the program launched in 2021. Schools which previously hosted events during SC STEM Education Month found the resources to be a great way to engage students and families in the joy of experiencing science and other STEM learning.
Get Involved
Educators
- Nominate yourself or a colleague for SC STEM Educator of the Year.
- Apply for a $2,500 Growing in STEM Grant to fund a new initiative in your classroom.
- Plan a STEM night using Duke Energy Science Night Kits (available for free for selected schools).
- Plan STEM activities during the month and share them on social media using #SCSTEMMonth.
- Join us at STEM Day at the Capitol!
- Visit a local business that works in a STEM field - SC has lots of them! Contact us if you need suggestions.
- Contact your legislators, encourage them to continue supporting STEM education during this legislative session!
Principals and Administrators
- Plan a school-wide STEM night! Involve parents, students, and local businesses.
- Organize a STEM competition or STEM fair where students have opportunities to compete in engineering design challenges or showcase their work.
- Send a student group to STEM Day at the Capitol!
- Nominate an educator in your school for SC STEM Educator of the Year.
- Contact your legislators, encourage them to continue supporting STEM education during this legislative session!
Out of School Clubs and Organizations
- Plan a STEM activity during STEM month.
- Send a group to STEM Day at the Capitol!
- Exhibit at one of our
- Visit a local business that works in the STEM field - SC has lots of them! Contact us if you need suggestions.
- Contact your legislators, encourage them to continue supporting STEM education during this legislative session!
Community, Business, and Industry Partners
- Volunteer to speak at a local school about your exciting STEM career, or
- Host a field trip for students to visit your local business!
- Exhibit at one of our
- Launch an internship or mentor program.
- Sponsor a Growing in STEM Grant or STEM Educator of the Year.
- Donate
- Contact your legislators, encourage them to continue supporting STEM education during this legislative session!
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2018 - 2026
South Carolina's Coalition for Mathematics & Science