A new element at Wayne Community College’s annual Senior Night showed students how their education can translate to a successful career.
Senior Night allows high school seniors to explore what WCC can offer them. They browse academic programs, receive assistance with the application process, and learn about resources like financial aid.
This year, WCC math and science faculty teamed up with other academic programs to incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities and to emphasize how valuable they are in many careers. Local employers also attended the event to show how the programs’ STEM aspects are utilized within their field.
Funding for the activities was made possible by a Fall 2025 STEM Outreach Grant of $1,500 from the STEM East Network, an education initiative of NC East Alliance.
WCC Mathematics Instructor Katie Holloman had the idea to implement the grant funds at Senior Night. She believed the STEM activities would help students see how their coursework relates directly to a career, something they may not realize.
“The goal was to help students understand how their coursework and program choices translate into real careers and real futures. We want students to clearly see the possibilities ahead and the education it takes to get there, knowing they can achieve their goals,” Holloman shared.
Several WCC program areas provided STEM demonstrations at their tables during Senior Night, including Allied Health, Early Childhood Education, Business and Computer Technologies, Forensic Science, Industrial Systems Technology, HVAC, and Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Community partners attended from UNC Health Wayne, Goldsboro Pediatrics, Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, Contentnea Farms, Goldsboro Police Department, Franklin Baking Company, Cherry Research Station, McLamb Place Dental, and Bruton Natural Systems, Inc.
With funds from the grant, WCC purchased materials for the STEM activities. Students were able to analyze the physics and engineering of children’s toys, manipulate equipment from a manufacturing company, and study items under a microscope.
WCC’s Forensic Science program worked with math faculty and the Goldsboro Police Department to provide a hands-on fingerprint analysis activity, allowing students to examine and identify inked fingerprint patterns that were magnified using inflated balloons.
“The students were highly engaged throughout the activity,” said WCC Criminal Justice Technology/Forensic Science Coordinator Hope Bruehl. “They loved the hands-on element and the chance to see how science and math apply directly to criminal investigations. It was fun to see them learn something new in just a few minutes.”
Additionally, students who visited at least 10 academic program tables at Senior Night were entered into a drawing for the chance to win a gift card.
“Students engaged with the activities, asked informed questions about our programs, explored programs they had not ever considered for themselves, and practiced soft skills needed for employability,” Holloman said. “Overall, I consider the event a success and hope that the idea continues to grow as we move forward.”
About STEM East Network
STEM East develops networks through the collaborative efforts of regional businesses, school districts, economic development municipalities, private foundations, state and local government, and many others. It is their intent that students across the region will engage in real-world STEM learning opportunities that directly align with career opportunities in Eastern North Carolina.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.