VDOE establishes three regional STEM hubs
Published May 26, 2026
Three regional STEM hubs serving the Valley (Region 5), Tidewater (Region 2), and Northern Virginia (Region 4) have been awarded competitive grant funding from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to jointly establish the foundation of the Virginia STEM Ecosystem.
This collaborative initiative represents a significant step toward building a cohesive, statewide infrastructure that connects and strengthens STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math -- education from kindergarten through career. By coordinating efforts across regions, the hubs aim to eliminate fragmentation and create a unified approach to STEM education that supports talent development, innovation and economic growth in Virginia.
Working in partnership, the three hubs will align on shared goals, metrics, and strategies to expand access to high-quality STEM learning experiences for all students across the Commonwealth. The initiative prioritizes a seamless K-Career continuum, ensuring that students are not only prepared for STEM pathways, but are actively engaged in meaningful learning with intentional career exposure and opportunities throughout their educational journey.
“Launching the Hampton Roads STEM Hub creates an opportunity for divisions across the region to come together and build on the strong existing STEM networks,” said Tami Byron, STEM Instructional Supervisor for Newport News Public Schools. “As part of this statewide network, we are connecting K-12 education with higher education, workforce, and industry so that students can apply what they learn, explore careers earlier, and see clear pathways from classroom to career.”
