Newport News Public Schools is proud to announce that the Hampton Roads STEM Hub has been awarded competitive grant funding from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as part of a groundbreaking statewide initiative to establish the Virginia STEM Ecosystem.

As one of only three regional STEM hubs selected across the Commonwealth, Newport News Public Schools will serve as the lead hub for Region 2, representing the Tidewater area in this collaborative statewide network focused on advancing STEM education from kindergarten through career.

The initiative brings together regional hubs serving Tidewater (Region 2), Northern Virginia (Region 4), and the Valley (Region 5) to create a more connected and coordinated approach to STEM education across Virginia. By aligning goals, strategies, and resources, the partnership seeks to strengthen talent development, expand student opportunities, and support long-term workforce and economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.

For Newport News Public Schools, this recognition highlights the division’s continued commitment to innovation, career-connected learning, and preparing students for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

“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.”

Through this leadership role, Newport News Public Schools will help guide regional collaboration between K-12 education, higher education institutions, workforce partners, and industry leaders to ensure students across Hampton Roads have access to meaningful STEM experiences and career pathways.

This achievement reinforces Newport News Public Schools’ dedication to empowering students, supporting innovation, and helping shape the future workforce of Virginia.