AHOSKIE, N.C., June 8, 2026—High school students interested in learning more about STEM subjects and identifying STEM career options are encouraged to attend a free, one-day conference that will be held July 16th in Rocky Mount, N.C.
Registration for the Youth STEAM Summit is open via the website of the nonprofit Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project (SFLRP), which is hosting the event. STEAM is the acronym for science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. The STEAM Summit features presentations and exhibits from colleges and universities, the forest industry, and energy, conservation and forestry organizations and agencies.
The conference is geared toward rising 9th to 12th graders and their parents, as well as school counselors, educators and youth leaders. It will be held at the Rocky Mount Event Center. Persons planning to attend can register via the Events section of the SFLRP website (www.recforestry.org). The registration deadline is July 3rd.
Agenda highlights for this year’s event include the following:
- Keynote speaker Kenston Griffin, CEO of Dream Builders Communication Inc.
- University of Mount Olive’s Mobile Lab
- Elizabeth City State University’s Aviation Bus
- “Be Pro Be Proud” Careers Bus
- Leadership class with Continuing Education Unit credits for adults
Established in 2013, the SFLRP helps families in Roanoke Cooperative’s service territory and several surrounding counties increase the income and asset value of family-owned forestland and encourages forest health, land retention and the opportunity to create intergenerational wealth. The project is being administered through the Roanoke Cooperative Alliance, which is a nonprofit subsidiary of Roanoke Cooperative.
Employment in STEM jobs is expected to grow more than three times faster than employment in non-STEM jobs by 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2024, the median salary of STEM workers was twice as much as the median salary of non-STEM workers.
Reba Green-Holley, the SFLRP youth program coordinator, said the STEAM Summit is a tremendous opportunity for high school-aged youth and their parents to learn more about STEM subjects in an informal, interactive setting.
“We have put together a tremendous learning and networking opportunity for students, parents and educators,” Green-Holley said. “The STEAM Summit features activities, team sessions and exhibits that are fun and educational. It’s a great way for young people to identify career paths and interact face to face with professionals who have pursued STEM careers.”
Green-Holley urged families, teachers and high school counselors seeking more information to monitor the Youth STEAM Summit section of the SFLRP website and to contact her directly. Organizations and businesses that want to help sponsor the event can contact her as well at rholley@roanokecooperative.com. Those with questions also can call 252-569-8114.
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