Governor Proclaims STEM Education Month 2024

WHEREAS, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) drive North Carolina's 21st century economy and are critical to every student graduating from high school prepared for college, technical training, and entering our state's workforce; and

WHEREAS, STEM education provides skills essential to workforce development, ensuring North Carolinians are ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow; STEM education is necessary to succeed and expand career opportunities in our competitive, knowledge-based economy; and

WHEREAS, a diverse and inclusive workforce is critical to North Carolina’s ability to adapt and compete in a global economy; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is committed to removing systemic inequities that obstruct historically excluded and marginalized people and their communities from seeking educational and workforce opportunities in the STEM fields; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina colleges, universities, and businesses are producing cutting-edge scientific and technological advances; STEM education strengthens these operations and ensures our workforce can adapt to the demands of fast-paced innovation; and

WHEREAS, leading companies have established a presence in North Carolina because of our commitment to preparing STEM-ready workers; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud to join the North Carolina Science Festival’s annual celebration in promoting STEM for all during the month of April, and urges people to recognize the positive impacts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics on our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April, 2024, as “STEM EDUCATION MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.