The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to Pamlico County and its partners, Pamlico County Schools, Arapahoe Charter Schools, and Pamlico Community College (PCC) to create a STEM pathways partnership for education, workforce training, and job creation. Needs of employers, identified through multiple sources, prompted this regional collaboration to strengthen STEM skills among potential workers and create workforce pathways to address workforce shortages in high-demand occupations in Pamlico County and the regional labor shed. Golden LEAF funds will be used by the partners for staff development in grades K-14; to purchase and install PITSCO STEM labs for students in grades 6-12; to enhance industrial and engineering technology labs at PCC; to initiate work-based learning and internship opportunities with area employers; and, to host business and community STEM awareness events to align programs and student interest with employer demands to achieve increased wages and economic activity.
