Who can apply?

Early Accelerator courses are for rising 5th and 6th graders. Participants do not have to be residents of North Carolina. The application must be completed by a custodial parent or guardian. Space in each course is limited, so participants are encouraged to apply early. 

Applications are received until all spots are filled. We are looking for participants who have a passion for the subject area, good behavior/conduct, and experience in the subject area (if opportunities are available). 

What is the weekly schedule?

Durham Campus

Morganton and NCCET (Hickory) Campus

Monday – Thursday  8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.        Student Arrival 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.       Class time 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.      Lunch  12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.      Class time (includes break and snack time) 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.       Student Departure Friday  8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.       Student Arrival 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.      Class time 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.    Lunch  12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.     Class Displays/Departure

Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.        Student Arrival 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.       Class time 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.      Lunch  12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.      Class time (includes break and snack time) 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.       Student Departure

Cost?

Cost for Early Accelerator is $350. Students must bring lunch. All other materials and supplies for the program will be provided.

Is there financial aid available?

Any student in the United States who has been accepted to the Summer Accelerator program may apply for financial aid by completing a FACTS Aid Assessment. FACTS assessment fees for North Carolina students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program will be paid by Accelerator. Students in North Carolina whose families are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may apply for a full financial aid scholarship for our summer programs without doing the FACTS assessment. 

To apply for aid, please fill out the same application and indicate that you are applying for aid. Once accepted to Early Accelerator or Summer Accelerator, we will provide details about applying for financial aid. At that point, applicants can choose to complete the FACTS assessment to apply for financial aid or send proof of SNAP to summer@ncssm.edu in order to be considered for aid. The student’s spot will be held without a deposit during the financial aid application process, and a deposit will be due one week after the assessment depending on aid amount.​

We are seeking funding to expand our financial aid to families in need and will announce any expansion of financial aid through email to those subscribed to our mailing list. You can subscribe here.

What if I have to cancel?

Cancellations prior to April 1 will receive a full-tuition refund. Cancellations made on or after April 1 are not eligible for a refund.

In the case that the minimum requirements for running the program are not met, we reserve the right to cancel a course at any time and will provide registered participants a full refund, including the deposit amount.