This grant provided funding to Dare County Schools to expand the middle school STEM program to all students in grades 6-8. The project was designed to help middle school students learn more about STEM-related opportunities and to connect them to career pathways in high school. Hands-on STEM instruction helped students build communication skills, taught teamwork, and exposed and prepared students for the STEM careers that are available in their communities. All middle school students engaged in experiences including STEM job shadowing and field learning experiences designed to help them understand how STEM classes align with career opportunities. Golden LEAF funds were used for STEM curriculum, equipment and materials for three middle schools.