NSF grant expands STEM pathways to Charlotte, Spring break program abroad to Kenya and more

March 23, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
STEM Grant graphic

NSF grant to expand STEM pathways to UNC Charlotte for community college students

UNC Charlotte has received $2 million as part of a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to expand a successful regional partnership that strengthens STEM pathways for academically talented, low‑income students. Learn more about the project and its impact.

Spring break abroad program to Kenya immerses students in conservation

Over spring break, Bill Garcia, senior lecturer in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, and Department Chair Sara Gagné led a nine-day journey across Kenya, exploring cutting-edge conservation practices in Nairobi and the greater Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem. Check out photos from the experience.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • ICYMI: Wes Miller has been named the new head coach of the Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball program. Miller brings seven 20‑win seasons and eight postseason appearances to the role. He will be formally introduced at a press conference on Wednesday, March 25, becoming the 15th head coach in program history.
  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Learn about the Office of Sustainability’s faculty development workshops to encourage curriculum innovation, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Atkins search update: Starting Monday, March 30, Atkins search users can use “expand your search” to see items available through partner libraries. The default search will list Atkins Library holdings first.
  • Study abroad proposals: Faculty‑led study abroad program proposals for 2027 are now open. Education abroad will hold a workshop from 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, in the College of Health and Human Services, Room 300, to provide guidance on program development and the proposal process.
  • FSA filing deadline: Employees with a 2025 Health Care FSA have until Tuesday, March 31, to submit eligible claims. Dependent Day Care FSA claims from 2025 also are due Tuesday, March 31, including expenses from the grace period through March 15.
  • HR Connect: In April, human resources will launch HR Connect, a new centralized ticketing system that makes it easier for employees, former employees and job candidates to get support. Expect faster responses, improved confidentiality and a more consistent service experience across campus.
  • Spring Fest at the gardens: Register to attend Spring Fest at The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, a free family event hosted by UNC Charlotte LEADS students from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday April 18. Enjoy a scavenger hunt and nature-themed crafts for 4- to 10-year-olds.

what you need to know: students

upcoming events: students

Students gather to share ideas at the fall Student Sustainability Summit

Be a part of change! Learn about solutions to combat food waste and insecurity at the spring Student Sustainability Summit, from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, in EPIC Building, Room 3222.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Ignite session: Don’t miss Campus Resources for Community-Engaged Faculty from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, via Zoom. Eleven campus leaders will deliver fast-paced presentations, followed by a Q&A, on the programs and units that help build meaningful community partnerships.
  • Book launch and discussion: Attend a roundtable discussion and celebratory book launch of “Feminist Making, Doing, and Sensing: Experiments in Philosophy,” at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 26, in Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room. This event is hosted by the Center for Professional and Applied Ethics and the Philosophy and Critical Theory Lab.
  • Information session: Register for the virtual New Accessibility Policy: What it Means for Teaching from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 1. Learn how University Policy 319 will shape course design and student support, and hear practical guidance from campus experts in legal affairs, disability services and teaching innovation.
  • CORE Series workshop: Join Toye Watson, director of community and strategic partnerships at the Charlotte Urban Institute, for Strategies for Cultivating and Maintaining Reciprocal Partnerships from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, in Sycamore Hall, Room 306. This session explores approaches to building and sustaining relationships with community organizations that support engaged research and teaching.
  • Media Literacy Matters Conference: Join the Critical Media Literacy Collaborative, Niner Times and Atkins Library on Thursday, April 2, for a half-day conference exploring critical thinking in our digital world.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Trivia results: You showed that you bleed green in last week’s trivia, 82% scored three out of four or better!
  • Stock the Closet thank you: The Career Center would like to thank the more than 45 campus community members that participated in last week’s inaugural Stock the Closet event! If you missed the event and would still like to donate, contact Rachel King.
  • Staff Night at Carolina Ascent FC: Bring the whole family to enjoy carnival games, clowns, jugglers and an exciting match as Carolina Ascent hosts Ft. Lauderdale United FC at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 28, at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets start at $20.
  • Roadside assistance program survey: Would you be interested in an opt-in roadside assistance program for the campus community? Fill out this form to indicate your interest.
  • Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students