Science for All Summit
February 18-19, 2027
Friday Conference Center | Chapel Hill, NC
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center hosted the inaugural Science for All Summit in April 2023. We are already looking forward to hosting the fifth annual Summit on February 18 – 19, 2027.
The Summit is a community convening to advance access and opportunity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. The purpose of the Summit is to engage educators, practitioners, researchers, thought leaders, and other change agents in conversation and knowledge-building around emerging issues and innovative strategies related to advancing access in STEM. Putting these ideals into practice requires an intentional focus on creating authentic and adaptive environments while simultaneously cultivating a community that collaborates, innovates, and implements promising practices shown to effect sustainable change. At the Summit, we will provide opportunities to share new research findings, exchange resources, discuss strategies, and demonstrate effective practices and interventions.
Join the Celebration
The Science for All Summit is turning five this year! As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to stay engaged by sharing your knowledge at a 2027 Summit session or joining our mailing list.
Submit a proposal
Share your ideas during a workshop, breakout, or poster session at the 2027 Science for All Summit! Submissions are open until Friday, November 13.
We strongly suggest reviewing our sample proposal submission form (PDF) before applying.
Join the mailing list
Get news about the Summit delivered right to your inbox!
Leading up to February 2027, you’ll receive updates and news regarding the Science for All Summit, including information about keynote speakers, schedules, and notifications when registration opens.
Meet the Keynote Speakers
Kailyn Wilson
Kailyn Wilson is an Accelerated BSN student at UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Nursing and a Chancellor Scholar graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she earned her Biology degree cum laude. Raised in rural Gates County, North Carolina, Kailyn’s commitment to healthcare equity is rooted in growing up in a community with limited access to care. She brings a strong science foundation and hands-on healthcare experience as a former CNA, pharmacy technician, and dietary aide, alongside her current work as a Vaccine Manufacturing Operator at Merck, where she applies her biology background to pharmaceutical production.
Ashley Lomboy
Ashley Lomboy (Waccamaw Siouan) is the Global Information Security Manager at Corning Optical Fiber and Cable, a proven Information Security Professional and leader with over 23 years of success in guiding implementation of leading-edge technology and Information Security solutions. Ashley earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from St. Martin’s University in Olympia, WA, holds a Certificate in Project Management from the University of Washington, and is a graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill Native Leadership Institute.
Learn more about Ashley Lomboy
She is the leader of the Corning Indigenous Peoples Council Employer Resource Group and a US Army Veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was the first Native American woman on the Lower Cape Fear YWCA Board of Directors executive team. She currently serves on the UNC Native Leadership Advisory Board, the Duke University Superfund Community Engagement Committee, Friends of NC Museum of Natural Science of Whiteville Board, and UNCW Cyber Security Advisory Board. Ashley and her family are also members of the Filipino-American Association of the Cape Fear. In 2020, Ashley founded the Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio as a grassroots program to make STEM more accessible to Tribal Youth, raising half a million in funding and impacting over 7,000 tribal community members in STEM across the Southeast. Ashley is the recipient of the 2023 American Indian Science and Engineering Society Professional of the Year for Indigenous Excellence. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and learning more about different cultures.
Captain Barrington Irving
Captain Barrington Irving has traveled to over 70 countries, conducted more than 80 STEM+ expeditions, and successfully challenged middle school students to build a car faster than a Ferrari 430 and then high schoolers to build a plane he flew on its test flight. In 2007, he set two Guinness world records—at age 23—as the youngest person and first black pilot to fly solo around the world. He has a passion to explore, inspire, and educate others. Captain Irving is an educator, workforce development ambassador and explorer that investigates real world STEM problems across the globe.
Learn more about Captain Irving
Established by Captain Irving in 2014, the Flying Classroom celebrates 10 years of bringing STEM+ curriculum into classrooms across the country, challenging students to design innovative solutions to the problems he investigates around the world. Flying Classroom has serviced over 3 million students through school day and after school programs. Before founding Flying Classroom in 2005, Captain Irving created nonprofit Experience Aviation which offers hands-on, STEM- based programs and career guidance to middle and high school students.
In 2023, Captain Irving launched the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) geared toward serving high school and adult students in providing technical career training and guidance. BITTS was established to provide skilled training, micro credentialing and job placement within aviation industries. This program helps bridge the gap between individuals seeking employment and fulfilling the great need for technicians in technical skills related job placement. Within its first 15 months of being launched, BITTS helped create over $1 million worth in employment salaries and hosted over 12 industry leading maintenance competitions across the country. Expanding upon this work, Captain Irving has aligned with industry leaders as a proud ambassador for Bombardier Aircraft, Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation amongst others.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica and brought up in inner-city Miami, Barrington was inspired to pursue aviation at age 15, when an airline pilot offered to mentor him. He rejected college football scholarships to pursue a career in STEM and never looked back. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Florida Memorial University, Barrington was the recipient of a Congressional Resolution acknowledging his pioneering work in aviation education and was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2012. In 2019, he was the recipient of the prestigious NBAA American Spirit Award.
