GEAR UP South Carolina Partners with National Math and Science Initiative to Expand High-Quality STEM Professional Development Across Seven School Districts

New $560K initiative will support up to 270 teachers through workshops, coaching, and collaborative training to elevate STEM education statewide

DALLAS and COLUMBIA, S.C., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) is proud to announce a new partnership with the South Carolina Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (SC GEAR UP) to deliver high-quality STEM professional development to educators across seven school districts in the state. This collaboration is part of a $560,000 investment in services designed to strengthen STEM instruction and drive student success in South Carolina.

With this partnership, NMSI will provide intensive, research-based training and coaching for up to 270 South Carolina middle and high school teachers across mathematics, science, and English disciplines. The comprehensive plan includes 1:1 coaching for 70 educators, three regional Vertical Team Trainings, and statewide content workshops for both middle and high schools. A cornerstone of this effort will be the July 22–26 Content Workshop, held in Greenville, SC.

NMSI, a national nonprofit, works to advance STEM education and improve student achievement by partnering with schools and districts to strengthen teaching, align instruction and build lasting capacity through evidence-based programs and partnerships.

"By equipping educators with the tools and support they need to deliver rigorous, engaging STEM instruction, we're laying the foundation for stronger student outcomes and a more robust future STEM workforce," said Jeremy Anderson, CEO of NMSI. "We are honored to partner with SC GEAR UP to serve teachers who are inspiring the next generation of innovators."

SC GEAR UP, a federally funded college readiness initiative led by the University of South Carolina, works with high-poverty schools to improve educational outcomes and expand college access for underserved students.

"This partnership with NMSI helps us invest in one of our state's most valuable assets—our educators," said Dr. Charlotte R. Parham, State Director of SC GEAR UP. "By supporting teachers through sustained professional development, we're helping to ensure students are ready not just for college, but for the careers of the future."

This initiative directly supports South Carolina's commitment to increasing the number of low-income students who are prepared for postsecondary education through targeted, data-informed programming.

For more information on how to support STEM teachers in your community, contact NMSI or visit https://www.nms.org/.

About the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI)
The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) is a non-profit STEM solutions provider dedicated to expanding access to high-quality STEM education across the United States. NMSI provides research-based programs and professional development to teachers to enhance their instructional skills and increase student achievement. Through partnerships with schools, districts, and organizations, NMSI helps create coherent STEM pathways that prepare students for success in college and the workforce. For more information, visit http://www.nms.org.

About SC GEAR UP
SC GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded initiative dedicated to increasing the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Administered through strategic partnerships with schools, communities, and higher education institutions, SC GEAR UP delivers comprehensive, multi-year support to students in high-poverty middle and high schools across the state. The program provides a range of college and career readiness services—including academic support, college exposure activities, career exploration, and financial aid guidance—empowering students to pursue and achieve their postsecondary goals. Learn more at scgearup.org.

Media Contact:
Jon Kannenberg
[email protected]

SOURCE National Math and Science Initiative