The Fall Break RISE (Race, Identity and Science Exploration) series serves as an opportunity for scholars to engage in shared travel, educational field trips and critical conversations around the intersections of identity and STEM. While each trip offered through the RISE series may differ in terms of focus or location, the goal of each trip will be to expand participants’ worldview, knowledge and empathy, and to strengthen the Goodnight Scholars community by developing a better understanding of your peers and their experiences.
Fall Break RISE 2025 will visit culturally and historically significant spaces within the Baltimore, MD area. This 4-day trip will focus on the history and STEM contributions of Black and African American people, and will feature stops at museums, historic sites, college campuses, and much more.
The application is available here and is due by September 3rd, 2025 at 11:59pm.
This trip is for everyone. There aren’t any prerequisites in terms of identity work that you’ve done, majors that you study, or interests that you hold. We encourage all students to apply. Students must be 18 years old by October 10th to participate.
Friday, October 10th - Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
The cost of this trip is significantly subsidized to only cost you $100, which includes travel, lodging, transportation, museum tickets, and most meals. You are also responsible for bringing any petty cash to purchase souvenirs and the occasional meal.
14 scholars are selected. In total, 18 people (14 scholars, 2 student trip leaders, and 2 pro staff) will attend.
The Goodnight Scholars Program Pro Staff takes into consideration the strength of your application with clear personal and/or professional goals for participation. We will not make selections solely because a scholar is a senior OR is heavily involved in our community.
Yes. If you accept your spot and withdraw from the trip for any reason other than a major medical or immediate family emergency (of which you will be required to provide proof), you will be expected to reimburse the Goodnight Scholars Program for the per person cost of the trip.
Yes. You're required to attend a pre-trip meeting (date TBD). Resources will also be shared to help the group engage in conversations around trip topics prior to our departure.
Trip itinerary will be confirmed by the pre-trip meeting.
We will be flying to Baltimore. MD and then utilizing public transportation while in the city.
We will be staying at the Residence Inn Baltimore Downtown Inner Harbor
You will receive answers to these questions at the pre-trip meeting. In general, we recommend packing according to the forecast for the weekend of travel.
We have worked extremely hard to coordinate a lot of quality activities for you during this trip. However, we understand (and support) the desire to experience a new city on your own and to enjoy a little free time. You will have the opportunity to explore Baltimore during scheduled free time each day. You should always be with at least two other Goodnight Scholars or pro staff members when exploring the city during free time. Safety precautions should be made at all times.
We already have your dietary needs on file and will work with all restaurants to ensure you're properly fed.
Staff Advisors: Sierra Willix (assmith3@ncsu.edu) or Allison Medlin (ajmedlin@ncsu.edu).
Student Trip Leaders: Fiona Evans (fmevans@ncsu.edu) and Alexa Hadley (ajhadley@ncsu.edu)