Community:
Strides for STEM 5K supports local STEM students, professions, and groups by helping build a stronger sense of STEM community in the Research Triangle. As the only STEM road race in the Chapel Hill area, we are proud to bring together STEM enthusiasts from academia, industry, and nonprofits. Funds raised also support STEM enrichment for high schoolers locally and state-wide (learn more below).
Are you a member of a STEM club, company, or organization? Strides for STEM 5K is offering table space for your group to advertise and interact with the community. A table rental at our event is $25. This includes 1 table and 1 chair. Set-up starts as early as 7 AM and tables can remain up until 11 AM (event end). Donate and sign up by 5pm Friday, May 26, to be guaranteed a spot.
We will be encouraging race participants and supporters to stick around after the race is complete to socialize and interact with tables.
Outreach:
Strides for STEM 5K currently supports two high school outreach programs that encourage young learners to pursue STEM-based careers.
What is WinSPIRE? WinSPIRE (Women and unrepresented genders in STEM Promoting Inclusion in Research Experiences) is a paid six-week-long immersive summer mentorship program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that provides high school students from underrepresented genders in STEM, focusing on students from historically marginalized groups and first-generation college students, with hands-on experience in a research laboratory, engaging college-prep workshops, and an extensive support network of people from similar genders and backgrounds in science. More information here.
What is NC DNA Day? North Carolina DNA Day is an annual event where scientists from NC’s leading research universities and institutions visit over 100 high schools statewide to present interactive, hands-on lessons about genetics, genomics, and biotechnology. This provides an opportunity for over 7,000 high school students to meet and interact with a young scientist, which often clarifies misconceptions of what a scientist looks like and breaks down barriers for students to follow scientific career paths. More information here.
Inclusivity 
Strides for STEM 5K is proud to host an inclusive event and promote inclusion in our local community. In an effort to do so, we have included a non-binary gender category in the race sign-up. Additionally, funds raised from this event will support NC DNA Day and WinSPIRE to promote inclusivity for those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.