8 STEM Programs for High School Students in North Carolina
Participating in STEM programs during high school can be a transformative experience, especially for students in North Carolina. With a growing number of opportunities offered by prestigious universities and research institutions across the state, students can gain early exposure to fields like engineering, neuroscience, data science, and environmental science. These programs provide much more than classroom learning—they offer hands-on experience in real-world labs, mentorship from university faculty and industry experts, and the chance to work on innovative research projects.
By engaging in these programs, students not only build critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics but also gain a competitive edge for college applications and future careers. Whether it's exploring cutting-edge research at Duke University or designing innovative solutions through NC State’s engineering camps, these experiences empower students to discover their passions, develop technical expertise, and network with like-minded peers. For high school students in North Carolina, participating in STEM programs is a crucial step toward unlocking their full potential in STEM fields and beyond. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with an opportunity to conduct independent research in fields such as biology, data science, philosophy, and social sciences. Under the guidance of PhD mentors, students develop a college-level research paper over the course of the program. Writing coaching and personalized mentorship help students refine their research skills. The program concludes with a research symposium, where students present their findings and may have the opportunity to publish their work.
Notable Features:
Personalized mentorship from PhD scholars.
Writing support and research coaching.
Opportunity to present research at a symposium and submit work for publication.
Quick Facts:
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks); $5,900 (16-20 weeks); $8,900 (6-12 months). Financial aid available.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3.
The Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) is a summer research program catered to engage high school students in neuroscience research at Duke University. The students are offered hands-on experience in research projects in neuroscience labs, and will get personalized mentorship from expert scientists. In addition to lab work, students participate in workshops that enhance their scientific communication and presentation skills, explore career pathways in academia, industry, and medicine, and receive guidance on applying to college.
DUNE is dedicated to fostering diversity in STEM and encourages students from all backgrounds, including those without prior research experience, to apply. Scholars become part of a vibrant community of peers and mentors, culminating in a final research presentation at the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences (DIBS).
Notable Features:
Full-time lab-based research experience in neuroscience.
Mentorship from Duke University scientists.
Professional development workshops on scientific communication, career exploration, and college preparation.
End-of-program research presentation.
Quick Facts:
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend.
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Period: December 16 – February 9
Admissions Decisions: March
Eligibility:
Current high school sophomore or junior (grades 10-11 for the current school year), or a senior (grade 12) who does not plan to attend college in fall.
Must attend a public or charter high school in Durham, NC.
3. Veritas AI
The Veritas AI Fellowship is a hands-on program where high school students work with AI and machine learning experts to develop personalized AI projects. Participants collaborate with researchers and professionals from prestigious universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. Students gain practical experience with AI technologies, focusing on applications in fields like healthcare, finance, and environmental science. Each participant completes a comprehensive project tailored to their academic and career goals.
Notable Features:
1:1 mentorship with AI experts.
Personalized AI projects.
Collaboration with researchers from top-tier institutions.
Quick Facts:
Location: Online
Cost: Starting at $2,290
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 (Middle school students with a coding background may also apply).
Offered by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), GEMS introduces students to STEM careers through hands-on, lab-based activities in fields like engineering, mathematics, computational sciences, biomedical sciences, chemistry, and biology. Participants work with peers and college students, exploring STEM topics aligned with cutting-edge U.S. Army research. The program aims to inspire students to pursue STEM careers and paves the way by providing practical expe
Notable Features:
Lab-based STEM learning
Exposure to U.S. Army research and wit colleges
Interaction with scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals.
No participation fee, can expect a small stipend
Quick Facts:
Location: U.S. Army research facilities (varies by site).
Cost: Free (stipend provided).
Dates:
Application Period: January – February (exact dates vary by site).
Application Deadline: March – April (exact dates vary by site).
Eligibility: Rising 5th through 12th graders; Must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent legal residents.
