Career Development

STEM & Skill Trades Program

GBO is committed to expanding access to meaningful career pathways for underrepresented students in the Raleigh, NC area. Our Career Development STEM & Skill Trades Program creates clear, attainable pathways into living-wage, family-supporting careers by exposing students to both high-demand STEM fields and skilled trades. Designed for students pursuing traditional college routes as well as those exploring alternative pathways, the program addresses disparities in STEM participation while preparing youth for North Carolina’s growing need for skilled professionals.

Why This Program Matters

STEM careers continue to grow at a rapid pace nationwide, with North Carolina experiencing significant job expansion in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and skilled technical fields.  As the state transitions toward a high-skill economy and faces a shrinking workforce due to retiring baby boomers, the demand for STEM-ready and skilled-trade professionals has never been greater. Many of today’s STEM and technical careers do not require a four-year degree, highlighting the importance of exposing students to both college-based and skill-trade opportunities early.

Program Highlights

This year-round program combines academic exposure, hands-on learning, and career exploration, with a strong focus on summer engagement through a five-week immersive camp experience:

    
• University Immersion: Two weeks at UNC-Chapel Hill and two weeks at NC State University, giving students firsthand exposure to STEM learning environments and campus life.
    
• Skill Trades Exploration: One week dedicated to hands-on training and exposure to high-demand skilled trades.
    
• Personalized Career Roadmaps: Post-camp guidance tailored to each student’s interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

Priorities & Student Benefits

The program is designed to strengthen STEM proficiency, increase graduation and postsecondary success, reduce remediation rates, and build community support for educational advancement. Through participation, students develop:

    
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
    
• Practical, real-world application of STEM concepts
    
• Teamwork, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity
    
• Essential life and career-readiness skills

Supported by partnerships with local universities, industry leaders, and community organizations, this initiative ensures that students—especially those historically underrepresented in STEM—are equipped with the confidence, skills, and vision needed to succeed in promising STEM and skilled-trade careers.

NCSU Gaming Room

UNC Lab

Cisco Campus

UNC Class

NCSU Labs

UNC Camps