Fifteen schools across the East will soon be getting new STEM labs. The grant made possible by the Golden LEAF Foundation, awards $1.25 million to schools in Pitt, Edgecombe and Beaufort counties.

The partners in this collaboration made the announcement Monday morning at the Pitt County Government building. 

“A lot of people learn better in a hands on way.” Dr. Tedd Morris, Associate Vice Chancellor of Engagement, Innovation and Economic Development said.  “Our goal is to put facilities into the schools that support that type of learning activity.”

Economic developers are pushing educators to prepare students so that when new industries arise, they will have the manpower to fill the needs.

“This starts before we even have a company in hand. We’re talking about, how do we make all of our students the best they can be.” Pitt County Development Commission Executive Director Wanda Yuhas said.