Who can apply?
These guidelines are specific to the Summer Ventures in Science and Math program:
- Students in their second or third year of high school who have not already participated in Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics.
- Students must currently attend high school in North Carolina or meet our residency requirements.
- Students with proven academic ability, motivation in STEM fields of study, and emotional maturity.
- Students may apply to both Summer Ventures and Governor’s School, but they must choose one if accepted to both programs.
- Students may apply to both Summer Ventures and North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Students must choose between Summer Ventures or the NCSSM Durham or Morganton residential program if accepted to both. NCSSM Online students can attend Summer Ventures.
- A student on the NCSSM Durham and Morganton residential waiting list who becomes an accepted finalist after May 31 may attend Summer Ventures.
No Cost
Summer Ventures is a cost-free program to accepted students. Meals while on campus are included.
What do I need to apply?
Applicants must provide:
- Student application
- Confidential STEM teacher evaluation
- Confidential English teacher evaluation
- Confidential counselor evaluation
- Evidence of academic performance
Application Process
*Earlier due date: The application will be due January 5, 2025.*
Summer Ventures uses the same application process as used for NCSSM Durham, Morganton, and Online program admissions. Choose “Summer Ventures” when prompted as to which program(s) you are applying.
- Applicants must have each section of the CFNC.org electronic application completed by January 5, 2025. There are no exceptions to this deadline.
- After the application closes on CFNC, applicants will receive an email with access information to Blackbaud.
- It is the responsibility of the applicant to ask their teachers and counselor to complete an evaluation on their behalf and add that information in Blackbaud.
- Late January 2025: Applicant/Family receive access to Blackbaud portal to input teacher and counselor information for evaluations. Applicants will be able to submit a transcript using CFNC.org’s Transcript Manager or by visiting their high school guidance counselor.
- February 28, 2025: Deadline for receipt of electronic Teacher and Counselor Evaluation Forms and deadline to submit a transcript.
- April 3, 2025: Notification of applicants through Blackbaud.
- Summer 2025: Program dates for each campus vary. The current year program dates are listed on the main Summer Ventures page.
What happens after I apply?
Applicants will be able to follow their progress during the admissions process using a secure NCSSM web link. After the application questions deadline on January 5, in February, each applicant will be emailed a link and password to monitor their application process and final status. Applicants will be able to track receipt of their transcript and evaluations. Please note that it takes 3-5 business days for transcripts to be processed and received in Blackbaud.
How to Apply
You can apply to Summer Ventures through an application to NCSSM. You may choose to apply to only Summer Ventures, or if eligible, other NCSSM programs. NCSSM has partnered with the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) to create the NCSSM electronic application. To complete an application, you must have a CFNC account. Go to www.cfnc.org, read through the instructions, and create a CFNC account. Once you have created an account or if you already have a CFNC account, log into CFNC.org.
For specific instructions on filling out the NCSSM Application at CFNC.org, see the Application Help Guide. You can also preview the Summer Ventures-specific essay questions.
Information Sessions
The Summer Ventures program with NCSSM Admissions hosts information sessions throughout the fall and early winter. You can sign up for a Summer Ventures webinar through NCSSM Admissions here.