40 Years of Summer Ventures
More than 16,500 students have participated in Summer Ventures since the program launched in the 1980s. Today, NCSSM continues to partner with other UNC System schools to provide hands-on, real-world research opportunities at UNC System universities to 11th- and 12th-grade students from throughout North Carolina.
In 1984, the NC General Assembly launched the Summer Ventures in Science and Math program with recurring funding to provide high school students an opportunity to learn and do STEM research with UNC System researchers. The program launched in 1985 in partnership between NCSSM and the UNC System Office, and Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, NC Central University, UNC Charlotte, and Western Carolina University. UNC Wilmington joined several years later. At its peak, Summer Ventures served 600 students per year in the late 1980s.
In 2024, 163 students engaged in a STEM research opportunity at four campuses – Appalachian State, East Carolina University, UNC Charlotte, and UNC Wilmington. NCSSM continues to manage the program, and is governed by the same state law governing NCSSM admissions, by which students are selected by congressional district.
High School Students and University Research
When Summer Ventures launched, it was very rare for high school students to engage in university research, and less common for undergraduate students to engage in student research outside of major research universities. The unique model for Summer Ventures allows any STEM-interested student to be trained to engage in university STEM research, and does not require previous advanced experience. Summer Ventures remains unique in offering a no-cost research experience at multiple public universities designed to reach an entire state.
All Summer Ventures students complete their research experience at a UNC System campus.
Can you imagine being 16 years old and participating in an archaeological dig, or operating an electron microscope, or carrying out part of an actual medical research project? These students are going to have the time of their lives.
—Dr. Martha Jenner, Summer Ventures state coordinator in 1985
Read more on page 2 of UNC Board of Governors Quarterly, Summer 1985
View Summer Ventures 25th anniversary booklet
Alumni: Stay connected!
Over 16,500 North Carolina students have completed the Summer Ventures in Science and Math program. And each year the program commonly sees the children of Summer Ventures alumni, as alumni encourage their children to apply.
If you are a Summer Ventures alum, we invite you to share your current contact information, career trajectory, and impact of the program.
Alumni can help us share Summer Ventures by requesting marketing materials or a specific school we can send an information packet to, especially their graduating high school. NCSSM Admissions currently speaks about Summer Ventures and other NCSSM programs as part of their school and community visits.
Donate to support Summer Ventures
Alumni, parents, and friends can donate specifically to support Summer Ventures. These funds are used for special purposes including:
- Buying specialized equipment that research faculty use with students
- Providing additional support for students requiring adaptive accommodations
- Purchasing recreational equipment and games, or supporting community-building activities or trips
Choose “Summer Ventures” in the dropdown menu on the NCSSM designated donations page.
