This two-year grant provided funding to the Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies (NEAAAT) to initiate and grow an innovative pre-service learning partnership with Elizabeth City State University’s (ECSU) College of Education. NEAAAT, a regional STEM school located on the campus of ECSU, prepared students to pursue careers in aerospace, computer science, and other growing career pathways in the region. NEAAAT implemented a digital learning initiative at the public charter school and established a new collaborative (residency) model of pre-service teacher development with the university. NEAAAT classrooms served as demonstration sites, allowing its teachers to be mentors for ECSU education majors and faculty. The collaboration allowed education majors multiple pre-service opportunities prior to graduating and being hired to teach. Golden LEAF funds were used for professional development, student devices, technology, and other hardware.
