STEM-Corps East, an AmeriCorps Program
Our Vision
To help all students graduate from high school “Career and College Ready” to pursue and complete degrees leading to employment in STEM related careers.
Our Mission
To engage middle grades students in STEM activities that link classroom learning and real world problem solving, help students to master STEM concepts and skills and be ready to succeed in more rigorous high school STEM courses.
CONTACT US
For more information about our program, please contact:
Director
1805 Charles Blvd.
Bldg 123
East Carolina University, Rural Education Institute
Mail Stop 122
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-5703
stemcorpseast@ecu.edu
What is the CNCS?
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that helps more than 5 million Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service. Working hand in hand with local partners, CNCS taps the ingenuity and can-do spirit of the American people to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps State and National supports a wide range of local service programs that engage thousands of Americans in intensive community service each year. AmeriCorps provides grants to a network of local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Each of these organizations and agencies, in turn, uses their AmeriCorps funding to recruit, place, and supervise AmeriCorps members.
What is STEM-Corps East?
STEM-Corps East is an AmeriCorps tutoring and enrichment program focused on improving K-12 student achievement in math and science. ECU STEM-Corps East is a program of the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service and the College of Education at East Carolina University in partnership with school districts, community colleges, and community groups in eastern North Carolina.
STEM-Corps East is supported by a grant from the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service in the Office of the Governor. Members will provide one-on-one and small group tutoring services an average of 17-20 hours per week. When appropriate, members will extend the instructional time by providing before school or after school tutoring services. In STEM laboratories, members will assist teachers in the delivery of the NC Standard Course of Study in math and science classes.
STEM Activities
The program includes: 1) year-long opportunities for students and AmeriCorps members to regularly interact, strengthening skills in math and science and building positive relationships between students and tutors, 2) summer STEM enrichment activities, 3) quarterly STEM Saturday events for students, parents, business and industry, and other community groups to highlight STEM and STEM careers, 4) college tutors to serve as STEM role models for K-12 students, 5) a tutoring model that will build a pipeline for future recruitment of members and volunteers, and 6) educational experiences for college students to reinforce their commitment to STEM and STEM careers.
Using the NC Standard Course of Study of in science math classes, members will assist teachers in the delivery of these structured, evidenced-based instructional materials. Members will provide one-on-one and small group tutoring services either 3 or 4 days per week, averaging 12-15 hours of tutoring. When appropriate, members will extend the instructional time by providing before school or after school tutoring services. In STEM laboratories, members will assist teachers in the delivery of the STEM curriculum that introduces robotic concepts such as design, CAD, programming, construction, and control types.
Fridays are reserved for training, meeting time with classroom teacher to discuss and reflect on the delivery of tutoring services, record keeping, and planning time with Program Coordinator for community service events and recruitment of volunteers.
STEM Fairs
Partnering with TechTerra Education, STEM-Corps East members will participate in quarterly STEM fairs, a day-long event in which parents, children, school personnel, other community members, and AmeriCorps members will participate in STEM activities and a community service project. STEM Saturdays promote connectedness to family and community and help integrate the worlds of STEM, family, school, and civic engagement. When possible, the STEM Saturdays will align with AmeriCorps National Identity Days.
The North Carolina Science Festival is a multi-day celebration showcasing science and technology. The Festival highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of science in our state. Through hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits and performances, the Festival engages a wide range of public audiences while inspiring future generations. The Festivals offer an opportunity to celebrate science in fun and welcoming settings. This Festival provides the opportunity to cultivate a positive environment that encourages children to pursue science-related careers and encourages businesses to invest in North Carolina.
Days of Service
Each year, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) spearheads the effort to encourage Americans to volunteer in their communities during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. Each Member will be required to participate in these two service days:
Participation means providing at least three hours of direct service to the agency or project being served (excludes break times and lunch times if applicable).
Recruitment of Volunteers
Recruiting and managing community volunteers is a priority for all AmeriCorps and VISTA programs. Each STEM-Corps East Member is required to recruit at least four (4) volunteers to participate in the service projects or other volunteer activities. Members assist their volunteers to complete a Volunteer Log for each project.
Emergency Management
The NC Commission on volunteerism and Community Service has a statewide leadership role in helping people and communities prepare for emergencies and disasters. This is accomplished through the management of the NC Citizen Corps and valuable partnerships with NC Department of Public Safety, NC Division of Emergency Management, NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and the many state agencies and partners that are member of the State Emergency Response Team. When disasters occur, AmeriCorps members may be deployed to Raleigh and other metropolitan areas to assist with communication, disaster hotlines, and provide vital information such as shelter locations, feeding sites, and highway conditions. The ReadyNC app may be downloaded which provides real-time information and links to help you get and stay prepared. For more information, visit the NCReady and Community Preparedness page.
STEM-Corps East is an AmeriCorps tutoring and enrichment program focused on improving K-12 student achievement in math and science.
As a STEM-Corps East Member, you are placed in a school or after-school program where you will serve as a tutor for students who are struggling in math and science classes. You will be part of a diverse team of STEM Tutors working under the direction of on-site supervisors. Throughout your 12-month term of service, you and other members will engage students in STEM curriculum activities, participate in training activities and community service events, and recruit volunteers.
Get Involved – Help a Child Succeed
ECU STEM-Corps East is a program of the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service and the College of Education at East Carolina University in partnership with school districts, community colleges, and community groups in eastern North Carolina.
Supported by a grant from the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service in the Office of the Governor.
Partnering with School Districts, Pitt Community College, and Community Groups
The East Carolina University College of Education has partnered with school districts, Pitt Community College, and community groups in Beaufort, Lenoir, and Pitt counties to launch STEM-Corps East, an AmeriCorps tutoring and enrichment initiative focused on improving middle grades Partnering student achievement in mathematics and science through formal and informal opportunities to learn and apply science and mathematics.