K-12 STEAM Lab
The Pearl’s K-12 STEAM 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 Schools, Cabarrus County Schools, and additional collaborations in development statewide, STEAM Lab connects students with immersive experiences that bridge classroom learning and real-world innovation. The STEAM 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 STEAM Lab by visiting The Pearl for interactive labs, workshops and community events, or through in-classroom partnerships that bring STEAM experiences directly to their schools. This dual approach ensures that every student – regardless of location – has access to transformative STEAM opportunities.
A core mission of STEAM Lab is to introduce students to a wide range of STEAM careers, including roles they may not have known existed. By connecting young people with industry-experts and real-world problems, STEAM Lab helps students envision new possibilities for their futures and prepares them to lead in tomorrow’s workforce.
“Our K-12 STEAM Lab is an invitation for young people to see themselves as scientists, researchers, healthcare providers, innovators and problem-solvers. By opening our doors and bringing hands-on STEAM 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 STEAM.”
–Dr. Richard Cox, Director,
District Education Innovations & Partnerships at The Pearl
Since inception, STEAM Lab has delivered over 6,500 unique experiences and distributed nearly 2,000 STEAM Kits, providing students with opportunities to explore science, health, technology, engineering, arts 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 – STEAM Lab thrives on collaboration that expands beyond the walls of our schools and maximizes student engagement. By integrating STEAM 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.
STEAM Lab is committed to fostering inclusion, creativity and resilience – empowering the next generation of STEAM innovators to design their strongest selves and make a lasting impact on their communities.
Homeschool STEAM Lab at The Pearl
The Pearl is excited to invite homeschool students to participate in our hands-on STEAM Lab experiences. These interactive sessions give students the opportunity to explore real-world science concepts through engaging activities and collaborative problem solving.
