This partnership delivers a STEM-based yearlong program through an inquiry-based learning (IBL) model that aligns with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The program includes a weeklong summer intensive STEM experience and a yearlong enrichment program.

The follow-up program consists of two visits to Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education in Winston Salem, North Carolina for a fall and a spring summit, quarterly STEM Saturday activities and quarterly progress report meetings with school administrators to monitor academic progress and an emphasis on more rigorous STEM-related courses.

  • The fall and spring summits connect student participants with STEM students and faculty from Wake Forest University and Wake Forest School of Medicine.
  • STEM Saturday activities take place quarterly in each of the partnering schools and are led by their STEM teachers from the summer experience component.
  • A yearlong project-based learning component is launched during the summer experience and is continued throughout the school year.

The project component culminates at the end of the school year with a presentation to parents, teachers, administrators and CERTL staff.

This program serves 20 middle school students each year from the identified school districts to improve knowledge of STEM-based content and improve their academic performance in order for them to enroll in higher-level STEM classes and possibly pursue careers in STEM-related fields.