Education & STEM
Over $95,000 back into North Carolina classrooms.
The chapter’s education mission is not a side program — it is what the surplus from every luncheon, sponsorship, and donation exists to fund.
Students
Scholarships
Awards for North Carolina students pursuing degrees in STEM, cybersecurity, and related technical fields — from first-year undergraduates through graduate study.
Graduating senior awards
For seniors at North Carolina high schools entering an accredited STEM program in the fall. Preference given to military-connected students.
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Enrolled student awards
For students already enrolled at a North Carolina college, university, or community college in a qualifying technical major.
- Enrollment verification
- Official transcript
- Faculty recommendation
AFCEA Educational Foundation
Beyond chapter awards, the AFCEA Educational Foundation distributes significant scholarship funding nationally each year.
- Separate national application
- Multiple award categories
- Open to chapter members and non-members
Award amounts and deadlines pending
Specific scholarship amounts, application deadlines, GPA thresholds, and the application portal need to be supplied by the STEM & Education committee.
Apply for a scholarship
Cadets
ROTC support
Direct support to Army, Air Force, and Navy ROTC detachments at universities across North Carolina.
Chapter support to ROTC programs goes where detachment leadership says it is most needed: equipment, competition travel, professional development events, and recognition awards for outstanding cadets. Cadets are also invited to chapter luncheons and the Innovation Summit career fair at no cost, which puts them in front of the same government and industry leaders our members meet.
- Detachment equipment and training support
- Cadet competition and conference travel
- Outstanding cadet recognition awards
- Free chapter event access for cadets
Early career
Emerging Leaders
Programming built for professionals in the first decade of their career — the people who will run these programs in ten years.
Socials
Low-pressure evening events where early-career members meet peers and chapter leadership without a formal agenda.
Mentor matching
Pairing with an established chapter professional in your field for structured, recurring conversations.
Leadership sessions
Practical development on briefing senior leaders, program management, and navigating the acquisition system.
Committee seats
Real responsibility running chapter programs — the fastest way to build a visible track record.
Transition
Military and government transition
Leaving active duty or federal service is a hard eighteen months. The chapter exists to make that shorter.
Transitioning service members and government professionals get access to mentorship matching, resume and interview coaching from members who have made the same move, and direct introductions to hiring managers at member organizations. The Innovation Summit career fair is built specifically around this population.
- One-to-one mentorship with a member in your target field
- Resume translation from military to industry language
- Introductions to hiring managers at corporate member organizations
- Career fair access at the NC Innovation Summit
- Reduced membership rate while still in uniform
Initiative
Women in Technology — North Carolina
A chapter initiative supporting the recruitment, development, and advancement of women across North Carolina’s defense technology community — through networking events, panel programming, and targeted mentorship.
Support the mission
Every dollar reaches a student.
The chapter has no paid staff. Donations go directly to grants, scholarships, and cadet support in North Carolina.