JCPS Awarded $50,000 Grant To Expand STEM Learning At Four Elementary Schools

SMITHFIELD — Johnston County Public Schools has been awarded a $50,000 state grant to expand STEM learning at four elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year.

JCPS was one of five recipients selected from 78 applications statewide for a N.C. Department of Public Instruction Digital Learning Initiative Grant.

The funding will support the district’s Igniting the FLAME STEM Leadership Cohort at Four Oaks Elementary, Benson Elementary, Princeton Elementary and Pine Level Elementary.

According to JCPS, the district received the highest application score among the five grant recipients.

“This is truly an incredible opportunity for our students, staff, and families, and I could not be more proud of our team,” JCPS Chief Academic Officer Ashley Radford said.

FLAME stands for Future-Ready Learning through Learner Agency, Authentic Formative Assessment, Meaningful Inquiry, and Engineering Practices.

The program will involve fourth- and fifth-grade teachers along with enhancement teachers at the participating schools.

Educators will receive professional development, instructional coaching and collaborative planning opportunities designed to strengthen STEM instruction and connect lessons across subject areas.

JCPS will work with The Science House at N.C. State University, along with district science and instructional technology leaders.

Teachers will develop lessons that encourage students to ask questions, investigate real-world problems and design and test possible solutions.

The project will also incorporate science and engineering practices, digital learning skills and the Engineering Design Process.

Students will be given opportunities to explore STEM careers and take a more active role in their own learning.

The grant will also support Family STEM Challenge Nights and student showcases intended to bring families and communities into the learning process.

Participating teachers will develop instructional resources that can be reused and shared with other educators.

The one-year grant is also intended to create a model that could eventually be expanded to other grades and schools within the district.

“We’re so excited for this opportunity to enhance STEM education in JCPS!” said Leanne Daughtry, K-12 Math and Science Curriculum Director.