SC STEM Day at the Capitol

Overview
Information | Plan Your Visit | Take Action
Sponsored by
Discovery Education

Join Us at the 10th Annual STEM Education Day at the Capitol

On Wednesday, March 24, 2027, SCCMS and its partners will celebrate the 10th Annual STEM Education Day at the Capitol. Our day will focus on: 

  • Congratulating the SC STEM Educator of the Year winner and regional finalists. 
  • Learning from students, higher education, and nonprofit leaders at interactive exhibits.
  • Meeting the regional Growing in STEM Grant winners. 
  • Networking with other STEM education supporters.
  • Discussing STEM education in South Carolina with legislators.

Plan Your Visit & Take Action

Driving Directions

From Greenville SC

Follow I-385 S approximately 42.0 miles as it becomes I-26 E. Continue on I-26 E for approximately 55.9 miles. Take I-126 E toward Columbia for 3.3 miles. Merge onto Huger St. and continue for 1.0 mile. Turn LEFT onto Gervais St. and continue for 0.5 miles to Assembly and Gervais Streets. Continue on Gervais St. to Main St. The State House is located at the intersection of Gervais and Main Streets.

From Charleston, SC

Follow I-26 W approximately 104.6 miles. Merge onto US-176 W via EXIT 115 toward CAYCE / COLUMBIA and continue for 6.0 miles. Turn LEFT onto Huger St. and continue for 0.5 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Gervais St. and continue for 0.5 miles to Assembly and Gervais Streets. Continue on Gervais St. to Main St. The State House is located at the intersection of Gervais and Main Streets.

Parking

The State House is located at 1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29208.   Parking is permitted in metered spaces along Sumter Street, Assembly Street, Senate Street, and Pendleton Street. Parking is also available at the garage on Lady Street (1100 Lady St.), all a short walk away from the State House grounds. City parking rates apply. ​

Arrival

Enter the State House via the public entrance which faces Sumter Street and go through security.  Note: The State House building opens to the public at 9:00 am; you will not be able to enter before that time. 

Meals & Dining

Motor Supply Co. Bistro.

920 Gervais St., Columbia, SC
Providing locals and travelers with a selection of farm-fresh salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees.

Railroad BBQ

2001 Hampton St, Columbia, SC
A local neighborhood restaurant that celebrates great Southern Food.

Sound Bites Eatery

1425 Sumter St., Columbia, SC
Offering hot and cold sandwiches & salads. They have a number of vegetarian and vegan options.

Hampton Street Vineyard

1207 Hampton St., Columbia, SC
A small French-inspired restaurant and a long-time favorite in downtown Columbia. The menu includes traditional French dishes and other European fare French inspired. 

Cantina 76

1301 Main St, Columbia, SC
Cantina 76’s menu includes a wide range of tacos, nachos and other traditional Mexican entrees. 

Lizard's Thicket

818 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, SC
This restaurant will give you “home-cooked meal” vibes with all the country sides and fixin’s. 

2026 Speakers

Stay tuned for our lineup of 2027 Speakers

Dr. Regina Ciphrah

Verbalizing Visions, LLC

Dr. Andrea Lance

Discovery Education

Carrie Hasbrouck

Maritime Industrial Base

Lauren Duris

Learning Blade

Lilly Tidwell

Million Women Mentors SC

Lilyn Hester

Google

Angelique Piotrowsky

2025 STEM Educator of the Year

Dr. LaChanda McGuire

STEM Educator of the Year Finalist

Nicole LaFave

STEM Educator of the Year Finalist

Deborah Harmon

STEM Educator of the Year Finalist

Tiffany Sellers

STEM Educator of the Year Finalist

Jeanette Trageser

STEM Educator of the Year Finalist

Greg Donnelly

Comporium

Ken Reynolds

Bojangles

Katherine Mulholland

SC Coalition for Mathematics & Science

Invite Your Legislator to STEM Day at the Capitol

Your voice has a great impact on your legislators. They're more likely to attend an event if asked by a constituent. Here's how you can invite them:

  1. Find out who represents you.
  2. Send an email or written letter to ask them to visit STEM Day at the Capitol

Short on time or not sure what to write? No worries. Simply start with our sample email and customize it to fit your message.

Download the Sample Letters

Advocate for STEM Education

Raise your voice and shoot a quick email to your legislators, encouraging them to continue supporting STEM education during this legislative session!

Here are some items you might consider asking your legislator to support:

  • Tax credits for business/industry that employ STEM students and graduates as interns.
  • The creation of a professional development fund targeted to assist STEM educators.

Personal stories can be impactful!

When you reach out to your legislator, consider telling a story about how STEM has personally affected you and your community. You could share stories relating to:

Importance of STEM education

  • Early STEM exposure through after-school and out-of-school programs​ ​​
  • Creativity and innovative problem-solving from internships and formal education​ ​​
  • Competitive pay and robust skills training in trade jobs​​​ ​​

Challenges to building a strong STEM workforce

  • Lack of STEM opportunity in some rural and low-income communities​​​
  • Skills gaps from recent high-school graduates​​
  • Expanding South Carolina's homegrown workforce​​​​​

Solutions to fostering STEM skills

  • Consistent, broad awareness about the importance of STEM
  • Education and industry connection and communication​​​
  • Teacher resources and support in classrooms and afterschool​​