As Captain Irving continues to navigate the challenges of STEM+ learning along with workforce development, his goal is to transform the experiences of those seeking to achieve their highest self through STEM+ and Aviation.
Registration & Program Information
Location: 100 Friday Center Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
The two-day Summit will incorporate keynote presentations, workshops, breakout and poster sessions, and networking opportunities to encourage conversation and knowledge building. More information on the 2027 schedule will be available at a later date. Online registration for the 2027 Summit opens on December 1, 2026.
Registration rates
$85 student rate
$105 educator rate
$205 nonprofit and college/university rate
$305 corporate rate
*Registration fees for the Summit are non-refundable.
The registration fee includes 2 continental breakfasts and 2 lunches as well as digital access to Summit resources including presenter slides and handouts. CEUs may be available for qualifying participants.
Travel
Accommodations are the responsibility of individual participants. We have reserved a block of rooms at the following hotels:
Courtyard Chapel Hill
100 Marriott Way
Chapel HIll, NC 27517
$164/night
Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham
6121 Farrington Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
$159/night
Deadline: Reservations must be received before 5 p.m. on January 18, 2027.
Additional Information
Please refer to our flyer (PDF) to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
We are grateful to the following individuals who are volunteering their time to serve on the 2027 Steering Committee.
Ashley Boyette
Aftercare and Enrichment Manager, Jewish Community Center
Keyma Clark, EdD
Personal and Professional Development Coach, Wake Forest University
Eisha Clyde
Founder and Executive Director, The HBCU STEMulUS
Linda Dion, NBCT
Program Coordinator, Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership
Glenda Hairston
Strategic Programs Manager, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Crystal Harden, EdD
Director of Program and Strategic Engagement, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Trudie Henninger
Education Outreach Manager, The North Carolina Arboretum
Jamie Lathan, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Extended Learning, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Connie Locklear, EdD
Director of Indian Education, Public Schools of Robeson County
Alfred Mays
Chief Diversity Officer and Strategist, Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Josmell Perez
Director, Carolina Latinx Center
Keaundra Robinson
Equity Leadership and Strategy Coordinator, Durham Public Schools
Torri Staton, PhD
Director of Equitable Economic Development and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
Mark Townley
Assistant Director of Programs, Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership
Deanna Townsend-Smith, EdD
Senior Director, Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity
Megan Vinh, PhD
Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
I am interested in submitting a proposal. How long will the workshops and sessions last and how many people will participate? Workshops will be two hours with a maximum of 25 participants, depending on the level of interest in the topic. Breakout sessions will be one hour with approximately 70-90 participants depending on the level of interest in the topic. There is also an option to submit a poster proposal for the 2027 Summit. Poster sessions will be incorporated within the schedule for ~30 minutes in the Friday Center lobby area.
What information is required to submit a proposal? You can preview all the questions on the sample proposal submission form (PDF). Please note this form is just a sample. The formal proposal application must be submitted online.
Are there scholarships available to ensure the Summit is accessible and inclusive? Yes! Please complete our brief scholarship application prior to registering. You can preview the questions on our sample scholarship application (PDF). We will notify you of your scholarship status by January 18, 2027.
Where is the Friday Conference Center located? The address for the Friday Conference Center is 100 Friday Center Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27517.
What if my school/organization requires that I pay by check? If your school or organization does not permit you to pay for your conference registration with a card, you will have the option to request to pay by check/invoice at checkout. Invoices paid by check will be due within 2 weeks of registration or by 2/4/2027 (based on the date that comes first). Official business checks only — personal checks are not accepted. Registrations that remain unpaid 2 weeks after registration or by 2/4/2027 will be cancelled.
What information is required to apply for a mini-grant? You can preview all the questions on the sample mini-grant application. Requests will open on November 13, 2026.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is excited to announce that a photographer and videographer will be present at the Science for All Summit to capture moments throughout the event. Please note that these photos and videos are intended solely for our internal use. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center may use them on public websites and social media platforms. However, they will not be sold or distributed to other parties. We look forward to creating lasting memories together!
If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, or you see an image or recording you would like to have removed from our promotional materials, please speak with someone at the check-in desk or contact the Morehead marketing and communications team at moreheadplanetarium@unc.edu.
Please contact scienceforallsummit@unc.edu with general inquiries.
Please contact Ellie Quinlan to discuss sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.
Past Summits
We are grateful to Burroughs Wellcome Fund for their generous support as the presenting sponsor.
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