Highlands Biological Station in April has received a partnership award in science, mathematics and technology education from the N.C. Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center, based in Research Triangle Park.

Founded in 1927, the Highlands Biological Station is a year-round biological field station and inter-institutional facility of the University of North Carolina system. The station has worked closely with Western Carolina University since becoming a part of the UNC system in 1976, and is directed by Jim Costa, WCU professor of biology.

Last year, the station offered 11 academic summer courses and workshops and hosted more than 360 students, faculty and researchers-in-residence. In addition, the associated Highlands Nature Center served more than 18,000 people in science-based outreach programming.

The award will be presented and a video shown April 16 at the Cary center’s annual celebration. Nightlight Productions of Chapel Hill produced the video about Highlands Biological Station’s efforts to support science education.