NCSSM Explore is a virtual group mentoring program focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and related topics. This program is designed to increase knowledge and awareness of STEM careers and opportunities for students who may already be interested in STEM topics but are not as familiar with what these careers fully encompass. The Explore program aims to encourage students to Explore Careers Beyond what they are familiar with and consider a problem-solving approach while investigating potential career choices. Students will be matched with 2-3 mentors and be placed in groups of 5-7 mentees. This program is free and 100% virtual. 

10th and 11th grade students living in or attending school in congressional districts 1 (Darker purple-North Eastern NC), 3 (Tan yellow-Eastern NC), or 11 (Purple-Western NC) are eligible for this program.

Eligible counties: District 1: Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Edgecombe, Gates, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, Vance, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilson District 3: Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Hyde, Jones, Pamlico, Pitt, Sampson Dirstrict 11: Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey

Note: Cumberland, Polk County, and Granville County students are eligible as long as they attend a public school or reside in these counties. 

Previous Step Up to STEM and INSPIRE students in grades 10-11 are also eligible to apply, regardless of their county of residence, as long as they still reside in North Carolina.  

For more questions, email: explore@ncssm.edu.