Duke Neuroscience Experience

Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)

June 16 – August 8, 2025

 

Dive into the world of brain science this summer! Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) is a full-time, 8-week, paid summer research internship program for Durham high school students. Participants perform hands-on experiments in neuroscience labs at Duke, engage in professional development and college prep activities, and receive a stipend and free lunch. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds to apply, including those without prior research experience! We are looking for students who are interested in exploring the mysteries of the brain, curious about a career in science or medicine, and eager to learn and grow.

 

Apply online from December 16, 2024 – February 9, 2025! You will need to fill out our application and request two (2) letters of recommendation from non-relatives.

 

Eligibility:

To apply for 2025, students must:

• Be a current high school sophomore or junior (grades 10-11 for the 2024-2025 school year), or a senior (grade 12) who does *not* plan to attend college in fall 2025;
• Attend a public or charter high school in Durham, NC (C.E. Jordan High School, City of Medicine Academy, Durham School of Technology, Durham School of the Arts, Excelsior Classical Academy, Hillside High School, Ignite! Online Academy, J.D. Clement Early College High School, Middle College High School, NC Cyber Academy, NC Virtual Academy, Northern High School, Research Triangle High School, Riverside High School, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability, or Voyager Academy High School);
• Have reliable transportation for daily commuting to Duke University;
• Be at least sixteen (16) years old by June 16, 2025; and
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or legal resident.

 

What to Expect:

• Join a Lab: Get matched with a cutting-edge brain science lab at Duke University based on your research interests.
• Hands-on Research: Perform hands-on neuroscience experiments and gain technical research skills.
• Mentorship: Receive individualized mentorship from professional scientists who will guide you through your research project.
• Professional Development: Participate in a series of professional development workshops with local experts.

• Develop your neuroscience understanding
• Receive guidance for applying to college
• Develop scientific communication and presentation skills
• Explore career options in academia, industry, and medicine

• Networking: Develop a network of peers and mentors.
• Present Your Work: Present your research at an end-of-summer poster session for your peers, family, and Duke scientists.
• Stipend: Receive a stipend and daily lunch.
• Laptop: Borrow a laptop with specialized software for your lab work.

To hear from previous students who have participated in DUNE, please visit Scholar Stories and DUNE in the News.

 

Important Dates:

• December 16, 2024: Application opens
• February 9, 2025: Application and two (2) letters of recommendation from non-relatives due by 11:59pm EST
• March 2025: Admissions decisions announced
• June 16 – August 8, 2025: Program runs for 8 weeks (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)

 

Questions?

Please check the FAQs on our website. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please email duneprogram@duke.edu.

 

HOBY Youth Leadership Program

 

Registration is now OPEN for the 2025 State Seminar Season! 

Since 1958, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) has provided transformative leadership development training that has positively impacted the lives of over 500,000 high school students around the world. HOBY is looking  forward to providing VAHS students with the transformative experience of the HOBY State Leadership Seminar. 

For more than five decades, HOBY has inspired young people to make a difference and become catalysts for positive change in their home, school, workplace, and community. As America’s foremost youth leadership organization, HOBY has a long history of successfully motivating young people to develop into outstanding leaders.

Check out the HOBY Leadership Video HERE

Contact Jill O'Kane for more information or to be considered for a school nomination.

NCSU SATELITE Camp for High School Sophomores

 

SATELLITE is a five-day STEM outreach and leadership development program with the goal of exposing high school sophomores from under-resourced communities in North Carolina to post-secondary educational opportunities in STEM and its many disciplines. SATELLITE Campers have had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities including a field trip to the Museum of Natural Sciences, an egg drop competition, plant biology seminars, workshops in paper science engineering, textiles and design, game theory, and hands-on life sciences demonstrations led by genuine NC State faculty and students. SATELLITE’s mission is fueled by our desire and passion to help close the higher educational divide among communities through equitable opportunities and exposure. 

The 2024 program will run from May 18th - 22nd. The application encourages two letters of recommendation ( however are not required ) and a few short essays pertaining to the student’s interest in the field of STEM and college exposure. Due to the nature of the program, they do not consider a student’s academic success when reviewing applications, they are looking only for a student’s desire to maximize their experience at SATELLITE and hone their curiosity. The deadline to apply is March 8th, 2024. If accepted, there will be a $25 registration fee, but a number of need-based scholarships and financial assistance opportunities are available upon request.

The link for students to apply can be found here at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQXmLE8wOXG6Ya-I1NSDjH2G9djBJy7wXUObrCTqC1ft2VBg/viewform

For more information, feel free to reach out at satellitecamp@ncsu.edu.  You can also check out the website at go.ncsu.edu/satellite-camp.

