SC STEM Day at the Capitol

Overview

Information | Plan Your Visit | Take Action

Mar 24

2027 SC STEM Day at the CapitolWed. 24 Mar, 2027 (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)

Join Us at the 10th Annual STEM Education Day at the Capitol

On Wednesday, March 24, 2027, SCCMS and its partners will celebrate the 10th Annual STEM Education Day at the Capitol. Our day will focus on: 

Congratulating the SC STEM Educator of the Year winner and regional finalists. 
Learning from students, higher education, and nonprofit leaders at interactive exhibits.
Meeting the regional Growing in STEM Grant winners. 
Networking with other STEM education supporters.
Discussing STEM education in South Carolina with legislators.

Take Action & Plan Your Visit

Participation Opportunities

Exhibit

Organizations may reserve exhibit space to:

Showcase programs, initiatives, and success stories
Share information and resources with legislators and visitors
Highlight student achievements and community impact
Engage directly with policymakers and state leaders

Student-led exhibits are especially encouraged and provide valuable opportunities for students to develop leadership, communication, and advocacy skills.

Speak

Selected organizations will have the opportunity to speak during the press conference portion of the event. Speakers will be invited to share brief remarks on the importance of education, workforce development, community engagement, and other contributions to the STEM pipeline.

Whether you would like to host an exhibit, nominate a student speaker, share a success story, or simply help amplify the voices of South Carolina's students and communities, we invite you to be a part of STEM Day at the Capitol.

To express interest in participating as an exhibitor or speaker, please complete the interest form.

Interest Form

Invite Your Legislator to STEM Day at the Capitol

Your voice has a great impact on your legislators. They're more likely to attend an event if asked by a constituent. Here's how you can invite them:

Find out who represents you.
Send an email or written letter to ask them to visit STEM Day at the Capitol

Short on time or not sure what to write? No worries. Simply start with our sample email and customize it to fit your message.

Download the Sample Letters

Advocate for STEM Education

Raise your voice and shoot a quick email to your legislators, encouraging them to continue supporting STEM education during this legislative session!

Here are some items you might consider asking your legislator to support:

Tax credits for business/industry that employ STEM students and graduates as interns.
The creation of a professional development fund targeted to assist STEM educators.

Personal stories can be impactful!

When you reach out to your legislator, consider telling a story about how STEM has personally affected you and your community. You could share stories relating to:

Importance of STEM education

Early STEM exposure through after-school and out-of-school programs 
Creativity and innovative problem-solving from internships and formal education 
Competitive pay and robust skills training in trade jobs

Challenges to building a strong STEM workforce

Lack of STEM opportunity in some rural and low-income communities
Skills gaps from recent high-school graduates
Expanding South Carolina's homegrown workforce

Solutions to fostering STEM skills

Consistent, broad awareness about the importance of STEM
Education and industry connection and communication
Teacher resources and support in classrooms and afterschool

Share How STEM Impacts the State's Economy & Success!

Here are some quick facts relating to South Carolina's STEM economy and growth.

Driving Directions

From Greenville SC

Follow I-385 S approximately 42.0 miles as it becomes I-26 E. Continue on I-26 E for approximately 55.9 miles. Take I-126 E toward Columbia for 3.3 miles. Merge onto Huger St. and continue for 1.0 mile. Turn LEFT onto Gervais St. and continue for 0.5 miles to Assembly and Gervais Streets. Continue on Gervais St. to Main St. The State House is located at the intersection of Gervais and Main Streets.

From Charleston, SC

Follow I-26 W approximately 104.6 miles. Merge onto US-176 W via EXIT 115 toward CAYCE / COLUMBIA and continue for 6.0 miles. Turn LEFT onto Huger St. and continue for 0.5 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Gervais St. and continue for 0.5 miles to Assembly and Gervais Streets. Continue on Gervais St. to Main St. The State House is located at the intersection of Gervais and Main Streets.

Parking

The State House is located at 1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29208.   Parking is permitted in metered spaces along Sumter Street, Assembly Street, Senate Street, and Pendleton Street. Parking is also available at the garage on Lady Street (1100 Lady St.), all a short walk away from the State House grounds. City parking rates apply. 

Arrival

Enter the State House via the public entrance which faces Sumter Street and go through security.  Note: The State House building opens to the public at 9:00 am; you will not be able to enter before that time. 

Meals & Dining

Motor Supply Co. Bistro.

920 Gervais St., Columbia, SC

Providing locals and travelers with a selection of farm-fresh salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees.

Railroad BBQ

2001 Hampton St, Columbia, SC

A local neighborhood restaurant that celebrates great Southern Food.

Sound Bites Eatery

1425 Sumter St., Columbia, SC

Offering hot and cold sandwiches & salads. They have a number of vegetarian and vegan options.

Hampton Street Vineyard

1207 Hampton St., Columbia, SC

A small French-inspired restaurant and a long-time favorite in downtown Columbia. The menu includes traditional French dishes and other European fare French inspired. 