Applications now open to attend summer STEM programs for rising 5th-12th graders

The North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) is now accepting applications for summer programs. These annual events provide opportunities for local students to experience learning on the Morganton and Durham campuses.

Early Accelerator is a day program for rising fifth and sixth graders, available on both NCSSM campuses and at the NC Center for Engineering Technologies (NCCET) in Hickory.

These programs offer younger students exciting and innovative ways to explore STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) concepts. Through interactive and hands-on activities, students will embark on a series of STEM adventures. These non-residential, day programs are held on NCSSM’s Durham and Morganton campuses.

Organizers are looking for participants who have a passion for the subject area, good behavior/conduct, and a desire to learn new things.

• The cost for Early Accelerator is $350.
• Students must bring lunch, but all other materials are provided.
• Space in each course is limited, so participants are encouraged to apply early.
• The application must be completed by a custodial parent or guardian.
• Applications are received until all spots are filled.

Summer Accelerator is a weeklong residential program for rising seventh through rising seniors on the Morganton and Durham campuses. NCSSM also has day programs for middle school students at the NCCET in Hickory.

Summer Accelerator courses offer students from anywhere in the world academic growth through engaging, challenging STEM courses on topics they can relate to. Students learn with like-minded peers and are taught by scientists, university professors, engineers, and others who bring real-world experience and activities to the Accelerator learning experience.

• The cost for Summer Accelerator ranges from $495-$1,925 depending on what course you choose.
• Space in each course is limited, so participants are encouraged to apply early.
• Applications are received until all spots are filled.

Once again this year, NCSSM-Morganton’s final week of Summer Accelerator (July 20-25) is sponsored by Dogwood Health Trust and features two residential courses for rising seventh- through ninth-grade students and two residential courses for rising 10th- through12th-grade students.

This free opportunity is restricted to 60 students who reside in the Dogwood Health Trust area: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey, as well as the Qualla Boundary.

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 28, and finalists will be notified by mid-March.

— SWQ