ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — College of The Albemarle (COA) is proud to partner with STEM East to participate in the inaugural “Industry in Schools Week,” scheduled for April 5–12. This regional initiative is designed to introduce middle and high school students across Northeastern North Carolina to local career opportunities and the education and training pathways available to help them succeed.

Throughout the week, COA will host events that highlight several STEM-related programs such as agribusiness, health sciences, culinary and skilled trades programs. These events reflect COA’s mission to transform tomorrows through education and strong partnerships with schools and local industries.

STEM East is a regional network supporting STEM education and career pathway development. A part of the NCEast Alliance, STEM East works to strengthen education-industry partnerships and prepare students for high-demand jobs across Eastern North Carolina.

Events for the week include:

COA Star Nights: Evening Under the Stars
Friday, April 4th, from 7 to 9 p.m.
COA – Elizabeth City, 1208 N. Road St.

COA invites families and community members to a free evening of astronomy and STEM exploration. Guests of all ages can observe the night sky through telescopes and take part in guided, hands-on activities with COA faculty and staff.

No rain date is scheduled. In case of inclement weather, cancellation updates will be shared on COA’s social media platforms.

Health Sciences, Wellness and Public Services Open House
Wednesday, April 9th, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
COA – Elizabeth City, Dr. Zack D. Owens Health Sciences Center

This event offers visitors a chance to explore COA’s health sciences and public service programs through tours, demonstrations and faculty interactions.

Advance registration is required to attend. Please see the flyer for the registration link or visit bit.ly/45Zsxv2.

COA Career Fair

Wednesday, April 9th, from Noon to 2 p.m.
COA – Elizabeth City, 1208 N. Road Street, Buildings A and AE

COA will host its annual career fair in conjunction with Industry in Schools Week, connecting job seekers, students and recent graduates with more than 30 employers across healthcare, public service, education, manufacturing, and more.

Participating employers include: Albemarle Regional Health Services, B&M Contractors, Coca-Cola, Dare County EMS, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, United States Army, Marines, Navy, and many more.

This event is open to the public and is a key part of COA’s commitment to providing students with “Better Skills, Better Jobs and a Better Future.”

Chef for a Day: Culinary Arts Showcase
Thursday, April 10th (for school groups only)

COA – Edenton-Chowan, 118 Blades Street, Edenton

Local students will step into the culinary world through a hands-on “Chef for a Day” experience, featuring demonstrations and cooking activities guided by COA’s culinary faculty.

Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades Day
Friday, April 11th (for school groups only)

COA – Currituck, 107 College Way, Barco

Students will explore careers in information technology, aviation systems, computer-aided drafting and design, and machining. The event will feature interactive activities and highlight COA’s programs and local industry connections.

Agribusiness Field Day

Friday, April 11th (for school groups only)
COA Demonstration Farm, 320 Creek Road, Elizabeth City

COA welcomes students to its working demonstration farm, where they can explore educational and career opportunities in the field of agriculture. Participants will experience hands-on field demonstrations, simulations and student-led conversations on pathways from college to career.

Space is limited, and schools are required to RSVP by April 8th. For more information and to register, visit http://t.ly/V47zg.

“At College of The Albemarle, we believe that strong partnerships with our local schools and industries are essential to building a brighter future for our region,” said Dr. Jack Bagwell, President of COA. “Industry in Schools Week allows us to inspire students, showcase career pathways and demonstrate how education transforms lives right here in Northeastern North Carolina.”

Organized by STEM East, Industry in Schools Week promotes collaboration between education and industry to strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline. It provides students with exposure to career opportunities and the training available through local institutions, such as COA.

For information or media inquiries, please contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2420, or tammy_sawyer32@albemarle.edu.