Opportunities
The STEM Center offers a variety of free professional development opportunities designed to help teachers strengthen their practice and bring high-quality STEM learning to their students. Many of our programs are also stipend-supported, meaning participants receive financial compensation for completing program activities such as workshops, coursework, lesson development, or classroom implementation.
Explore our current projects below, and check back regularly as new opportunities become available.
If you have any questions about upcoming professional development, please contact Matt Neal at [email protected].
Explore our current projects below, and check back regularly as new opportunities become available.
If you have any questions about upcoming professional development, please contact Matt Neal at [email protected].
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AI Cyber Path
This project brings together K–8 teachers to develop original curriculum in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and computational thinking. Participants will collaborate on lesson design, pilot their materials in classrooms, and receive professional development throughout the process. Teachers also receive an annual stipend of up to $5,000 each year for their work. This is an opportunity to directly contribute to the creation of innovative, standards-aligned lessons for students.
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Grade Bands: K-8
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Dates: Summer 2026 - Spring 2030
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Stipend-Supported: Yes
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) 101
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming classrooms and learn strategies to use it effectively and responsibly. Our AI 101 sessions offer customizable training tailored to the needs of schools and districts, along with opportunities to help educators shape local AI policy and implementation plans. We also provide an ongoing AI webinar series that builds foundational knowledge, explores classroom applications, and supports teachers as they prepare students for an AI-driven world.
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Grade Bands: K-12
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Dates: Monthly Webinars and On-Demand
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Stipend-Supported: No
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CSPD Week
Each summer, the STEM Center partners with CSTA and the South Carolina Department of Education to host CSPD Week, a statewide event offering hands-on professional development for K–12 computer science teachers. CSPD Week provides hands-on computer science training for teachers at all experience levels. Participants can select workshops that match their classroom needs, from beginner coding to advanced programming and AI integration. This professional development equips teachers with practical skills, ready-to-use lesson ideas, and connections to a supportive network of educators.
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Grade Bands: K-12
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Dates: Summer 2026
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Stipend-Supported: No
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Learning to Lead CS (L2L-CS)
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Learning to Lead CS (L2L-CS) supports rural South Carolina teachers in becoming leaders in computer science education. Teachers receive free graduate coursework, a yearly stipend, mentorship, and support in preparing for and taking the CS Praxis, while gaining skills to implement CS curriculum in their classrooms. This program is ideal for teachers committed to growing their expertise and making a long-term impact on students.
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Grade Bands: K-12
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Dates: Summer 2026 - Spring 2031
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Stipend-Supported: Yes
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STEM Competition Training
This annual workshop equips teachers to guide student teams in The Citadel’s STEM competitions, including Storm the Citadel. Educators learn event rules, coaching strategies, and team management skills to help students succeed in hands-on engineering challenges.
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Grade Bands: K-12
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Dates: On-Demand
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Stipend-Supported: No
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Unboxing CT
Unboxing CT helps PK–5 teachers, media specialists, and other elementary educators bring computational thinking (CT) and computer science (CS) into their classrooms. Participants learn to integrate CS/CT into existing curriculum and design lessons that connect with core subjects, supporting student learning across disciplines. The program includes a summer hands-on experience and annual virtual workshops, providing ongoing support as teachers refine their lessons. It’s ideal for educators who want to explore innovative teaching strategies and see measurable impacts on student engagement and understanding.
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Grade Bands: PK - 5
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Dates: Summer 2023 - Spring 2027
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Stipend-Supported: Yes
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