Higher ed's challenge: schools luring students into stem programs.

Getting students interested in math and science necessary to pursue engineering careers--particularly in the nuclear field--is a challenge faced by both the industry and higher education.

A 2008 report by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Public Agenda found that while parents and students acknowledge the importance of mathematics, science and technology, they failed to see why it's important for their own studies.

For some students, pursuing an engineering degree may be seen as too difficult and just not as much fun as other majors.

Also, teachers might lack the skills or know-how to get students interested in an engineering career. Colleges in the Carolinas are tackling the problem with a variety programs. Here's a sampling:

Clemson University

Recognizing that South Carolina schools are in need of more qualified teachers, Clemson educators are working to attract teachers from a previously untapped resource: Clemson students in engineering and science majors.

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The TigersTeach Noyce Scholarship Initiative will provide $10,000 scholarships to 30 undergraduate or graduate students from the science, technology, engineering or math--or STEM--disciplines to enroll in an undergraduate dual-degree program or enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Students in their first or second year of a STEM major would receive scholarships to enter the dual-degree program in their junior or senior years. They would continue working in their majors, plus earn a degree in STEM education.

Those who are in their junior or senior years would finish those degrees, then enter the teaching in secondary science and mathematics master's program. They would receive the scholarships during their senior undergraduate year and a stipend from the Noyce program for the year in the Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Students in TigersTeach will learn from veteran scientists and teachers, participate in professional conferences and work with local schools and agencies.

North Carolina State University

A five-year study at N.C. State, announced in September, could help reverse the nation's decline in production of scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

The school will gauge whether its elementary teacher preparation model--which provides more rigorous undergraduate course work in science and math disciplines than other elementary teacher preparation programs--can be combined with more careful tracking of first- and second-year...