This grant provided funding to Macon County Schools to establish STEM labs and learning classrooms in all middle and high schools in the district. The project was part of the Smoky Mountains Regional STEM initiative started in Swain County by Swain County Schools and Southwestern Community College (SCC) to address difficulties that several companies in the area had experienced in finding qualified employees in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and computer technology. Macon was expected to work with SCC, public school partners from Jackson and Swain counties, and industry partners to create a seamless regional approach to workforce training through STEM pathways aligned with higher education and regional employment targets. Golden LEAF Funds were used for a STEM coordinator, teacher professional development, and equipment, supplies, and materials for STEM labs and learning classrooms.
