This free, residential program offers a unique two-summer experience with an interdisciplinary STEM curriculum in the first year and a research-focused course in the second, providing in-depth exploration and skill development.
NCSSM Step Up to STEM is a free, interactive, and interdisciplinary residential program designed for talented rising 9th and 10th graders in North Carolina. The program aims to build STEM and communication skills through engaging with real-world subjects. During the first summer, students participate in an interdisciplinary STEM curriculum covering subjects like math, science, and engineering. The second summer focuses on a research-intensive course. The curriculum explores topics not typically available in standard high school settings, such as cybersecurity and cryptography, and investigating suspected pathogens through microbiology processes. Students gain hands-on experience, develop problem-solving abilities, and enhance their communication skills through activities like public speaking and essay writing. The program also includes enrichment activities and field trips, such as planetarium shows, visits to labs, and STEM career panels, fostering both academic and social development. The goal is to inspire students to pursue STEM-related fields and provide a strong foundation for future academic and career success.
For Cohort 1 (rising 9th graders), a typical day includes breakfast at 8:00 a.m., followed by sessions in Math, Engineering, and Science, with lunch at 12:00 p.m. and enrichment activities in the afternoon and evening. Cohort 2 (rising 10th graders) follows a similar schedule, but with a research-focused course in the morning and afternoon.
This program is best for current eighth-grade students residing in North Carolina who are interested in exploring STEM fields and building foundational skills in an interactive, interdisciplinary, and residential setting.
NCSSM-Durham Campus, Durham, NC
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