North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics has once again been recognized as a Model STEM School of Distinction by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

As described by DPI, the STEM School of Distinction designation marks a school as among “the very best in STEM education in North Carolina which exemplify outstanding leadership and learning and empower keen creative thinking, reasoning, and teamwork: the underpinnings of 21st-century skills; in addition to implementing the essential STEM Attributes needed to be successful in today’s society.”

The “Model” designation, which NCSSM has maintained since it was recognized as such for the 2015-2016 school year, notes NCSSM as especially qualified to offer the very highest level of STEM training for its students. The school will carry the Model STEM School of Distinction tag for three years, at which time it can reapply for designation.

NCSSM leaders attended the ceremony to receive the award on behalf of the school, including Todd Roberts, NCSSM’s Chancellor; Kevin Baxter, Vice Chancellor & Chief Campus Officer for NCSSM-Morganton; and Angela Teachey and Tonya Little ’84, Associate Vice Chancellors for Academic Programs at NCSSM’s Durham and Morganton campuses, respectively.

In his remarks, Roberts said, “We want to thank the Department of Public Instruction for recognizing NCSSM as a STEM School of Distinction. As one of the very first schools to be designated as a STEM School of Distinction, we are excited that today, with a second campus in Morganton, and expanded virtual and summer programs, NCSSM is providing even more students across North Carolina with outstanding STEM learning opportunities as a part of North Carolina’s vibrant STEM ecosystem.”