NCSSM’s Strategic Plan 2019–2024

Mission

The mission of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, an intellectually stimulating, diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community, is to:

• educate and nurture academically talented students to become state, national, and global leaders,
• increase access to high quality public education in North Carolina, and
• cultivate engaged citizens who will work for the betterment of the world,

through challenging programs, with an emphasis on STEM, driven by the pursuit of excellence and innovation.

Beliefs

NCSSM’s fundamental values and non-negotiable principles

We believe that:

• Our greatest resource is the capability and creative capacity of the human mind.
• Everyone is unique and has intrinsic value.
• Diversity and inclusion enrich and strengthen lives and communities.
• Embracing challenge inspires growth and the pursuit of excellence.
• Individuals are responsible for their choices and actions.
• With opportunity, support, and effort all people can realize their full potential.
• A nurturing community develops the well-being of the whole person.
• Service to others builds and strengthens community.
• Environmental stewardship and resource sustainability are a shared responsibility.
• A passion for learning throughout life leads to success and fulfillment.
• Collaboration fosters learning, ignites innovation, and cultivates community.
• Adhering to high ethical standards is essential for a community to function and flourish.
• Access to high quality public education is essential to a free, democratic society.

Parameters

Boundaries within which NCSSM will accomplish its mission

• The best interest of students will always be given the highest priority in decision-making.
• As we strive to achieve our mission, we will assure the integrity and quality of our residential programs in collaboration with all other NCSSM programs.
• The scope of our program will always include learning in the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, extracurricular activities, and service.
• Programs and services should be consistent with the strategic plan, and the benefits clearly justify cost.
• We will always provide safe, secure, supportive environments for living, learning, and working.

Objectives

Goals that NCSSM will achieve through the Strategic Plan

These objectives reflect specific, demonstrable, and measurable results that exceed our present capacity and will allow us to address the critical issues we face. The goal is to accomplish these three objectives over the next five years:

Objective 1
Ensure that each NCSSM student will engage as a thinker, maker, or doer in an experience that requires the application of knowledge and skills to address challenges in the world beyond the classroom.

Objective 2
Annually increase the percentage of NCSSM alumni earning degrees in STEM fields.

Objective 3
Meaningfully engage 1,000,000 students and 100,000 teachers through NCSSM products or services over the next five years.

Strategy: We will increase and diversify revenues and resources to accomplish our mission and objectives.

Result statements with implementation years

Note: Implementation year refers to the academic year in which work on a result statement will begin. Work on each result may span beyond one year.

Strategy: We will adopt effective communications, data, business and administrative systems that are scalable and sustainable for our day-to-day operations.

Result statements with implementation years

Note: Implementation year refers to the academic year in which work on a result statement will begin. Work on each result may span beyond one year.

Strategy: We will build and maintain three cohesive campuses (Durham, Morganton & Virtual) working seamlessly together as one integrated NCSSM.

Result statements with implementation years

Note: Implementation year refers to the academic year in which work on a result statement will begin. Work on each result may span beyond one year.

Strategy: We will use our institutional flexibility to the fullest extent to provide innovative learning opportunities for students that allow them to design their futures and become engaged citizens. 

Result statements with implementation years

Note: Implementation year refers to the academic year in which work on a result statement will begin. Work on each result may span beyond one year.

Strategy: We will effectively communicate the transformative impact of NCSSM on students, communities, and the state as a whole.

Result statements with implementation years

Note: Implementation year refers to the academic year in which work on a result statement will begin. Work on each result may span beyond one year.

Strategy: We will ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion characterize our campus culture and climate.

Result statements with implementation years

Note: Implementation year refers to the academic year in which work on a result statement will begin. Work on each result may span beyond one year.

Strategy: We will prioritize our initiatives and develop and implement ways of sustaining our faculty and staff, including salaries, work-life balance, and professional development.

Result statements with implementation years

Note: Implementation year refers to the academic year in which work on a result statement will begin. Work on each result may span beyond one year.

Strategy: We will expand programming and collaborative partnerships in K-12 that prepare students for the rigor and challenges of our changing world.

Result statements with implementation years

Note: Implementation year refers to the academic year in which work on a result statement will begin. Work on each result may span beyond one year.