Excitement is building across South Carolina as 60 schools prepare to host Duke Energy Science Nights during SC STEM Education Month 2026. Through a continued partnership among Duke Energy, South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science (SCCMS), and the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, these hands-on family science events will engage students and caregivers in interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity and inspire future STEM careers.
Now in its fifth year, Duke Energy Science Nights have continued to grow in reach and impact since launching in South Carolina in 2022. This year’s program marks an expansion from 50 to 60 schools being awarded kits thanks to increased support from the Duke Energy Foundation. This program growth is in response to the increased demand from school applications and a shared commitment from program partners to provide equitable access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities across the state.
STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—plays a critical role in preparing students for future careers, particularly in South Carolina, where advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology-driven industries are central to the state’s economy. Duke Energy Science Nights help students see the relevance of STEM learning beyond the classroom while encouraging family engagement and community connection.
The science night kits are funded by a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation and are provided at no cost to participating schools. Each kit includes materials to support up to 200 participants in 10 hands-on activities, along with activity guides, promotional materials, downloadable digital resources (including Spanish-language versions), and virtual support. The kits are produced by the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s NCSciFest team in collaboration with SCCMS staff, while SCCMS facilitates the application process and provides ongoing planning and communication support.
“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.”
Participating Schools for 2026:
- Westwood Elementary, Abbeville
- Flat Rock Elementary, Anderson
- Varennes Elementary, Anderson
- Nevitt Forest Elementary, Anderson
- Marshall Primay, Belton
- Bennettsville Primary School, Bennettsville
- Lee Central Elementary School, Bishopville
- John C. Calhoun Elementary, Calhoun Falls
- Pine Tree Hill Elementary, Camden
- Great Falls Elementary, Chester
- Clinton Elementary, Clinton
- Clio Elementary, Clio
- Mayo Elementary, Cowpens
- J.L. Cain Elementary, Darlington
- Gordon Elementary, Dillon
- Crosswell Elementary, Easley
- Dewey L. Carter Elementary, Effingham
- Henry Timrod Elementary, Florence
- North Vista Elementary School, Florence
- B.D. Lee Elementary, Gaffney
- Midland Elementary, Galivants Ferry
- Sampit Elementary, Georgetown
- Greeleyville STEAM Academy, Greeleyville
- Robert E. Cashion Elementary, Greenville
- Eleanor S. Rice Elementary, Greenwood
- Lakeview Elementary, Greenwood
- Heath Springs Elementary, Heath Springs
- Johnsonville Elementary, Johnsonville
- Kenneth Gardner Leadership Academy, Kingstree
- Main Street Elementary School of Arts and Leadership, Lake City
- E.B. Morse Elementary, Laurens
- Ford Elementary, Laurens
- Lugoff Elementary School, Lugoff
- Lyman Elementary, Lyman
- McBee Elementary, McBee
- McCorminck Elementary, Mullins
- Petersburg Primary, Pageland
- West Pelzer Elementary, Pelzer
- Hagood Elementary, Pickens
- Prosperity Rikard Elementary, Prosperity
- Lewisville Elementary, Richburg
- Roebuck Elementary, Roebuck
- Saluda Elementary, Saluda
- Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy, Scranton
- Blue Ridge elementary, Seneca
- Meeting Street Academy, Spartanburg
- High Point Academy, Spartanburg
- Dr. Rose H. Wilder Elementary, Summerton
- Crosswell Drive Elementary, Sumter
- R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy, Sumter
- Willow Drive Elementary, Sumter
- Townville Elementary, Townville
- Walker Gamble Elementary, Turbeville
- Foster Park Elementary, Union
- James M. Brown Elementary, Walhalla
- Ware Shoals Primary, Ware Shoals
- Waterloo Elementary, Waterloo
- Wellford Academy of Science and Technology, Wellford
- Fairfield Elementary, Winnsboro
- Cotton Belt Elementary, York
Over the coming weeks, participating schools will finalize event details and prepare to welcome families for evenings centered on exploration, discovery, and shared learning. Reflecting on the impact of past events, Willette Sheard, a teacher at Dr. Rose H. Wilder Elementary shared, “It’s a chance to spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and make learning exciting outside of the classroom. This event also helps families feel connected to their child’s education while building community. Most of all, it inspires kids to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.”
Katherine Mulholland, Executive Director of SCCMS, states, “Duke Energy Science Nights give students and families engaging, hands-on STEM experiences that spark curiosity and connect learning to real-world careers. As South Carolina continues to grow and evolve, these events play an important role in inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers and preparing our future workforce. By exposing students early to STEM pathways, we are helping build a strong pipeline of talent that will power our state’s economy for years to come”
SC STEM Education Month launches annually on Pi Day, March 14, and is sponsored by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science, a statewide organization housed within Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.
Learn more at scstemmonth.org.
Contacts:
Katherine Mulholland, kmulholland@sccoalition.org
Elena Stout, estout@s2temsc.org
