STEM Pre-College Program

Students

Mission

The Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education is pleased to support the STEM Pre-College Program at UNC Charlotte. The goal of the program is to broaden the pool of students pursuing STEM majors and careers. Its objectives are met via enrichment activities on and off the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte primarily through: a Saturday Academy during the academic year; a Summer Scholars program annually in June/July; a research experiences program; and in-person/virtual interactions with STEM professionals.  The program claims: an almost 40-year history; the 1998 United States Presidential Award for Mentoring, and alumni throughout the region, state, and country who specialize in STEM. We are the preeminent precollege experience.

Saturday Academy

The Saturday Academy Program affords middle and high school students out-of-school enrichment in STEM during the academic year. Activities are primarily conducted on Saturdays and will also include “Virtual Thursdays” where students will connect with support staff, guest speakers, and their peers via Zoom. Students, grades six (6) through twelve (12), are engaged in:

  • Field trips
  • Lectures and demonstrations by UNC Charlotte Faculty/Staff/Students
  • Lego robotics
  • Math competitions
  • SAT/ACT preparation
  • Science Fair
  • Science Olympiad
  • Tutoring
  • and much more

The enrollment fee is $125 per semester (fall and spring).

Go to “Saturday Academy” for more information about enrollment.

Summer Scholars

The Summer Scholars program is an opportunity for students to prepare for topics they may encounter next fall and/or explore STEM topics of interest. Over the course of multiple weeks, students have the opportunity to engage in coding, Science Olympiad, and subject-specific topics such as Earth and Environmental Science. These week-long engagements are an immersion into this content to further their understanding of specific content and/or gain competency on the subject-matter. Please find more detailed information about these offerings in the menu in the left margin of this page.

William Randolph Hearst Foundation Scholarship

Aneesh Sudigala is one of three (3) students state-wide to receive a $5,000.00 scholarship from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for completing the STEM Pre-College Program at UNC Charlotte. Aneesh competed against graduating seniors from STEM Pre-College Programs at Elizabeth City State University, NC State University, and Winston-Salem State University. The scholarship is funded from a grant from the Hearst Endowment Fund for the former university members of the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network. Three applicants are selected annually to receive a $5,000 scholarship to the four-year institution they will attend. Each recipient will also major in STEM.

Aneesh is a graduate of Weddington High School. He is also a student in the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Online Program. At the Future Business Leaders of America State and Regional Leadership Conferences, Aneesh placed in events such as Information Technology and Cybersecurity. At the Regional VEX Robotics Competition, his team placed first for Skills and Overall performance. Aneesh has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for more than 200 hours of community service. He credits the STEM Pre-College Program for giving him the opportunity to explore the field of computer science. Through labs and activities in STEAM, Aneesh received an opportunity to pursue his knowledge in this intricate field. Participating in activities such as STEM Day and Science Olympiad gave him a wider understanding of computer science. Some of his hobbies include playing soccer, hiking, and playing video games.

October 2024 Newsletter

Virtual Thursday, November 14, 2024 with Mrs. Susan Habina-Woolard, Professional Engineer

The STEM Pre-College Program conducts two, Virtual Thursdays via Zoom each semester. On November 14, 2024, the program was proud to host Mrs. Susan Habina-Woolard, Professional Engineer for the Township of Matthews, NC.

Dr. Mack, Director of the the STEM Pre-College Program, honored by Education Technology Insights

To access the complete article, please visit https://stem.educationtechnologyinsights.com/cxoinsights/guiding-students-toward-success-in-stem-fields-nid-2886.html.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the program, please email stem-precollege@uncc.edu or call (704) 687-8726.