In today’s world, the science behind sports is ever present. Most all professional teams use scientific data in a myriad of ways surrounding their teams. Everything from game planning and training to player health, safety and recovery is impacted by scientific data. For the North Carolina Courage, the tie between soccer and STEM is even deeper. Later this month, the club will host a third field day for the Starting STEM program, in partnership with Lenovo, at WakeMed Soccer Park. The program is designed to introduce local students to science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on, practical applications with a soccer theme. The program, which has already impacted hundreds of local students, will welcome 150 middle schoolers to the stadium for four hours of fun-filled, educational stations that show the practical impacts of STEM on soccer and sport. The need to introduce STEM to children has reached a presidential priority with far too few college students pursuing degrees in these fields. Giving young students an introduction to STEM, and fun and practical ways to apply it, is an important part of improving those numbers for the future. “Lenovo is proud to partner with North Carolina Courage as part of our continued commitment to promoting early STEM education in our home state,” said Lenovo NA Chief Marketing Officer Gerald Youngblood. “Through the Starting STEM program, students observe the parallels between science and sport through various creative problem-solving and soccer-related activities. Students leave with an understanding of how STEM applies in every area of their lives, including on the soccer field, as well as a new level of enthusiasm that they can bring back to the classroom.” The first two iterations of the program were designed for elementary school students. This fall, the program is being introduced to multiple middle schools throughout the Triangle. The club has partnered with Lenovo to provide technology and financial support to help the program thrive as a unique opportunity to get children interested in STEM through the beautiful game. Educators in the region who have participated in the program have seen Starting STEM’s impact on their students first-hand. “We’re bringing STEM into their everyday lives, so the kids get to see it in action. Bringing the STEM aspects of how that actually happens in real life is something they don’t always think about,” said Heather Rose, a fifth-grade science teacher at Weatherstone elementary school. The Courage and Lenovo have common goals of making real, positive impact in our local community. While the students may see a fun day of activities with their hometown professional soccer club, the hope is they take away a potential love for STEM that could last a lifetime. Starting STEM is a shining example of partnership in action to make a long-lasting effect on the Triangle.