Hosted by the College of Engineering at NC State University, this immersive summer program offers rising 11th and 12th-grade high school students a unique opportunity to experience life as a college engineering student. Participants will delve into a specific engineering discipline of their choice through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and guided lab sessions. In addition to academic exploration, students will stay on campus in university housing, gaining a firsthand understanding of college life. The program fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation, providing a supportive environment where students can connect with faculty, current engineering students, and like-minded peers.
Notable Features:
In-depth exploration of engineering disciplines through hands-on projects.
Residential experience on the NC State campus in Raleigh.
Networking opportunities with faculty, current students, and industry professionals.
Quick Facts:
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC (In-Person).
Cost: $1,500 (Financial aid available for students with demonstrated need).
Dates: June 23 – July 12
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Open to 11th and 12th-grade high school students.
The NCSSM Summer STEM Program, held at the NCSSM-Durham and Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) campuses, is a one-week residential program focused on providing STEM education and support to students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. These include students who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, female students, students from low-income households, and those from North Carolina's U.S. Congressional Districts 1, 3, and 11, which have the lowest rates of post-secondary education attendance. The program aims to inspire and prepare students for STEM careers through engaging, real-world interdisciplinary projects that enhance their skills in science, mathematics, technology, and communication.
Accepted students participate in hands-on STEM activities, collaborative problem-solving sessions, and academic workshops led by experienced educators and professionals. The program provides continued support by inviting rising 9th-grade participants (Cohort 1) to return for a second summer as rising 10th graders (Cohort 2).
Notable Features:
Focus on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM and higher education.
Hands-on, interdisciplinary STEM projects and workshops.
Opportunity for Cohort 1 students to return for a second summer.
Free of cost, ensuring accessibility for all eligible students.
Quick Facts:
Location:
NCSSM-Durham Campus (Cohort 2) – June 15-20
Elizabeth City State University (Cohorts 1 and 2) – July 6-11
Cost: Free.
Application Dates:
Application Opens: December 3
Application Closes: February 4
Eligibility: Current 8th-grade students residing in North Carolina.
Duke Pre-College Summer Programs offers middle and high school students the academic experience to prepare for future success while developing global connections and hands-on learning. Students can choose from courses in economics, science, engineering, and more, available in various formats: in-person on Duke’s campuses, marine science at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC, or online.
Participants engage with Duke faculty, industry professionals, and affiliates, gaining both academic knowledge and life skills. The program emphasizes academic rigor, collaboration, and personal growth, providing a supportive space to explore interests. Advanced courses like Applied Econometrics and Research Methods in Science and Engineering offer students a deeper dive into specialized fields.
Notable Features:
In-person courses on Duke’s campuses and Marine Lab, plus online options.
Hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of academic concepts.
Opportunities to collaborate with peers from around the globe.
Instruction from Duke faculty and industry experts.
Quick Facts:
Location: Duke University (East and West Campuses), Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC, and online.
Cost: Varies by course (financial aid details available on the program site).
Dates: Summer (specific dates vary by course).
Application Deadline: Open enrollment begins December 17
Eligibility:
Open to middle and high school students graded 6-11.
Recommended GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Some courses may require prerequisites (details provided during registration).
The STEM Pre-College Program at UNC Charlotte, run by the Center for STEM Education, is all about inspiring more students to explore careers in math, science, and engineering. Open to students in grades 6-12, the program offers a hands-on, exciting dive into STEM subjects. Participants get to experience a variety of activities like field trips, engaging lectures, robotics challenges, math and science competitions, and even SAT/ACT prep. They can also take part in STEM fairs and the Science Olympiad, making it a fun and well-rounded introduction to the world of STEM.
Notable Features:
Hands-on STEM enrichment activities.
Field trips and lectures by UNC Charlotte faculty and students.
Participation in STEM fairs, competitions, and standardized test prep.
Quick Facts:
Location: UNC Charlotte
Cost: $125 application fee
Dates:Spring: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (10 sessions during the academic year).
Application Deadline: January 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Registration Period: October 28 – January 10.
Eligibility:
Students in grades 6-12.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 or a grade of “C” or higher in math and science classes.
Transcript or most recent report card required (PowerSchool screenshots accepted if the student’s name and school are evident).
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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