Nash Community College Establishes Nighthawk Collaborative STEM Connections

Nash Community College recently established the Nighthawk Collaborative STEM Connection (NCSC). The collaborative originated from a seed grant awarded for Student STEM Enrichment Programs from the Burroughs Welcome Fund.

The NCSC is led by an advisory board of community/educational partners, with NCC Biology Professor Reggie Cobb as Project Director. The NCSC leverages several existing STEM outreach efforts from NCC, Strategic Twin Counties Education Partnership (STEP), Pfizer-Rocky Mount, NC, Wesleyan University, Communities in Schools, Nash County Public Schools, the Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School, and NC State’s Upper Coastal Plan Learning Council, and will be collaborating to add high school and first-year college STEM enrichment opportunities in the summer of 2024.

“Our board is committed to nurturing early talent and empowering all students through inclusive and equitable STEM initiatives and partnerships,” said Cobb. “We serve this goal by providing engaging, inspiring and real-world experiences.”

With current grant funds, Cobb provides training and mentorship through a Community of Practice with local educators during multiple summer STEM enrichment camps on the campus of NCC.

“Collaborating with local science teachers provides additional opportunities for STEM enrichment in schools and encourages mentorship opportunities for students directly within the schools,” said Cobb. “As we share best practices and coordinate highly engaging STEM activities in schools throughout the school year, students will increase their STEM knowledge and skills related to various STEM careers.”

The collaborative has a deeper purpose of fortifying the STEM profession and supporting innovation in Nash County.

“Our main goal is to provide these students with the resources and tools needed to be successful in a profession that supports STEM initiatives, but we also want these students who go through this process to return to Nash County and provide their expertise and experiences that they learned from and give back to the next generation of students,” said Cobb.

The NCSC will continue to build upon partnerships with local businesses and organizations and utilize a list of resources to provide quality education for students building their network and professional social capital for success in STEM.

If you are interested or for more information, please contact Reggie Cobb at rwcobb348@nashcc.edu or 252-451-8346.