CTLA is proud to celebrate math and STEM educator Anna Westergard for being named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious PRISM Award from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.
The PRISM Award — Promoting Research Innovation in Science and Mathematics — recognizes educators who create bold, innovative learning experiences that expand access to science and mathematics education. According to the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the award supports projects designed to spark curiosity, strengthen hands-on learning, and open pathways into STEM for students and communities historically underrepresented in these fields.
Westergard’s selection places her among an elite group of educators across North Carolina and beyond who are shaping the future of STEM education through creativity, research, and student-centered innovation. The Burroughs Wellcome Fund noted that the 2026 PRISM recipients represent groundbreaking approaches to connecting classroom learning with authentic scientific inquiry and real-world problem-solving.
This recognition highlights Westergard’s commitment to creating meaningful mathematical experiences for CTLA students and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators.
Congratulations to Anna Westergard on this outstanding achievement and for continuing to make an impact both in the classroom and in the future of STEM education.
To learn more about this award, please visit their website!
https://www.bwfund.org/news/bwf-announces-2026-prism-awards/