For the second summer, all student participants in the Saunders Science Scholars Program who applied will get full scholarships, valued at $30,000, to the Summer Accelerator program at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Camps will be located on the Morganton and Durham campuses of NCSSM, depending on the concentration chosen by the student. They all will provide “unique, high-level academic experiences.”

“We currently have 17 students taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity, with a few more on waitlists for their desired course of interest. Hopefully, this experience encourages some of our scholars to attend the School of Science and Math for their final two years of high school,” said Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President of Gates County Community Partnership and Member of Morehead’s Advisory Board. “Special thanks to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for continuing to provide opportunities to the students of Gates County Schools and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics for being an amazing supporter of Gates County!”

Rising 9th grade Saunders Science Scholars will participate in a one-week residential program. Rising 10th grade scholars will participate in a three-week hybrid program with virtual and residential components. There are many disciplines to choose, ranging from “Storytelling and Persuading Using Data” and “Math to the Rescue: Solving Big Problems with New Math” to “Data for Building Blockchains: Intro to DeFi” and “Explorations in Genetics.”

“The confidence that London will build due to the exposure to the NCSSM Summer Accelerator program is immeasurable because it opens her mind to limitless opportunities beyond Gates County. With me and her father’s assistance, as well as her Saunders Science Scholars family, London will continue to develop STEM knowledge, communication skills, and self-awareness,” stated Cindy Barber, Saunders Science Scholars parent and educator at Gates County High School.

Gates County students currently scheduled to participate in the 2022 Summer Accelerator Program are Ayden “AJ” Wright, Ace Austin, Bella Bartoli, Benjamin Ross, Hunter Ambrose, Jamell Reid, Logan Kronbauer, London Barber, Ni’Jahe Saunders, Noah Wilkins, Shay Stallings, Timberlyn Chappell, Shalamar Boyce, Zamaria Kinsley, Jayla Porter, Ky’Asia Bunch, and Justin Powell.

The mission of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is to educate and nurture academically talented students to become state, national, and global leaders, increase access to high quality public education in North Carolina, and cultivate engaged citizens who will work for the betterment of the world, through challenging programs, with an emphasis on STEM, driven by the pursuit of excellence and innovation.