Students gain hands-on experience in diverse horticultural fields through workshops and visits to innovative farms, while also experiencing college life at NC State University.
The Horticultural Science Summer Institute (HSSI) at NC State University is a residential, hands-on, pre-college program designed to immerse high school students in the diverse career opportunities within horticulture. Participants engage in interactive workshops led by university faculty, staff, and students, covering topics such as plant breeding, propagating ornamental shrubs, sustainable production and design practices, and extending the life of cut flowers. Students gain practical skills through activities like climbing trees for canopy management, grafting tomatoes, and discovering new genes. The program includes visits to innovative North Carolina farms, markets, greenhouses, and gardens, providing real-world context to their learning. Beyond horticultural skills, youth also explore college decision-making and leadership development, participate in evening entertainment and team-building activities, and experience campus life by living in a residence hall with campus dining. The institute fosters a close-knit environment for students from across the country to broaden their interest and knowledge in horticulture.
A typical day involves hands-on workshops led by faculty and students, focusing on topics like plant breeding or propagation, followed by field trips to local farms, markets, greenhouses, and gardens. Evenings include entertainment and team-building activities.
This program is best for high school students (rising 9th-12th grade) with a career or hobby interest in agriculture and horticulture, who are curious about plants, gardens, and the science behind growing things.
NC State University, Raleigh, NC
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