Parking Lot Update

The UNC-owned lot in front of our building now has an active parking gate. For more info on the new weekday protocol, visit our Plan A Visit page.

Science for All Summit

Science for All Summit logo

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.

We’re already preparing for the 2027 Science for All Summit! Join our mailing list to stay updated.

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, 2027! Join our mailing list to stay up to date on all Summit announcements.

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.

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.

Please download our flyer to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

We are grateful to the following individuals who are volunteering their time to serve on the 2026 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

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

Stephani Page, PhD
Director of Strategic Initiatives, WEPAN – Women in Engineering ProActive Network

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

Accommodations are the responsibility of individual participants. Additional information on reserved room blocks will be added as the 2027 Science for All Summit gets closer.

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 proposal submission form.

Are there scholarships available to ensure the Summit is accessible and inclusive? Yes! Please complete our brief scholarship application prior to registering. 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.

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 Andrew Amodei to discuss sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

We are grateful to Burroughs Wellcome Fund for their generous support as the presenting sponsor.

BWF logo