Eastside Charter School promotes STEM education and expands enrollment for Wilmington families

The Wilmington Education, Youth & Family Services Committee meeting on June 11, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in local education and workforce development initiatives, particularly through the efforts of Eastside Charter School. The school has reported impressive outcomes, with students earning over $2 million in scholarships in the past four to five years, showcasing the effectiveness of their individualized approach to education.

A key focus of the discussion was the school's commitment to working with families from kindergarten through eighth grade, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to career opportunities. The introduction of programs like "Tech for Tots" allows children as young as three to engage with technology and engineering concepts, fostering skills that could lead to future careers in STEM fields. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that Wilmington's youth are prepared for the workforce, with free access to resources available for all families in the community.

Enrollment at Eastside Charter School is on the rise, with current numbers around 445 and plans to expand capacity to between 480 and 500 students next year. The school is actively accepting new students in kindergarten through second grade, while older grades are nearing full capacity. There are also discussions about potentially expanding to include high school grades in the future, reflecting the school's ambition to support students throughout their educational journey.

The meeting underscored the importance of community collaboration in education, with a focus on creating partnerships that enhance learning experiences and prepare students for success beyond the classroom. As Wilmington continues to invest in its youth and families, the initiatives discussed promise to have a lasting impact on the community's future.