April 18, 2025

R-CCC Launches STEM Outreach Lunch and Learn Series to Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators 

 

AHOSKIE, NC –Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC), in collaboration with Hertford County Early College High School and STEM East, proudly hosted the STEM Outreach Lunch and Learn Series from April 7–10, a weeklong series of hands-on demonstrations and engaging STEM learning opportunities. Funded by a $1,500 grant, the initiative brought together students, educators and community partners to cultivate interest, confidence and skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

Each day of the Lunch and Learn series featured a unique STEM theme, with interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and immersive projects designed to inspire creativity and curiosity. More than 50 students attended, with invitations extended to all middle and high school students and educators within the college’s service region.

The series specifically targeted students from low-income communities, underrepresented minority groups, and female students, who often face systemic barriers to accessing quality STEM education. Local educators were also engaged in the events to foster sustained impact in the classroom and beyond.

“R-CCC is committed to closing the opportunity gap in STEM education,” said Dr. Murray J. Williams, President of Roanoke-Chowan Community College. “These events represent the College’s unwavering focus on equity, opportunity and excellence. By investing in our youth and our educators, we are building a stronger, more inclusive pipeline to future careers and innovation.”

The STEM Outreach Lunch and Learn Series was spearheaded by Michael Jefferson, Associate Vice President of Academics and Institutional Effectiveness, who led the grant development and coordination of the week’s programming.

“The R-CCC STEM Outreach events provide students with dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that make science and technology come alive,” said Jefferson. “We want our students to see themselves as future engineers, scientists and innovators. With the support of expert instructors and community partners, we’re creating an environment where learning is exciting, collaborative and accessible to all.”
The events were made possible through support from STEM East, a regional initiative committed to connecting students with real-world STEM career pathways and promoting workforce development through strategic partnerships.

The Lunch and Learn series is part of R-CCC’s broader mission to support educational equity and workforce readiness in northeastern North Carolina.

About STEM East:
STEM East is a regional STEM initiative working to improve access to STEM education and career pathways through industry partnerships, community engagement, and hands-on learning experiences for students and teachers across Eastern North Carolina. Learn more at www.stemeast.org.

 

 

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243