Project Overview
Queen City STEM School, a charter school in Charlotte, NC, faced critical challenges including declining enrollment, low teacher efficiency, and weak parent engagement. These issues threatened its identity as a thriving STEM-based institution and directly impacted student performance and school culture.

Our Approach
The Culture Lab implemented a comprehensive culture and advancement transformation initiative. We began by producing a high-quality, student-centered marketing video that elevated the school’s story and improved its visibility in the broader community. To enrich student learning experiences, we organized a Career Series and an on-campus Career Fair, exposing students to diverse professional pathways. Our parent engagement workshops built stronger school-family relationships, and our student Entrepreneurship Workshop Series helped elevate student voice and initiative. We also delivered hands-on coaching and professional development for educators, integrating our Contagious Culture framework to enhance instructional practices. In parallel, we provided strategic fundraising consulting that ultimately led to securing a $400,000 grant to build a state-of-the-art STEM lab. Finally, we activated community partnerships by connecting students with entrepreneurs across the Southeast to support real-world learning.

Results
This multifaceted approach produced transformative results. Student enrollment and community engagement rose significantly, while parental involvement and academic performance improved. Teacher practices and staff morale were strengthened across the board. The secured funding made it possible to expand STEM opportunities and build a new lab, and the school’s success led to expansion into two additional campuses in the Charlotte area. Queen City STEM achieved a waitlisted enrollment status and received enhanced statewide recognition for its culture and academic programs.

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