About the Program 

The Catalyst Program is a free, award winning, year-long STEM initiative for high school students with disabilities. Students must be rising grade 9-12 students for school year 2026-2027, in regular education, honors, AP or college level classes or the occupational course of study program to participate and have a documented disability, IEP or 504 Plan. We accept students in public school, private school, charter school or homeschooled. Student(s) and a parent must register and attend one of the Open Houses to be considered for the program. The address and link to join are in the Google Form that you will use to sign up (see below). 

 Program Features 

• Hands-on STEM learning with professors, graduate students, and industry professionals

• Paid STEM internships at NC State, government agencies, and industry partners

• College and workforce readiness training

• Life 101 skills: stress management, campus navigation, independent living

• Field study trips (local and out-of-state)

• Optional certifications in Quality Assurance and Cybersecurity

• Case management and transition planning

• Program Dates: June 2026 – June 2027 & can be a multi-year program

Eligibility

Students must meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled in Regular Education, Honors, AP, College-Level, or Occupational Course of Study programs

• Attend a Public, Private, Charter School, or be Homeschooled

• Have a documented disability, IEP, or 504 Plan