{"id":977161,"date":"2026-06-30T10:05:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T14:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/nutanix-and-the-north-carolina-school-of-science-and-mathematics-partner-to-expand-computer-science-access-across-north-carolina\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T10:05:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T14:05:33","slug":"nutanix-and-the-north-carolina-school-of-science-and-mathematics-partner-to-expand-computer-science-access-across-north-carolina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/nutanix-and-the-north-carolina-school-of-science-and-mathematics-partner-to-expand-computer-science-access-across-north-carolina\/","title":{"rendered":"Nutanix and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Partner to Expand Computer Science Access Across North Carolina"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n$250,000 Corporate Grant From Nutanix Establishes Endowed Professorship to Fund Public K-12 Teacher Training and Open-Source STEAM Curriculum
\n<\/h2>\n
\n

SAN JOSE, Calif., and DURHAM, N.C., June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nutanix<\/u><\/a> (NASDAQ: NTNX), a leader in hybrid multicloud computing, and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics<\/u><\/a> (NCSSM), the number one public high school<\/u><\/a> in the United States, today announced the establishment of the Nutanix Endowed Professorship in Computer Science. This endowment is funded by a one-time corporate grant of $250,000 from Nutanix and is dedicated to expanding high-quality computer science education statewide. The endowment is expected to be matched by state dollars in late 2026.<\/p>\n

\n The Challenge: Bridging the Rural Digital Divide<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

Access to robust technical learning pathways remains uneven across North Carolina, particularly within rural and underserved communities. While the state’s Department of Public Instruction enacted a mandate requiring high school students to pass a computer science course to graduate, localized funding for essential teacher training remains severely restricted.<\/p>\n

The newly established Nutanix Endowed Professorship in Computer Science directly addresses this critical gap by supporting NCSSM initiatives in teacher training and provision of systemic open-source educational resources in North Carolina.<\/p>\n

\n Scalable Impact Through Virtual Learning<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

NCSSM Computer Science faculty provide high-level computer science instruction to public schools across North Carolina. By equipping students and educators with the skills required to integrate computational thinking into their academic journeys, this initiative is designed to create a cascading positive effect that reaches thousands of students well beyond NCSSM’s physical campuses.<\/p>\n

A primary vehicle for scaling this endowment\u2019s impact across the state is NCSSM Connect,<\/u><\/a> an innovative educational outreach program that uses synchronous, high-definition video conferencing to deliver real-time, interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) courses directly to public high school classrooms statewide. By streaming directly into local schools, NCSSM Connect enables students in rural and economically disadvantaged communities to take honors and AP-level computer science courses that their local schools might not otherwise be able to offer.<\/p>\n

\n Tech as a Force for Good<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

\n \u201cThe grant lifts up communities that have historically lacked access to critical STEAM disciplines and shape the next generation of digital leaders,\u201d said Jennifer Lepird, Chief People Officer at Nutanix. \u201cWe believe that innovation thrives when everyone has a seat at the table. Supporting this endowment reflects our commitment to using technology as a force for good by expanding access to computer science education in North Carolina – a place where many of our employees live and work.\u201d<\/em>\n <\/p>\n

The endowment builds upon Nutanix’s global philanthropy program, Nutanix Spark, which focuses on building \u201cWell Communities\u201d and nurturing student interest in STEAM education. Nutanix has a substantial and well-established presence in Durham, North Carolina. The location serves as one of Nutanix\u2019s primary East Coast hubs, anchoring its operations in the Research Triangle region. Through the Nutanix Endowed Professorship in Computer Science, the company aims to continue shaping the future technology workforce and expanding access to high quality computer science education in North Carolina.<\/p>\n

\n \u201cNCSSM has always focused on removing economic barriers to advanced STEAM education; no student pays tuition to attend our school. Nutanix\u2019s leadership gift significantly amplifies that mission,\u201d said Todd Roberts, Chancellor at NCSSM. \u201cBy tying this endowment to our open-source curriculum model, Nutanix is helping us provide students and teachers in every corner of North Carolina – especially those in under-resourced rural areas – with the training and tools they need at no cost to them.\u201d<\/em>\n <\/p>\n

\n Charles Robinson Appointed as the Endowed Professor<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

Charles Robinson will serve as Nutanix Endowed Professor of Computer Science at NCSSM. He joined NCSSM in August 2019 as an Instructor of Computer Science after working within the Durham school system since 2012 as a technology technician, high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, and instructional assistant. He holds a master’s degree in instructional technology from North Carolina Central University. While he initially taught in NCSSM’s residential program, he now teaches exclusively through NCSSM Connect. In this role, he delivers honors curriculum including Introduction to Computer Science, Intro to Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking, and Connected Computing reaching some 100 remote high school students across North Carolina each year.<\/p>\n

\n \u201cThrough NCSSM Connect, my absolute focus is on teaching high school students across North Carolina, virtually entering their local classrooms to provide rigorous computer science education,\u201d said Charles Robinson, Nutanix Endowed Professor of Computer Science at NCSSM. \u201cThis funding ensures we can expand our reach, spark deep student engagement, and empower young minds to lead confidently and ethically in the modern digital economy.\u201d <\/em>\n <\/p>\n

\n Deepening a Decade Long Partnership<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

NCSSM has relied on the Nutanix Cloud Platform for over ten years. As NCSSM has grown, including expanding its physical footprint and digital reach across North Carolina, the school\u2019s Nutanix infrastructure has scaled right alongside it.<\/p>\n

\n \u201cAs a proud partner for over a decade, NCSSM is thrilled to be a longtime Nutanix customer. For more than 10 years, we have trusted Nutanix hardware and software solutions to host the essential server infrastructure powering both our Durham and Morganton campuses. This generous donation further strengthens a partnership dedicated to providing a reliable digital foundation for the next generation of STEAM leaders.\u201d – Justin Fleming, NCSSM Chief Information Officer<\/em>\n <\/p>\n

\n Future Outlook and Implementation Timeline<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

The endowment process is expected to be fully completed over the next three years. However, immediate implementation steps include:<\/p>\n