Making Robots Make Sense: Kevin Benton’s Story
From the nuts and bolts to the final spark that brings it to life, Kevin Benton Jr., an intern in the Computational Science Department under Dr. Balakrishna Gokaraju, is breaking down the art of building a robot so anyone can understand it. “Basically, if they don’t have any robotics knowledge, they can use the components […]
Designing Her Future
STEPS4GROWTH – At just sixteen years old, Sema Oz is proving that the clean energy and technology workforce of the future isn’t limited by age. A student at Triad Math and Science Academy, Oz joined the STEPS4GROWTH program, where she works under the guidance of instructor Dr. Issa, focusing on 3D design and virtual reality […]
A Global Journey into Renewable Energy and Transportation
STEPS4GROWTH- From Nigeria to Finland to North Carolina, Bolhji Ayeymi has been following a path shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a drive to create solutions for the future of clean energy. Now a Ph.D. student in the Department of Computational Data Science and Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University, [Name] is working under Dr. […]
Nash Community College Pre-Apprenticeship Program Prepares Local High School Graduates for the Workforce!
The Nash Community College Pre-Apprenticeship Program had its completion ceremony at the end of the first summer session. The program highlighted and celebrated twenty (20) total students from Nash County Public Schools and Rocky Mount Preparatory. The students were in an intensive three week, structured, program that helped the students develop additional skills and abilities […]
Steps4Growth Spotlight: Precious Anduvberokharo
STEPS4GROWTH- From simulating city traffic to envisioning a cleaner future, Precious Anduvberokharo, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, is harnessing technology to make urban mobility more sustainable. Working under Dr. Oshun, Precious uses SUMO (Simulation of Urban Mobility) software to run traffic simulations, analyze vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and explore ways to […]
ECC’s Steps4Growth Program Gives Recent High School Graduates the Edge to Excel in the Workplace
The Edgecombe Community College Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which consists of 96 hours of curriculum instruction and 80 hours of on-the-job training, concluded its summer program on Friday, July 25, 2025. The pre-apprenticeship program, held on ECC’s Tarboro campus, focused on preparing students for the clean energy job sector. During the curriculum portion of the program, students […]
From Family Tradition to Future Innovation: Kourtney Tucker’s Story
STEPS4GROWTH- From her high school days touring colleges with her sister to her current work as a Ph.D. student at North Carolina A&T, Kourtney Tucker has always followed a path deeply rooted in engineering. Growing up with her father, an engineer himself, meant early exposure to the field. “I’ve always been a daddy’s girl,” Tucker […]
Abdullah Al-Mubarak’s Journey into Autonomous Vehicles
STEPS4GROWTH(S4G)- From Sudan to the U.S. by way of Qatar, Abdullah Al-Mubarak has already lived a life full of global experience. But this summer, the aspiring mechanical engineer added another milestone to his journey—working hands-on with cutting-edge technology in North Carolina A&T’s HAMMER Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Abdullah, traveled to the U.S. for this […]
Engineering Her Impact: From A&T Student to STEM Educator
STEPS4GROWTH(S4G)- Stepping inside the Edward B. Fort Interdisciplinary Research Center brought back a flood of memories for Shakiri Marcus. When she first walked through its doors as a freshman in the early 2000s, she was studying Chemical Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Now, nearly 20 years later, she’s back—this time, with […]
Driving Toward the Future: How Archer Found His Path Through EV Training
STEPS4GROWTH (S4G): When Nyron Archer enrolled in Alamance Community College’s Biowork Process Technician program, he wasn’t just signing up for classes. He was stepping into a new chapter. Backed by tuition support through STEPS4GROWTH, Archer found the confidence, connections, and hands-on skills to break into North Carolina’s fast-growing biopharma field. Through specialized training and industry […]