The NC Science Festival is a month long celebration in April of the educational, cultural, and financial impact of science in North Carolina. The goal is to connect with folks from all walks of life – fostering a sense of community through exciting events that are fun, educational, and inspiring for future generations. The North Carolina Science Festival and others like it offer an opportunity to celebrate science in welcoming settings. This Festival provides the opportunity to cultivate a positive environment that encourages children to pursue science-related careers and encourages businesses to invest in North Carolina. In an era when recent reports indicate that the United States is losing ground as the world leader in science and technology, and fewer students than ever are pursuing careers in science and technology, the North Carolina Science Festival energizes the state’s effort to respond to these challenges while building new and stronger relationships among the education, business and cultural leaders who will lead that response. There will be over 400 events statewide and virtual catered to all ages.