Western Carolina University Programs Brings STEM Learning To Jackson County’s Young Learners

This month, Western Carolina University announced that WCU professors planned to help some of Jackson County’s youngest learners discover the natural world.  

The first year of Our National World, a Summer STEM Enhancement Program, will help 30 students learn about astronomy, local agriculture and health aquatic ecosystems. Sarah Pedonti, assistant professor in WCU's College of Education and Allied Professions, sought and won the three-year, $175,000 Burroughs-Wellcome grant to fund the program. It is projected to serve over 90 additional students over the next two summers. 

Enrollment for the 2026 program will open in January 2026, and students in Pre-K- 3rd grades are eligible to participate in the free three-week camp. 

Derek Becker, associate professor in WCU's College of Education and Allied Professions serves as a co-PI on the project supporting data collection. WCU professors Enrique Gomez, Karen Kandl and Donna Harris, as well as Emerita David Claxton, have also supported the program through development and delivery of the curricula, which focuses on building students' identities as scientists. 

Students also take regular school-year field trips to sites of scientific interest, such as the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman, North Carolina. These activities are intended to build family engagement and offer more opportunities for students to be exposed to future STEM careers.