It was wonderful. I was able to learn, go to class, and have fun. That experience is the reason that I am more seriously considering a career that is focused on science and math. The classes provided allowed me to realize my love for math and helped me see how much fun science could be. That is why I want to continue to explore subjects that are related to science.”

—Step Up to STEM participant

A Typical Summer Academic Day

Step Up to STEM participants receive one-on-one attention from instructors and staff. Session groups are comprised of 16 students or less with several counselors and instructors to provide personal attention to participants. A typical summer weekday looks like this:

Cohort 1 (Rising 9th Graders)

8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:00 a.m.: Session 1: Math
10:30 a.m.: Session 2: Engineering
12:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 p.m.: Session 3: Science
2:30 p.m.: Enrichment activities
5:30 p.m.: Dinner
6:30 p.m.: Wellness/free time
7:00 p.m.: Enrichment and student life activities
9:30 p.m.: On hall check and meeting
10:00 p.m.: In-room curfew

Cohort 2 (Rising 10th Graders)

8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:00 a.m.: Research-Focused Course
12:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 p.m.: Research-Focused Course
2:30 p.m.: Enrichment activities
5:30 p.m.: Dinner
6:30 p.m.: Wellness/free time
7:00 p.m.: Enrichment and student life activities
9:30 p.m.: On hall check and meeting
10:00 p.m.: In-room curfew

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Key Dates for Summer 2027:

• December 1, 2026: Application portal opens
• December 3, 2026: Step Up to STEM Application Workshop
• January 7, 2027: Step Up to STEM @ ECSU Information Session
• January 14, 2027: Step Up to STEM @ NCSSM-Durham Information Session
• January 21, 2027: Step Up to STEM @ UNCP Information Session
• February 3, 2027: Application portal closes
• March 11, 2027: Acceptance decisions emailed
• March 25, 2027: Deadline for acceptance contracts to be submitted
• June 13-18, 2027: Step Up to STEM @ NCSSM-Durham (Cohort 2)
• June 27-July 2, 2027: Step Up to STEM @ ECSU (Cohorts 1 and 2)
• July 11-16, 2027: Step Up to STEM @ UNCP (Cohorts 1 and 2)
• July 18-23, 2027: Step Up to STEM @ NCSSM-Durham (Cohort 1)

Please note: Cohort 1 is ONLY for students applying to the program as current eighth graders. Cohort 2 is ONLY for students who participated the previous year as Cohort 1 students.

Step Up to STEM Application Workshop:

Join us for a virtual workshop designed to help you master the Step Up to STEM application process.

Here is what we will cover:

• Portal Walkthrough: Step-by-step guidance for navigating the online application portal smoothly
• Recommender Etiquette: Practical advice on how to approach and follow-through with your recommenders.
• Family Q&A: Dedicated time for you and your family to ask questions and get real-time answers.

Workshop Date: December 3, 2026
Registration Dates: November 2, 2026 – December 2, 2026 (Closes at 5:00 pm)
Location: Online via Zoom (Access links will be emailed the morning of the event to all registered families).

Step Up to STEM Virtual Information Sessions

Join us to learn more about Step Up to STEM! These free virtual sessions will cover an overview of the program, eligibility requirements, the application process, and the summer 2027 timeline. Each session will also include a live Q&A to answer your questions.

Session Dates and Times:

• Thursday, January 7, 2027 (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm): Step Up to STEM at ECSU Virtual Information Session
• Thursday, January 14, 2027 (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm): Step Up to STEM at NCSSM- Durham Virtual Information Session
• Thursday, January 21, 2027 (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm): Step Up to STEM at UNCP Virtual Information Session

Registration Details:
These sessions are free and held via Zoom. Registration opens on November 2, 2026 and closes at 5:00 pm ET the day before each event. Zoom access links will be emailed to all registered families on the morning of the session.