HOBY Registration is now open!

 Registration is now OPEN for the 2024 State Seminar Season! 

Since 1958, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) has provided transformative leadership development training that has positively impacted the lives of over 500,000 high school students around the world. HOBY is looking  forward to providing VAHS students with the transformative experience of the HOBY State Leadership Seminar. 

For more than five decades, HOBY has inspired young people to make a difference and become catalysts for positive change in their home, school, workplace, and community. As America’s foremost youth leadership organization, HOBY has a long history of successfully motivating young people to develop into outstanding leaders.

Check out the HOBY Leadership Video HERE

Contact Jill O'Kane for more information or to be considered for a school nomination.

THE OBAMA-CHESKY SCHOLARSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

The Voyager Scholarship for Public Service helps connect college students with financial aid, meaningful travel experiences, and a network of mentors. Check out the incredible work that has already been seen from the first class of Voyager scholarship recipients.

Right now, the Obama Foundation is looking for rising juniors based here in the United States who are interested in pursuing a career in public service.

So take a look at the message from Valerie below. If it describes you, you should consider applying. If it describes someone you know, please encourage them to learn more and apply before March 22.

Together, we can help more students get the education and experiences that can
change lives—and the world around us.

Clemson C-CATS for High Achieving 9th and 10th Grade Students

 

Spend the weekend exploring Clemson University and building friendships with other top-performing students.

Clemson’s Challenge for Academically Talented Students (C-CATS) recruits top students from SC, NC and GA to participate in high-powered weekend retreats. Through team-building and academic sessions, students gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and improve their ability to think clearly and perform under pressure, all while having the time of their lives!

Participants are nominated by their school counselor.  Please Contact Jill O'Kane for more information.

2023 Spring Dates

• Session 1: Mar 3 - 5
• Session 2: Mar 10 - 12
• Session 3: Mar 31 - April 2
• Session 4: April 14 - 16
• Session 5: April 21 - 23
• Session 6: April 28 - 30
• Session 7: May 5 - 7

https://c-cats.org/

North Carolina Governor's School

The North Carolina Governor's School is a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. Learning focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and it does not involve credit, tests, or grades. Students are selected to attend through a competitive process after being nominated by their public school unit or non-public school. Pleas see the Family Overview documents below. Current Juniors can apply for Academic Discipline Nominations. Sophomores and Juniors may apply in the Art Disciplines.

Please see the NC Governors School Website:  HERE

Or contact Jill O'Kane, VAHS Counselor jokane@voyageracademy.net for more information.

A limited number of nominations from VAHS are available. Completed Applications must be summitted to Ms. O'Kane by Friday December 2, 2022 in order to be considered for the VAHS nomination.      

HOBY Youth Leadership for Outstanding Sophomores!

Registration is now OPEN for the 2023 State Seminar Season! 

Since 1958, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) has provided transformative leadership development training that has positively impacted the lives of over 500,000 high school students around the world. HIBY is looking  forward to providing VAHS students with the transformative experience of the HOBY State Leadership Seminar. 

For more than five decades, HOBY has inspired young people to make a difference and become catalysts for positive change in their home, school, workplace, and community. As America’s foremost youth leadership organization, HOBY has a long history of successfully motivating young people to develop into outstanding leaders.

Check out the HOBY Leadership Video HERE

Contact Jill O'Kane for more information or to be considered for a school nomination.

9th and 10th Grade Summer Enrichment Opportunity

 

Spend the weekend exploring Clemson University and building friendships with other top-performing students.

Clemson’s Challenge for Academically Talented Students (C-CATS) recruits top students from SC, NC and GA to participate in high-powered weekend retreats. Through team-building and academic sessions, students gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and improve their ability to think clearly and perform under pressure, all while having the time of their lives!

C-CATS, Clemson’s Challenge for Academically Talented Students, is a program designed for

high-achieving 9th and 10th grade students. C-CATS introduces top-ranking students to Clemson University through exciting weekend adventures that engage them in the academic, social, and recreational opportunities offered at Clemson. Over 4,500 students have participated in this program over the last decade. 

Read More HERE

Participants are nominated by their school counselor. Interested students, please contact  Contact Jill O'Kane.

Leadership Opportunity for 10th Grade Students

 

Registration is now open for the 2022 HOBY State Leadership Seminar!  This multi-day program is proven to provide students with an experience that cultivates personal growth and leadership development while building new connections and friendships throughout the state. Students return from HOBY with a deeper sense of self-awareness, elevated confidence, and the inspiration and tools to give back to their communities through leadership and service.

