Heather Bronson

Apr 24, 2025

Catalyst Grant Empowers Rural Students, Enhances Computational Thinking Through STEAM Club

West Middle School sixth grader Olive Cleckler discovered an unexpected way to complete her interactive project—by turning her braces into part of a functioning circuit. Her improvisational tinkering—and the support she received from an AI teammate embedded in ArtAlgo—captures the heart of the project: reimagining coding as a creative and collaborative practice between youth and intelligent systems.

Apr 22, 2025

NC State Puts AI Forward at the Friday Institute on National AI Literacy Day

National AI Literacy Day is a nationwide day of action focused on exploring the fundamental question, “What is AI?” On that day, March 28, 2025, 104 NC State University researchers, faculty and staff gathered at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in innovation, research and learning at NC State.

Mar 13, 2025

Did You Know There’s a Middle School on NC State’s Campus?

How many middle school students have the opportunity to visit NC State’s Nuclear Reactor Program, work with staff at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design for their art elective and learn how to be an entrepreneur at the NC State Entrepreneurship Garage and the Albright Entrepreneurs Village? Those who attend Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School (CCMMS) do, and these are just a few of the perks students get from their unique location on NC State’s Centennial Campus.

Sep 9, 2024

LASER Institute Aims to “BEAM” Learning Analytics to New Institutions

The new phase of the LASER Institute, called LASER BEAM (Broadening Education in Advanced Methods), seeks to expand the impact of its previous National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project.

Jan 12, 2024

AI in K-12 Convening Gathers Key Stakeholders in Implementing AI in North Carolina Classrooms

To address AI integration in classes, schools and districts, the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation hosted an AI in K-12 Convening of key stakeholders Nov. 15 to empower educators, address ethical considerations of AI, collaborate with state leaders on the critical guidelines and guardrails for responsible AI integration and ensure equitable access to AI-enhanced learning.

Jan 9, 2024

AI in K-12 Convening Gathers Key Stakeholders in Implementing AI in North Carolina Classrooms

By the end of this school year, nearly four in 10 teachers expect to use artificial intelligence (AI) in their classrooms, but only about 20% feel prepared to use those tools.

Nov 28, 2023

Friday Institute Selects 2023 Graduate Student Fellows

Nov 28, 2023

2023 Friday Medal Ceremony Honors Longtime North Carolina Educator and Education Leader Tom Williams

Oct 30, 2023

MSEN Students Exposed to Future STEM Careers During Lenovo Field Trip

Over the last three years, Lenovo has donated over $40,000 to the North Carolina Math/Science Education Network (MSEN) Pre-College Program at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation while cultivating a partnership that serves MSEN students by providing exposure to STEM careers and the tech industry.

Oct 30, 2023

Associate Professor Erin Krupa Appointed Senior Faculty Fellow at Friday Institute

Associate Professor Erin Krupa has been appointed as a senior faculty fellow at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, beginning Oct. 11, 2023. Friday Institute senior faculty fellows are chosen by the Friday Institute executive director, serve a five-year term, provide leadership and direction for the Friday Institute by serving on the Friday Institute leadership team and contribute to the overall intellectual life of the Friday Institute.