Duke Energy Science Nights Continue to Inspire STEM Learning Across South Carolina
Contacts:
Katherine Mulholland, [email protected]
Tracey Campbell, [email protected]
Excitement is building across South Carolina as selected schools prepare to celebrate SC STEM Education Month 2025 with hands-on science events that bring learning to life. Thanks to the continued partnership between Duke Energy, South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science (SCCMS), and the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 50 schools will host Duke Energy Science Nights, engaging students and families in interactive STEM activities designed to inspire future innovators.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and is widely viewed as crucial to preparing students for jobs of the future, particularly in South Carolina, where advanced manufacturing has become a cornerstone of the economy. Duke Energy Science Nights return to South Carolina schools for a fourth year, building on the success of their debut in 2022. In 2025, participating schools across the state will host these engaging events, providing students and their families with hands-on science learning activities designed to spark curiosity.
The kits are funded by a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, enabling 50 qualifying schools to receive resources that remove barriers and provide engaging, hands-on STEM learning opportunities.
“Programs like this reinforce our company’s commitment to create a more vibrant economy by investing in our future workforce early on,” said Amanda Dow, foundation manager for Duke Energy in South Carolina. “We know firsthand that STEM is the backbone to many career opportunities, including those here at Duke Energy and we’re proud to support these students and schools.”
The kits are produced by the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s NCSciFest team in collaboration with SCCMS staff. Kit contents include activity guides, materials for 200 participants to engage in 10 activities, downloadable digital resources (including Spanish language versions), promotional materials, and virtual support, all at no cost to the schools. SCCMS facilitates the application process and provides ongoing communication and planning support leading up to the spring events.
List of participating schools for 2025:
Westwood Elementary, Abbeville
Flat Rock Elementary, Anderson
Calhoun Academy of the Arts, Anderson
Varennes Elementary, Anderson
Marshall Primary, Belton
Bennettsville Intermediate, Bennettsville
John C. Calhoun Elementary, Calhoun Falls
Camden Elementary, Camden
Carlisle Foster’s Grove Elementary, Chesnee
Clio Elementary School, Clio
Dillon Elementary School, Dillon
Cherokee Trail Elementary, Donalds
Crosswell Elementary, Easley
West End Elementary, Easley
Delmae Elementary, Florence
Henry Timrod Elementary, Florence
North Vista Elementary, Florence
Wallace Gregg Elementary, Florence
BD Lee Elementary, Gaffney
Sampit Elementary, Georgetown
Greeleyville STEAM Academy, Greeleyville
Robert E. Cashion Elementary, Greenville
Washington Center, Greenville
Eleanor S. Rice Elementary, Greenwood
Merrywood Elementary, Greenwood
Heath Springs Elementary, Heath Springs
Kenneth Gardner Leadership Academy, Kingstree
Lugoff Elementary, Lugoff
McColl Elementary Middle, McColl
McCormick Elementary, Mullins
Rueben Elementary, Newberry
Hannah-Pamplico Elementary/Middle, Pamplico
West Pelzer Elementary, Pelzer
York Technical College, Rock Hill
Roebuck Elementary, Roebuck
Saluda Elementary, Saluda
Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy, Scranton
Blue Ridge Elementary, Seneca
Spartanburg Preparatory, Spartanburg
Meeting Street Academy, Spartanburg
Dr. Rose H. Wilder Elementary, Summerton
Lemira Elementary, Sumter
Townville Elementary, Townville
Foster Park Elementary, Union
James M. Brown Elementary, Walhalla
Ware Shoals Primary, Ware Shoals
Wellford Academy of Science and Technology, Wellford
Whitmire Community School, Whitmire
Fairfield Elementary, Winnsboro
Cotton Belt Elementary, York
Over the next few weeks, school staff will finalize event details and prepare to host an exciting evening of family engagement centered around STEM. While reflecting on past successes and planning for this year’s event, Zach Shealy, Assistant Principal at Saluda Elementary, shared, “We have had the privilege of hosting Duke Energy Science Night for the past two years. The activities are very engaging, and it is one of our students’ favorite events every year. They love the hands-on learning aspect of the activities, and it creates an excitement and enthusiasm around science. Our teachers also take the activities and are able to build upon them during class instruction.”
Katherine Mulholland, executive director of the Coalition, states, “Duke Energy Science Nights provide students and families with exciting hands-on STEM experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire our next generation of problem-solvers. These events are increasingly important in today’s rapidly advancing technological society as they provide opportunities for young minds to explore the world around them.”
STEM Education Month, launching on Pi Day (March 14, 2025) is sponsored by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science, which is part of Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.
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