Lumbee Students Explored Healthcare Careers in Charlotte
Eight North Carolina students visited The Pearl to gain hands-on experience in medical technology and STEAM fields.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education
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On July 15, 2026, eight students from the Lumbee Tribe toured The Pearl in Charlotte to participate in a healthcare career exploration program. The visit included hands-on training with medical equipment and simulations supported by Project CREATE.
Why it matters
This program aims to engage students in healthcare careers to help address a projected global shortage of 11 million healthcare workers by 2030. It provides young students from Robeson County with early exposure to advanced medical tools and educational pathways.
Eight students participated in the tour as part of the five-year Project CREATE grant provided by the United States Department of Education. The visit focused on addressing the 11 million worker deficit projected by 2030 through specialized youth STEAM training.
The players
Lumbee Tribe
A North Carolina-based Indigenous community that manages education and outreach programs for its youth.
United States Department of Education
The federal agency that provides the five-year Project CREATE grant to support student educational opportunities.
Siemens Healthineers
A global medical technology manufacturer that hosted the students at its Charlotte-based experience center.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
A major academic medical institution with a campus located at the The Pearl development.
The details
The program utilized the Howard R. Levine Center for Education and the Siemens Healthineers Experience Center to provide real-world training. Staff guided students through a mock patient car accident case study, allowing them to use ultrasound machines, X-ray technology, and handheld blood testing devices. Students also completed prosthetic design activities and received STEAM kits to continue their learning at home.
Timeline
July 15, 2026: Eight Lumbee Tribe students toured The Pearl in Charlotte.
2030: Projected global shortage of 11 million healthcare workers.
The Home Front
Project CREATE represents a targeted effort to bridge the widening gap in healthcare labor markets. This initiative follows national trends of integrating early academic exposure with local innovation hubs to secure future talent.
Families interested in similar STEAM opportunities for their students should check with local school districts for upcoming career exploration workshops. Additionally, review the educational resources provided by state-sponsored outreach programs to identify potential training kits or summer initiatives.
The takeaway
Early engagement in healthcare technology helps prepare the next generation for critical labor needs. Families can support this growth by keeping STEAM kits and educational learning tools accessible at home for students to explore throughout the school year.
Further reading
Learn more about local opportunities for students in Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EdNC.
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