Elizabeth City, North Carolina — Dominion Energy awarded College of The Albemarle (COA) a $10,000 grant to promote the college’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs. Winnie Wade with Dominion Energy presented the check to COA President Dr. Jack Bagwell at COA – Elizabeth City. The grant will fund two different STEM areas. “The Dominion Energy Foundation is happy to support COA with this grant so that Northeastern North Carolina students will become more excited about STEM opportunities,” says Winnie Wade, External Affairs, Dominion Energy North Carolina.

Some of the money will support COA outreach, such as Community Science Night, Star Party at Dare, and Virtual STEM Nights. Those events are a joint venture between the Mathematics and Engineering department and the Natural Sciences department. COA faculty members host a virtual STEM night on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. The virtual STEM nights are geared towards elementary school-age children, but the event is fun for the whole family. Regina Price, Chair of the Mathematics and Engineering Department is thankful for the Dominion Energy grant, “We are looking to bring more activities to all of our campuses. This grant will allow us to bring more opportunities to our youth in Dare and Currituck Counties. We have seen great growth in participation over this past year, and look forward to continuing to grow this program.”

In addition to the Virtual STEM Nights, the grant will support the college’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs. “This generous donation will help us to continue our current work and explore new opportunities,” says Dr. Jack Bagwell, President, COA. “At COA, we know that many rewarding careers are realized through science, technology, engineering and mathematics pathways. Accordingly, we have enhanced our STEM programming and worked with our K-12 partners and the public to expose students to STEM-related opportunities.

Districts or groups interested in partnering with COA to host a STEM event on their campus or at a COA campus should contact Regina Price at [email protected] for more information.

Photo: Lisa Meads, Dean, Arts and Sciences, COA; Winnie Wade, External Affairs, Dominion Energy North Carolina; Dr. Jack Bagwell, President, COA; Michelle Waters, Dean, Business, Industry and Applied Technologies and Campus Administrator, COA – Currituck