The Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics curriculum is designed to give rising high school juniors and seniors an exciting, challenging enrichment experience in science and mathematics.  In addition to the instructional activities, students conduct independent research projects that are presented orally in an open forum.  Instructors work closely with students on their projects and guide them in the preparation of their reports.  Abstracts from the reports are bound into a single volume and distributed to participants and faculty.

The academic program consists of five hours of structured classroom, field and laboratory activities, Monday through Saturday.  Students are allowed to work independently in laboratories while not in class.  Special activities are held some evenings and weekends.  Students are expected to participate in all planned activities throughout the four week period.  The program culminates with a closing program, at which time students who complete the program receive certificates of achievement.
 
 
 

Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics students reside in a residence hall under the supervision of a full-time staff.  Students are provided meals in the University's W.G. Pearson Cafeteria and receive any needed health care through the University's Student Health Services and/or Durham Regional Hospital.  As at all Summer Ventures sites, there will be in-dorm,  in-room, and lights out curfews.  Statewide regulations regarding visitors, motorized vehicles, inter-visitation, sign outs, and dating will be in effect.  Some activities and recreational opportunities include movies in the dorm, cards and table games, forums on drugs and other societal issues, dances, and a talent show.  Students are also given University I.D. cards, allowing them access to the Alfonso Elder Student Union and the LeRoy T. Walker Physical Education and Recreation Complex.
 

Summer Ventures in Science Mathematics was created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1984.   It is administered by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.  The first institutes were held during the summer of 1985.  The aim is of the program is to provide academic enrichment opportunities in science and mathematics for academically talented high school students.    The initial sites were at Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Western Carolina University.  In 1987, University of North Carolina at Wilmington was added as the sixth site.