 

Registration will open on September 27^th.

Since 1958, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) has provided transformative leadership development training that has positively impacted the lives of over 600,000 high school students around the world.

Please check out more information HERE 

Contact Jill O'Kane if you would like to be considered for this opportunity.    

Free Virtual college Fair for Sophomores and Juniors

 

BigFuture Days College Fair

Learn More

College Board is hosting our first-ever series of virtual college fairs called BigFuture™ Days. Encourage sophomores and juniors at your school to sign up for a chance to connect directly with college admissions representatives and current college students. They'll have a chance to explore colleges in a way that's not overwhelming, ask questions about topics they want to learn about, and take action on key college planning steps.

Direct students to register at cb.org/bigfuturedays.

HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar For Sophomores

The 2020-2021 HOBY program is kicking off another cohort of youth leaders that will give back to our communities through leadership and service. Since 1958, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) has provided transformative leadership development training that has positively impacted the lives of over 600,000 high school students in the U.S. and abroad. Voyager Sophomores are invited to participate in HOBY’s flagship program for high school sophomores: The State Leadership Seminar.

Selected students will spend 3–4 exciting days exploring leadership from an individual, group, and societal perspective while collaborating with students from throughout the state. Students return from HOBY with a new sense of self-awareness and an elevated confidence in their individual potential. They will be inspired to make a positive impact in their schools and communities and will be equipped with the leadership skills to enable action. 

Registration will open on October 1st for all State Leadership Seminars. These seminars will take place between April and June 2021 with plans for both in-person and virtual attendance as local conditions mandate. 

Interested sophomores should contact their Advisor, English Teacher, or Guidance Counselor.

Virginia Tech. Black College Institute

Virginia Tech invites talented, high-achieving and intellectually curious rising high school juniors and rising seniors to apply to participate in a summer, residential, academic leadership program at the Virginia Tech main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Black College Institute (for rising seniors) will offer five-day sessions twice during the summer of 2020:  June 14 -June 19 and June 21- June 26.

Black College Institute (for rising juniors) will offer a three-day session for the summer of 2019: June 28 - July 1.

All programs are FREE of cost to students!

*Students must arrange their own transportation to and from the Virginia Tech, Blacksburg campus.*

Apply today: admit.vt.edu/register/BCIapp2020

Application closes: April 1, 2020
Notification of acceptance: April 25, 2020
Confirm attendance: May 10, 2020
Unofficial Transcripts due: May 20, 2020

Benefits of attending BCI:

• Student engagement with various academic disciplines through hands-on learning and workshops within the context of the African-American cultural experience.
• College life experiences of residential living, campus dining, collaborative projects in university classrooms and engagement with Virginia Tech’s faculty, staff, and students.
• Daily workshops on (1) navigating and completing the college application process and (2) applying for scholarships and financial aid.
• Students embrace the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) by completing a service learning project with university and local partnerships.
• Explore Virginia Tech departments and organizations to build lasting connections and learn about local resources available to them. 
• Learn about local resources available to them.
• Engage in fun team building activities in our cultural, recreational, and student centers.

Virginia Tech Partners Participating:
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Architecture and Urban Studies, Pamplin College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, College of Natural Resources and Environment, College of Science, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and other campus departments and local organizations.


 
Menah Pratt-Clarke, JD, PhD                              
Vice President Strategic Affairs/Vice Provost Inclusion and Diversity
Professor, College of Education 


Juan Espinoza
Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management
and Director of Undergraduate Admissions           


For more information about the Black College Institute, visit vt.edu/admissions/black-college-institute or email bci@vt.edu.

Click here to download a flyer for the experience.

This Is the 11th Grade College Planning Timeline That You Need to Get Accepted

Winter, spring, summer, and fall – the passing of the seasons of the year sometimes seem to tick by slowly, and other times rush by in the blink of an eye. You’ll find that when it comes to checking off the items on your college prep to-do list, the year will fly by. Now you’re studying for the SAT or ACT and lining up an impressive summer job; and before you know it, you’ll be shopping for a mini-fridge and pop-up laundry hamper and heading off to your top-choice college. 

There’s a lot to do, and getting it all done before the buzzer is going to take focus, hard work, and lots of organization. The timeline in this blog post will help you stay on top of the complicated college admission process, walk you through the various steps of preparation, and show you that applying to college doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. 

