Upward Bound Math and Science Program at UNCW is a FREE TRIO program that prepares students to
succeed in college and achieve their college and career aspirations while strengthening their skills in
STEM fields.
NHCS Special Programs Information
NHCS Specialty High Schools and Programs website
11/10/2025 Parent Presentation at Minnie Evans Center 6-7:30 pm
11/12/2025 Parent Presentation at Roland Grise 6-7:30 pm
11/13/2025 Parent Presentation at Holly Shelter Middle School 6-7:30
Individual School Presentation Nights (all start at 6pm)
12/1/2025 Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA-Tech) (auditorium)
12/2/2025 Wilmington Early College High School (BB&T Auditorium - North Campus)
12/32025 Laney STEM (media center)
12/4/2025 Hoggard International Baccalaureate (cafeteria)
12/8/2025 New Hanover Lyceum (cafeteria)
12/9/2025 Ashley Marine Science Academy (MSA classroom)
12/10/2025 Isaac Bear Early College High School (UNCW - Morton Auditorium)
12/11/2025 Career Readiness Academy at Mosley (media center)
12/14/2025 Virtual Information Session 6-7pm
1/11/2026 Programs post prompts
1/18/2026-2/8/2026 APPLICATION WINDOW OPEN
3/13/2026 Initial decision letters emailed - confirmation from students/families due by 3/19
3/20/2026 Second round letters emailed - confirmation from students/families due by 3/26
Open Choice Window - TBD
Math suggestions for rising 9th graders who are currently taking 8th-Grade Math:
Foundations of NC Math 1 Semester 1
NC Math 1 Semester 2
Student is less than 40% likely to score a level 3 on the NC Math 1 EOC
NC Math 1
Student is 40-70% likely to score a level 3 on the NC Math 1 EOC and Consistently holds at least a C average in 8th grade math
NC Math 1 Honors
Student is at least 70% likely to score a level 3 on the NC Math 1 EOC and consistently holds at least a B average in 8th grade math
How is an Honors class different than an on-level class?
· Stricter deadlines for homework and classwork assignments
· Possibly additional and more rigorous homework, reading, studying
· More independent analysis and synthesis of topics
· Pace of learning and instruction is faster
· Less time in class to study, complete homework, and do make up work
· Requires an increased level of engagement, interest, and participation in class & w/ content
· Better college preparation
· Additional 0.5 quality point towards GPA
How is an Advanced Placement (AP) class different than an Honors one?
· College-level curriculum; potential for college credit depending on AP exam score
· Pace of learning and instruction is faster
· More homework and projects outside of class
· Much deeper analysis of content and more independent thought
· Best college preparation we offer
· Additional 1.0 quality point towards GPA
How do I know if I’m ready to take an Honors or AP course?
· Do you quickly and easily grasp the concepts presented by your instructor?
· Do you ask questions or want to ask questions that go further or deeper than the presented material?
· Are you interested in the subject?
· Do you find you have extra time because you finish the homework quickly?
· Even if you have to work hard in the subject, do you enjoy it?
· Do you generally get high marks in your current class?
If most of your answers are a YES!, you should talk with your parent/guardian and your counselor about taking an Honors or AP course!
Click here for information about Dual Enrollment at UNCW.
If you may be interested in taking classes at Cape Fear Community College while still in high
school, check out Career and College Promise!
Trade or technical schools
Community Colleges - certificates, licensure programs, 2-year Associates Degrees
Colleges and Universities - 4-year Bachelor's Degrees
Post Graduate Degrees - Master's, PhD, Ed Doc, DDS, DVM, DD, MD, DNP, JD,
Pharm Doc, etc.
This page and this video may help you understand post-high school programming. This link may also help you Everything You Need To Know About Getting A POST-SECONDARY Education
College admissions and requirements - look at course catalogs for your dream school starting as an 8th grader -learn what classes, GPA, Rank, SAT or ACT scores you'll need to be competitive when it's your turn to apply to the college of your choice.
Quest Bridge College Match
The Quest Bridge National College Match connects outstanding students from low-income families with admission and full four-year scholarships to the nation's best colleges. If you are interested in applying for this, visit the Quest Bridge website.
CFNC Parent and Student Webinars
Got questions about the college admissions process? Get the answers to your questions through special webinars designed for students and parents! To register for the webinars please click here.
Scholarships!
There are many scholarships available when it comes time for you to apply to college or university. Begin exploring them now so you'll be an exceptional candidate when your turn comes!
You'll select a pathway (a series of classes within a career group) in high school. Click here to learn more.
The following resources are helpful for students who are interested in pursuing Division I or Division 2 athletics at the college level.
Click here for the NHCS Pathways to Teaching
For High School Seniors
Click to learn more about our NHCS Board of Education Scholarships for
Four Scholarships of $7,000 are awarded a year to local seniors.
Click here for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program and Application
Receive up to $4,125 per semester for up to eight semesters.
Some Helpful Links
Graduation requirements: www.ncpublicschools.org/gradrequirements/
K-12 standards in academic subjects: www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/
State student achievement test results: www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/
N.C. School Report Cards: https://ncreportcards.ondemand.sas.com/src
Click here to learn more & ask your high school counselor about applying
Upward Bound Math & Science program is a TRIO program fully funded annually by the U.S. Department of Education. TRIO programs support higher education for all students without regard to race, gender, national origin or disability.
Benefits
Strengthen math and science skills of participating students
Recognize & develop potential to excel in math & science
Support participating students to pursue postsecondary degrees & careers in the math & science profession
Duke TIP talent search & pre-college offerings were disassembled due to the pandemic. For updates, click here.
The Signature Programs Website has a lot of general information. Each school's website is linked there, so you can look at those as well. This page has all the Frequently Asked Questions about each program, which may be helpful. Here is the family presentation with a video at the end of the slide show.