Tammy Hedgepeth, a digital literacy coach at Princeville Elementary School in Edgecombe County, got an insider look into the inner workings of Astemo, Ltd.

Below, Hedgepeth discusses her summer industry immersion experience in her own words. The N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is supporting her fellowship, which focuses on integrating computational thinking and computer science education.

Could you share your experience during your summer industry immersions with NCDPI and Astemo?

My first week with NCDPI in Raleigh was packed with tours and hands-on learning. We toured Red Hat, explored the Hunt Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus, checked out the NC State Gaming and ESports Lab, walked through Gipson Play Plaza, and visited Stern Security. Each stop opened my eyes to new ways technology, creativity, and problem-solving come together in the real world.

During our sessions, we dove into computer science and AI, learning how computers work, how to keep information safe, exploring data, designing algorithms, and even coding our initials. We debated the impacts of technology, tried out AI tools, and made so many connections to the classroom. It was both challenging and energizing.

The next ten days at Astemo were just as unforgettable. From day one, I felt like part of the team. I got to see STEM in action and learn directly from passionate, talented professionals who were always ready to answer questions and share their expertise. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and I left each day inspired to bring that same energy back to my students.

What stood out most was the genuine sense of collaboration and kindness everywhere I went. The people I met didn’t just share their knowledge, they made me feel welcome, valued, and included. I’ll treasure those connections and the lessons I learned for a long time.

I’m so grateful for every moment and excited to carry these experiences into my classroom to spark curiosity and possibility for my students

What skills or knowledge did you gain from your host organization that you will take back to students?

How did interacting with professionals in the field impact your views on teaching and career readiness?

I learned the importance of soft skills, like communication, adaptability, and teamwork, alongside technical knowledge. This experience highlighted that problem-solving requires both critical thinking and collaboration under pressure.

It reinforced the need to prepare students not only with subject knowledge but also with the professional habits and interpersonal skills valued by employers.

I plan to incorporate what I learned at Astemo into authentic learning experiences for students. I also plan to maintain and grow professional contacts from this internship to bring current workforce trends and opportunities into the classroom.

How did this experience change your approach to teaching?

My internship with Astemo broadened my understanding of career pathways in STEM and their integration with the arts. I can now show students actual examples of how a local company applies computer science across many roles, like engineering, system design, data analysis, and more.

I was also inspired by Astemo’s employee development programs and plan to encourage students to pursue lifelong learning and skill-building.