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This proclamation underscores the value of STEM education and the importance of engaging with future scientists
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – In anticipation of this year's 14th annual North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest), Governor Roy Cooper has declared April 2024 STEM Education Month in North Carolina. The proclamation marks the beginning of the country’s premier statewide celebration of science sponsored by nonprofit research institute RTI International.
The proclamation was signed before an evening reception at the Executive Mansion in Raleigh to celebrate NCSciFest's partners and supporters and was presented to attendees by NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson. Christy Shaffer, Ph.D., NCSciFest advisory board chair and RTI Board of Governors member; Tim J. Gabel, president and CEO of RTI; Crystal Harden, Ed.D., director of program and inclusion initiatives at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center; and Erik MacIntosh, NCSciFest manager, also delivered remarks.
“There is a natural synergy between NCSciFest and RTI International, and we're thrilled to expand our partnership this year,” said Gabel. “Together, we're emphasizing the value of STEM education and the importance of engaging with the future scientists in our state and beyond.”
As NCSciFest's new presenting sponsor, RTI also offered attendees a unique virtual reality experience to explore. The Virtual Reality Crime Scene Investigation Simulation allowed users to immerse themselves in three different crime scene scenarios and gave them access to a wide range of CSI tools to process and investigate the scene.
“We're excited that the NC Science Festival is just around the corner, and the statewide, month-long celebration will bring hundreds of incredible events to more parts of the state than ever before,” said Erik MacIntosh, NCSciFest manager. “We're grateful that Governor Cooper has continued the tradition of proclaiming April as STEM Education month in the state of North Carolina and recognizes the importance of science, technology, engineering and math to our state's rich culture.”
RTI's sponsorship extends beyond the festival - building lasting connections with museum benefactors and the community by engaging in interactive exhibits, workshops and educational programs that aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, thinkers and innovators.
