Summer Opportunities

Governor's School is a 4-week summer, residential enrichment program for high achieving juniors and some sophomores. Students are nominated by school districts across NC for specific academic areas. 

The areas students can be nominated for are: Math, English, Natural Science, Social Science, Spanish, Choral music, Instrumental music, Theatre, Dance, and Art. Note: Sophomores are ONLY eligible to apply for Choral Music, Instrumental Music, and Dance.  

The cost of attending Governor's School is $500 for the full four week program. 

Please continue down this page to learn more about the program and the process for applying for a nomination.

The deadline to submit ALL application materials is Monday November 8th by 2:15 PM. 

This is a firm deadline and there will be no exceptions. 

Please see the information below to learn more about the application process. 

Watch the Recording of the Governor's School Information Session and review the application steps below

• This session covers the application process, deadlines, and generally gives more information about Governor's School. See the video and slides below to learn about how to apply.

• I want to note this presentation includes a couple of academic characteristics that CMS considers when reading nomination applications. I want to underscore that these are CONSIDERATIONS, however, it will be helpful to meet at least one of the characteristics described in the presentation slides.

1. Watch the video above and look through the slide deck.

2. Review the Governor's School Nomination Packet

• This packet answers many FAQs and provides more information about what the specific Governor's school programs cover. You are STRONGLY encouraged to review to ensure the academic enrichment is what you are looking for. It is linked above and at the end of the slide deck.

3. Ask for two recommendations. Governor's School has a specific form that your recommenders have to complete, you can find it below.

• As described in the video above, one letter MUST be from a teacher in the area that you want to be nominated in. The other letter can be from another teacher or someone else.

• Click this link to access the form you will need to give your recommenders.

• Recommendations must be submitted DIRECTLY to Ms. Manz-Siek via email, julianac.manz-siek@cms.k12.nc.us

4. Complete the student application

• Access the application here: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/media/13155/download?attachment

5. Once you have completed the Student Application, upload it to the Google Form linked below:

• Application Upload Form: https://forms.gle/6BE2M7EbZh8PDMuL6

6. Ms. Manz-Siek will email you when you have a complete application. A complete application includes your completed student application and the letters of recommendation from your recommenders. 

7. If you have any questions or need any support with the application, please contact Ms. Manz-Siek, julianac.manz-siek@cms.k12.nc.us.

The deadline to submit ALL application materials is Monday November 8th by 2:15 PM. 

This is a firm deadline and there will be no exceptions. 

What is the benefit of attending Governor's school?

• Governor's School is an opportunity to explore your interests and passions with other people who often share similar interests. It is an enrichment program, meaning it is not focused on grades, so you really get the chance to embrace learning and pursuing the things you are passionate about. It is a  great opportunity to meet people from across North Carolina, get a sample of what college can be like, and is great to write about on your college applications!

Where is Governor's School located?

• There are two campuses: Governor's School East and Governor's School West. Governor's School East will be on the Meredith College campus in Raleigh. The location of Governor's School West will be announced in early 2022. 

When will Governor's School take place?

• Right now, the TENTATIVE dates are June 19th-July 17th, 2022. These dates have not been finalized. However, I would still encourage you to apply. It is likely that you can withdraw your application if you can't attend if those dates change. Additionally, the Governor's School application asks about your interest and willingness to attend Governor's School, regardless of the other things that may be going on. Keep that in mind as you think about whether or not you want to apply. 

How much does it cost?

• Governor's School has a $500 tuition cost. If that will be a barrier for your family, know that there are need-based scholarships you can apply for if you are accepted to the program. 

For more FAQs, please see the Nomination Packet. 

For any questions about the nomination process or support with your application, please contact Ms. Manz-Siek.

Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics is a no cost, state-funded program for academically talented North Carolina students who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. If hands-on, independent learning is appealing to you, and you are excited about the idea of conducting research to answer questions that intrigue you, this is the program for you!

Similar to Governor's School, Summer Ventures is a 4-week residential program at four different college campuses: App, ECU, UNC Wilmington, and UNC Charlotte. You do not get to choose which campus you attend. 

Please visit the Summer Ventures website for more information about the program and commonly asked questions. There are videos that describe the student experience as well as opportunities to attend webinars about the application.

1. The application for Summer Ventures is through CFNC.org, or the College Foundation of North Carolina. Students must complete the application in its entirely. 

2. You will need three letters of recommendation to apply to Summer Ventures.

• One from a STEM teacher

• One from an English teacher

• One from your counselor

3. There are two essays on the application. You can preview them here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11HwVPfRpe5vUHwmc4LzVPySTZ7UuRObD/view

4. If you need any assistance, with your application, please let us know in Student Services. 

Your application is due on January 18th. Application is submitted through CFNC.org. Recommenders submit after your application is submitted.

Can I apply to both Governor's School and Summer Ventures?

• Yes, you can apply to both. However, you are not allowed to attend both so you would have to decide which program you want to participate in. 

Do I need a nomination to apply to Summer Ventures?

• No, all sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. The program is designed for high achieving students, so your academic achievement will be taken into consideration.

See more FAQs on the Summer Ventures Websites