Enrichment Opportunities

"A free virtual program offered by Western Carolina University where children and youth from ages 6-18 can use their creativity to solve problems, tackle challenges, and create works of art. Every other week from 11/1/20-4/15/21, two challenges will be posted."

"The NC International Science Challenge is a yearly NC STEM competition for high school students. The selected students have historically traveled to Beijing, China to present their STEM research projects at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition. The competition requires students to undertake a STEM research or Maker project, write an abstract explaining their research problem and present their research to a panel of scientists and engineers."

"The USSYP provides an educational opportunity for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing college coursework in history or political science to spend a week in Washington, D.C. meeting senators, cabinet members, Supreme Court Justices, and officials from various federal agencies and the White House."

The Governor's School of North Carolina is a five-week summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and does not involve credit, tests, or grades. The Governor's School is the oldest statewide summer residential program for academically or intellectually gifted high school students in the nation. The program, which is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made for rising juniors in selected performing/visual arts areas, is located on two campuses of up to 305 students each.  Tuition cost is involved. Scholarship opportunities are available. Students must be nominated by school personnel. Self nominations are not accepted.

Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics is a cost-free, state-funded program for academically talented North Carolina residents who have demonstrated interest in science and mathematics and aspire to a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The program brings rising juniors and seniors together in a residential setting for research and intensive study. The program is currently hosted at four campuses of the university system—Appalachian State University (ASU), East Carolina University (ECU), North Carolina Central University (NCCU), and University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC).(Free to all AIG students).

Applications are due by January for the following summer. Students may self nominate.

NCSSM's Math Summer Accelerator Program combines online and residential experiences in a three week course over the summer for talented high school students.  Accelerator courses address some of the hottest topics in biotechnology, environmental science, aerospace engineering, automation and more. 

North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) is an opportunity for advanced junior and senior students. NCSSM is a residential magnet school for students with a strong aptitude and interest in math and science. Please visit  www.ncssm.edu  for more information. NCMSSN has 5 open house events throughout each school year open to all 6th-10th graders to explore the opportunities within the school.

Through North Carolina's State College of Engineering program, students will experience engineering through hands-on, creative investigations and design activities. NC State looks forward to welcoming campers to the program, where they will obtain knowledge and various skills revolving around all things engineering. 

The NC School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) offers independent studies and enrichment programs for elementary and middle school students.