This post is organized according to season, starting with the winter and bringing you through the spring and summer, up until the fall when you’ll finally sit down and apply. This advice is for pre-applicants – that is, eleventh graders who are still in the initial planning stage of their applications. (High school seniors who are already filling out their applications should download Ivy League and Common Application Tips: How to Get Accepted.) 

Now, are you ready? Set? Go!

https://blog.accepted.com/this-is-the-11th-grade-college-planning-timeline-that-you-need-to-get-accepted/

Gettysburg College Opportunities for Juniors and Sophomores

Gettysburg College is excited to offer several opportunities for high school juniors and sophomores to attend academic camps over the summer months. Subjects include psychology, history, creative writing, or information technology. Please find information to share with your students about our academic camps below: 

• 3D Object Modeling and Printing Camp - Students will study 3D object modeling and printing starting with the basics of a 3D printer. After learning the fundamentals, they will practice designing objects.
• Build a Bot and Code It Too - Students will gain hands-on experiences in coding, wiring electronics, and building robots through the open source software and hardware. This camp is an introduction into the world of coding robotics and electronics. 
• Camp Psych - Students will get hands-on experiences that introduce them to research in psychology during this fun, challenging, and engaging introduction to the field.
• Civil War Era Studies Camp - Students will get to enjoy historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania while studying the American Civil War History through lectures, field trips, and unique learning experiences. They will explore the circumstances leading to the war, investigate significant battles during the war, and explore the condition of the United States after the war. 
• Young Writers' Workshop - Students gain an in-depth introduction to all four genres of creative writing: fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and writing for stage and screen.
• Civil War Institute Summer Conference - Scholarship - The High School Student Scholarship component of Gettysburg College's annual Civil War Institute summer conference provides high school students an opportunity to explore the history of the Civil War era on the site of the war's most decisive battle. 

Parents: Help Your Child on the Path to College .

Please see and subscribe to the College Board website below This website is for parents, guardians, relatives, and other adults helping a student plan for college. Sign up to receive emails and texts with college info, advice, and reminders.


https://parents.collegeboard.org/

College Board Opportunity Scholarships

Last fall the College Board announced a  $25 million commitment to creating a clearer path to college for all students with the College Board Opportunity Scholarships. Starting with the class of 2020, 4,000 students over the next five years can earn scholarships ranging from $500–$40,000 through monthly drawings as they start their college journey.

This new scholarship program requires no application, essay, GPA, or test scores. Students earn their chance at scholarships by completing the essential steps all students take in applying to college. Since the launch of the program, nearly 200 students have been awarded a $500 Build Your College List Scholarship and 300 students have been awarded a $1,000 Practice for the SAT® Scholarship.

Students in the class of 2020 can opt in and get started now.

Action windows open: Build Your College List: $500 Practice for the SAT: $1,000 Improve Your Score: $2,000

FBI Teen Academy

The FBI Charlotte 2019 Teen Academy will welcome high school students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) between the ages of 15-18 to a four-day program this summer beginning Tuesday, July 16th to Friday, July 19th from 9:00am -3:30pm each day.  All sessions will be held at the Charlotte FBI headquarters.  

Students will learn about SWAT Teams, evidence collection, and investigations, among other fun activities; and they will have the chance to interact with FBI Agents and professional staff every day.  

The application for the 2019 Teen Academy is posted on the FBI Charlotte website -

FBI Teen-academy-application

ASVAB Career Exploration Program

The ASVAB CEP will be administered at VAHS on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.. Interested 10th - 12th grade students should contact Ms. O'Kane to sign up for testing.   

ASVAB CEP empowers students nationwide to discover their strengths and interests then map out post-secondary plans that work.

The ASVAB CEP is made up of three components:

• ASVAB: The aptitude test estimates your performance in academic and vocational endeavors.
• FYI: The interest inventory measures your work-related interests.
• OCCU-Find: A career catalog provides activities to help you put a plan together.

High school students in grades 10-12, and first and second year post-secondary school students can participate. Participation in the CEP is voluntary, but the future is mandatory. So, be ready!

How it works...
ASVAB CEP helps you figure out what you're good at, what is important to you, and the jobs that match your skills and interests. After you take the test, you will participate in a series of activities to help you understand your scores, yourself, and your options.

Read more below:

CEP Fact Sheet

ASVAB CEP Overview/Guide

Durham Technical Community College Information

Students,

  

Please see Ms. O'Kane if you are interested in attending a group tour of Durham Tech..

Current seniors can learn about the fall application process by following this link: 

https://durhamtech.edu/apply 

Current Sophomores and Juniors can learn about taking dual enrollment courses next by following this link:

 

https://durhamtech.edu/dual-enrollment