About: Doug Thompson is the Director of GEAR UP APEX, a $35 million U.S. Department of Education grant initiative serving rural students and educators across ten school districts in western North Carolina. In this role, he leads and manages grant services and administrative efforts including STEM-focused teaching and learning initiatives, large-scale academic innovation research projects, and has co-authored successful federal and institutional grants totaling more than $40 million in funding.
Previously, Doug served as Senior Manager of Professional Development at Discovery Place Education Studio, where he built partnerships with over 200 school districts, secured major philanthropic investments, and developed STEM professional learning opportunities for more than 15,000 educators. His career began in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a middle grades science teacher, instructional technology facilitator, and master teacher, where he championed technology integration and STEM programming.
A recognized presenter and curriculum author, Doug has contributed to national conferences including NCCEP, AERA, ASTC, and NSTA, and co-authored the Dream Big Educator Guide with MacGillivray Freeman Films and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He holds both a B.A. in Middle Grades Education and an M.A. in Instructional Technology and Computer Science from Kent State University.
