Outreach
The Mathematics and Science Education Center (MSEC) is committed to building relationships with our public school partners through several initiatives.
Family STEM Nights
MSEC partners with schools in Western North Carolina to conduct Family Math and/or Science Nights based on school interest. For these Family Nights, MSEC recruits Appalachian State University faculty to plan and implement interactive activities for families at the school site. If you are interested in discussing the cost and logistics of a Family Night, please contact Dr. Leslie Bradbury.
RCOE Mathematics Clinics
Appalachian State University stands out as the first university in the UNC System, and one of only a few nationwide, to integrate mathematics clinics into its teacher preparation program. The Reich College of Education (RCOE) Mathematics Clinics provide effective after-school instruction for students struggling with mathematics, including those with disabilities. The clinics also offer hands-on learning opportunities for App State teacher candidates from special education, elementary education, and middle grades programs. Learn more about the RCOE Mathematics Clinics.
STEAM Expo
STEAM Expo: Discover Your Future is the Reich College of Education’s largest single outreach event, reaching hundreds of middle and high school students each year. Designed to broaden how students and teachers conceptualize STEM-based careers, this event combines an activity hub with interactive displays, engaging presentations, and live demonstrations. In addition to connecting students directly with App State faculty, staff, and students, we are excited to partner with local STEM industry leaders, community colleges, and local government representatives to showcase the wide array of educational and career pathways in our region.
School groups interested in attending must register in the fall semester. Registration requests are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to a capacity constraint, only up to 450 participants will be accepted. All participants are required to follow current Appalachian State University campus health and safety policies, even if they differ from those in their home community. These guidelines will be provided in the registration packet a few weeks before the event. Structured schedules for the day’s activities will be distributed upon arrival.
While volunteers are available for support, groups should plan to provide their own supervision for students, including managing headcounts and transitions between campus locations.
Get a feel for the excitement of STEAM Expo by watching this short video put together by our University Communications team.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus and inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and STEM leaders!
STEM Ambassadors
The MSEC STEM Ambassadors are a group of dynamic math, science, and STEM educators who are passionate about promoting education in these content areas across western NC and beyond. The group includes teachers and instructional leaders at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels. The goal of our STEM Ambassador group is to share information and opportunities across all of our networks. We communicate through regular newsletters and quarterly Zoom meetings. If you are interested in joining the STEM Ambassadors, please contact Dr. Leslie Bradbury.
Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics
Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics is a cost-free enrichment program for academically motivated high school students potentially interested in a career in science or mathematics. SVSM provides participants resident experiences on university campuses during the summer. Learn more about the Summer Ventures program.