K-12 STEM Lab
The Pearl’s K-12 STEM Lab is a dynamic, hands-on learning program designed to ignite curiosity and empower middle and high school students across North Carolina. Through formal partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Schools, Cabarrus County Schools, and additional collaborations in development statewide, STEM Lab connects students with immersive experiences that bridge classroom learning and real-world innovation. The STEM Lab has been under development for several years leading up to the opening of The Pearl thanks to generous support from Truist Bank and the federal government.
Students can engage with STEM Lab by visiting The Pearl for interactive labs, workshops and community events, or through in-classroom partnerships that bring STEM experiences directly to their schools. This dual approach ensures that every student – regardless of location – has access to transformative STEM opportunities.
A core mission of STEM Lab is to introduce students to a wide range of STEM careers, including roles they may not have known existed. By connecting young people with industry-experts and real-world problems, STEM Lab helps students envision new possibilities for their futures and prepares them to lead in tomorrow’s workforce.
“Our K-12 STEM Lab is an invitation for young people to see themselves as scientists, researchers, health care providers, innovators and problem-solvers. By opening our doors and bringing hands-on STEM experiences to students and families across Charlotte, we’re laying the foundation for a future where curiosity, creativity and collaboration drive discovery. Our hope is that every child – no matter their background – who visits The Pearl leaves inspired to dream bigger and take their own step into STEM.”
–Dr. Richard Cox, Director,
District Education Innovations & Partnerships at The Pearl
Since inception, STEM Lab has delivered over 6,500 unique experiences and distributed nearly 2,000 STEM Kits, providing students with opportunities to explore science, health, technology, engineering and math in creative, engaging ways. The program is powered by a growing network of lab coordinators and features an artist-in-residence, highlighting the vital relationship between art and science.
Built in partnership with the community – for the community – STEM Lab thrives on collaboration that expands beyond the walls of our schools and maximizes student engagement. By integrating STEM Lab into school curricula and offering enrichment outside the classroom, The Pearl is building a vibrant ecosystem where young minds can discover new possibilities, develop critical skills and shape their futures.
STEM Lab is committed to fostering inclusion, creativity and resilience – empowering the next generation of STEM innovators to design their strongest selves and make a lasting impact on their communities.
