Our Impact
Building a Space that Inspires
At Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, our Science for All mission drives key components in our daily operations, outreach programs, and special initiatives. From fostering a passion for science in our field trip visits to hosting the nation’s first statewide science festival, we aim to create an impact in North Carolina that spans the mountains to the coast.
Our Annual Report
Morehead Planetarium serves as a vital leader in STEM education by fostering scientific literacy across North Carolina and beyond. Through immersive shows, hands-on exhibits, K–12 field trips, and statewide outreach programs, Morehead engages diverse audiences with accessible, high-quality science learning experiences. As a unit of UNC-Chapel Hill, Morehead also connects cutting-edge research with the public, helping to cultivate the next generation of scientists, innovators, and informed citizens.
North Carolina Science Festival
The North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest) is a month-long celebration of science held every April in collaboration with schools, science centers, and other incredible organizations. Started by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in 2010, we celebrate hundreds of events each year that focus on fun, interactive science learning opportunities.
View the 2025 NCSciFest Impact Report.
Additional NCSciFest Reports
Science for All Youth Summit
Formerly known as the STEMville Science Summit, the Science for All Youth Summit focuses on underrepresented groups in STEM and connects them with local community groups for an exciting day of science.
UNC Science Expo
As a signature NCSciFest event, the UNC Science Expo is one of the state’s largest celebrations of science, featuring 100+ booths in partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, students, and staff.
Science for All Summit
The Science for All Summit is an annual conference intended to advance access and opportunity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Started in 2023, the Summit brings together educators, practitioners, researchers, thought leaders, students, and other change agents for conversation and knowledge-building around emerging issues and innovative strategies related to advancing access in STEM.
Support Science for All
Your gift makes it possible for us to continue expanding our reach and programming as we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Make a giftScience for All (Fund ID: 060702): We are committed to bringing high-quality STEM opportunities to children and families in all 100 North Carolina counties. Through programs like the NC Science Festival, classroom outreach, and partnerships with schools, libraries, and community centers, this fund ensures that every student. Whether in a rural mountain town, a coastal community, or a bustling city, everyone should have access to inspiring science experiences and resources. From hands-on experiments to live demonstrations and mentoring opportunities, we are opening doors to curiosity, confidence, and career pathways, ensuring that the wonder of discovery belongs to every corner of our state.
Space that Inspires (Fund ID: 065669): We are reimagining what it means to welcome the Carolina community and visitors from across the state. We are transforming experiences with state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive classroom spaces, and inviting gathering areas that showcase UNC’s groundbreaking research. This fund supports dynamic learning environments that spark curiosity, fuel collaboration, and elevate Morehead as Carolina’s front door to science and discovery. Our bold next step is the creation of a cutting-edge dome theater: an immersive environment that will serve not only astronomy but all areas of learning. From the sciences and humanities to the arts and athletics, the new dome will redefine how Carolina experiences discovery, creativity, and innovation across all fields of study, performance, and play.
Career Launchpad (Fund ID: 060662): We prepare students for future success through the Mission Ready Initiative, a program designed to equip Morehead’s student employees with skills that last a lifetime. This fund provides hands-on training, industry-recognized microcredentials, and professional development opportunities that go beyond the classroom. By learning to communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and work as part of a team, students gain the confidence and transferable skills to thrive not only in STEM careers but in any profession they choose. Mission Ready connects today’s students with mentors, networks, and real-world experiences that ensure they leave Carolina ready to contribute, lead, and succeed.
Thank you for your interesting in contributing to STEM education. Your support ensures that children from all across the state get to experience the wonder of Morehead and that everyone has the opportunity to engage with science in a meaningful way. At Morehead, you can give through:
- Annual fund contributions
- Skyview seat sponsorships
- Matching gifts
- Planned giving
- Memberships
- Corporate engagement
Give a gift today or learn more about donating to Morehead.
As a nonprofit, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center relies on generous donations from our supporters to fulfill our Science for All mission. Your gift makes it possible for us to:
- Host world-class planetarium shows at affordable prices
- Maintain our dynamic exhibits
- Bring engaging activities into classrooms across the state
- Be a community partner to those in need
Give a gift today or learn more about your potential impact.
Have questions? Please contact Andrew Amodei at aamodei@unc.edu or 919.843.5289.