Innovating for Inclusion: UCP Charter Schools Receives STEMIE Grant for Early Childhood STEM

UCP Charter Schools has been selected as one of only two early childhood programs to receive professional development through the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE) Grant. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, will help our educators create engaging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) experiences for all children, including those with disabilities.

What This Means for Our Educators and Students

Over the next two years, UCP educators will receive:

●      Training to integrate STEM learning into early childhood classrooms

●      Ongoing coaching and support

●      Access to high-quality STEM resources

●      A leadership institute to further develop teaching skills

"This opportunity allows us to strengthen our commitment to inclusive education by making STEM learning accessible and engaging for all students," said Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood at UCP Charter Schools.

In the long run, this training will help our teachers feel more confident in supporting every child’s problem-solving and critical thinking skills, building a strong foundation for future learning.

Two additional early childhood programs will be selected for this grant in 2026, further expanding inclusive STEM education nationwide.

For more information about the STEMIE project, please contact Megan Vinh or Chih-Ing Lim at stemie@unc.edu.