WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2026.
Introducing NC students to research in STEM fields
INSPIRE (Introducing STEM Pathways through Inquiry and Research Experiences) introduces academically talented participants from a wide range of backgrounds to STEM research and helps cultivate their leadership skills and competencies with experiences in STEM research and in solving complex, real-world problems.
INSPIRE is an expansion of the Summer Leadership and Research Program. The one-week summer residential experience on our NCSSM-Morganton campus is made possible by generous financial support from Epic Games, after starting with support from the Barber Fund for Underrepresented Minorities for STEM Leadership. The program is free and available to students who are residents of North Carolina.
Academic experience
Each student is matched with a mentor who facilitates an inquiry or research experience. Students also participate in enrichment activities, such as sessions and workshops on leadership competencies, team-building, self-advocacy, communication skills, networking, study skills and growth mindset. On the last day of the program, students present the results of their inquiry and/or research experiences to their families, the NCSSM-Morganton community and program partners in the greater Morganton community.
Residence hall accommodations
Participants will be assigned a double-occupancy room in the campus residence hall, with Community Coordinators, or CCs, who live in the residence halls among students and assume an in loco parentis or supervisory role of the students. A comprehensive array of scheduled activities are offered every evening, and free time can be used for studying, communicating with family, spending time with fellow participants, or relaxing. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
I have liked the opportunity of working with a mentor in a setting of my choice and the enriching field trips most about the INSPIRE program.”
—INSPIRE participant
2026 Program Details
- Dates: June 21-26, 2026
- Location: NCSSM-Morganton (901 Burkemont Ave., Morganton, NC 28655)
Key Dates for Summer 2026:
- January 6, 2026: Application portal opens
- February 12, 2026: INSPIRE Virtual Information Session
- March 5, 2026: Application portal closes
- April 6, 2026: Acceptance decisions emailed
- April 10, 2026: Deadline for acceptance contracts to be submitted
- June 21-26, 2026: INSPIRE at NCSSM-Morganton
INSPIRE Virtual Information Session:
The INSPIRE Virtual Information Session is a free event, providing an overview of the program. The event will take place on February 12, 2026 at 7:00 pm. (Registration is closed.)
INSPIRE Virtual Office Hours:
The purpose of the INSPIRE Virtual Office Hours is to answer any questions that parents, students, and/or educators may have about the INSPIRE application process. The dates/times for this application season are as follows:
- January 20, 2026: (4:30 pm – 6:30 pm)
- February 24, 2026: (4:30 pm – 6:30 pm)
To sign up for a virtual office hour time slot, please click here. Please note that sign-ups are on a first come, first serve basis.
