GATES COUNTY, N.C. — After a decade of transformative impact on youth in northeastern North Carolina, the Saunders Science Scholars program will officially complete its run following a pair of milestone events celebrating its final cohort and enduring legacy.
The program will mark its conclusion alongside the Gates County High School Graduation on May 29 and the Saunders Science Scholars Graduation Gala on May 30. Together, the events will honor students, families, and the leadership that helped shape one of the region’s most influential educational initiatives.
At the heart of that leadership is UNC’s Dr. Crystal Harden, who has served the Gates County community for the duration. She currently acts as Director of Programs and Strategic Engagement at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Under Dr. Harden’s guidance, the program expanded its reach and deepened its impact, providing Gates County students with access to high-quality science enrichment, mentorship, and college and career exploration opportunities.
“For me, this work has always been about opening doors and helping young people see what’s possible,” said Dr. Harden. “The Saunders Science Scholars program was not just about science, it’s been about building confidence, nurturing curiosity, and reminding our students that they belong in every space they aspire to enter.”
The Saunders Science Scholars program was conceptualized and funded by Stephen Butts, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumnus and CEO of Arrivo BioVentures, LLC. It was named in honor of the late Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., a respected Gates County educator whose legacy of service and commitment to education continues to inspire the community.
From its earliest planning stages ten years ago, the program has been a collaborative effort. Gates County Community Partnership worked closely with Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and Gates County Schools, to design and implement the program. Through this partnership, Morehead provided a wide range of resources to Gates County outside of the base program, including donations, science programming, summer camps, professional development for teachers, grant support services, and engaging science exhibitions that enriched learning experiences for both students and educators.
Gates County Community Partnership Director, Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. served as an advisor, mentor, and active collaborator throughout the program’s span. As the son of the program’s namesake, the initiative has been deeply personal for him and his family.
“To see it grow from an idea into a life-changing experience for so many young people has been incredibly meaningful. The results speak for themselves. The Saunders Science Scholars legacy will endure through the students it has served,” said Saunders, Jr.
“This isn’t an ending so much as a transition,” Dr. Harden added. “We taught our scholars to carry this experience forward, and that’s where true impact lives!”