Laney AIG Update

Laney: Monday, Tuesday

NHHS: Wednesday - Friday

Are you a high school student who wants to make a difference in your community?

US Senate Youth Program and Scholarship (11th & 12th): Week in Washington DC (March 7-14), 2 winners in NC, $12,500 scholarship

The U.S. Senate Youth Program is merit-based and highly competitive. Qualified junior or senior high school students applying to the program must show evidence of demonstrated leadership through public service in elected or appointed positions where they currently and actively represent a constituency in organizations that relate to government, public affairs, history, and/or community service. Qualifying students MUST currently represent their peers or a constituency for the entire academic year. Each student must be enrolled in high school and live the entire school year in the state they will represent. Students who apply MUST be elected or appointed leaders and actively participate in public service with school or community civic-related activities. Students MUST also be able to show a history of service and participation in service activities.

In North Carolina, two student delegates and two alternates will be selected by a state-level committee. The two winning delegates will represent North Carolina in an intensive educational program during a week-long experience in Washington, D.C., in March. The two winning delegates will also be awarded a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship to pursue coursework in history and political science. To receive the scholarship, winners MUST attend the entire Washington Week activity. This year's week-long Washington Week education experience will be from March 7-14, 2027.

NC Senate Youth Student Q&A Support Webinar # 1-Sept 12 (9am-10am)-Google Meet Link

NC Senate Youth Student Q&A Support Webinar #2 - Sept 27 (1pm-2pm)- Google Meet Link

The Gifted Advisory Council (GAC) is an independent council of families, community members, business leaders, and NHCS staff who meet monthly to support and advocate for the NHCS AIG Program. The GAC is part of the community partnership standard in the 2025-2028 AIG Plan. The council provides perspectives, information, and independent initiatives that are not shared through regular NHCS AIG communications.

The GAC includes a family member of an AIG student from each school (and an AIG student from each high school) to participate in the monthly meetings from 6-7pm at the Board of Education building. The student and parent rep do not have to be from the same family.

I have attached the meeting schedule for this year as well as the link to the volunteer sign-up form.

​​​NHCS Gifted Advisory Council Meeting Schedule-26-27.docx

High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors submit essays for a chance to win a scholarship for the Workshop Foundation’s renowned Congressional Seminar in Washington, D.C. The 2027 Congressional Seminar is scheduled for June 21-26.

Winners of the contest will receive full tuition and support for travel to our nation’s capital for the Congressional Seminar, a highly interactive, civics-focused workshop. The scholarship also provides university campus housing and meals, access to world class museums, tours, and more!

2026-2027 Essay Topic

The Declaration of Independence famously asserts that governments derive their just powers “from the consent of the governed.” How did the Founders address the issue of consent through representation in the Constitution, and do you see the need for any changes today? (750 words)

Deadline: December 1st

Here is a link to the website and application: NSCDA 50th Anniversary Congressional Essay Contest

2026 Congressional App Challenge, providing middle and high school students across North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District an opportunity to put their creativity to work. This competition encourages students to create their own apps, showcase programming and computer science skills, and gain valuable experience as they become the next generation of STEM leaders.

The App Challenge winner will have the opportunity to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and will be invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill reception in Washington, DC.

Eligibility Requirements:

Students must be enrolled in middle or high school and either live or attend school in North Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District. Students can use the district lookup tool to confirm their eligibility.

Students may participate individually or as part of a team of up to four students. For team submissions, at least half of the team members must be eligible to participate in the district where the app is submitted.

Students must register online and submit their apps before October 26, 2026.

AIG students will be enrolled in an AIG Canvas site this year that will house AIG newsletters, updates, and opportunities. Newsletters will only be directly emailed to family members to try and cut down on the quantity of email students receive. If you receive an email from me, that means I am specifically reaching out to you personally about something important.

The PSAT/NMSQT is an OPTIONAL exam for 10th & 11th grade students as practice for the SAT OR as qualification for the National Merit Scholarship (juniors only). The exam will take place during the school day on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Laney High School. PSAT is only for current students enrolled at Laney. If you need testing accommodations, the deadline to request those from Ms. Rose (rachel.rose@nhcs.net) is Thursday, Aug. 27 @11am. The fee to take the PSAT/NMSQT is $20.

CDM Student Application Deadline is September 11. The application link is below. You will either need to make your own copy and email it back to Mauk or print it, complete it, and bring it to Mauk's office.

2026 QuestBridge National College Match is open!

This college and scholarship application connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to top colleges and lifelong opportunities through QuestBridge.

Through the National College Match, students can be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship at our 55 college partners.

The deadline for students to apply is Thursday, October 1.

• How to Start Your College List: With more than 2,600 four-year colleges in the U.S., applying to college can be overwhelming! Here's how students can get started on their college search.

• How to Choose Your Top College Priorities: What really makes a college a great college fit? Here’s a step-by-step guide to identifying the college qualities that truly matter.

• Narrowing Your College List: This quick guide will help students select the top candidates for their final college list.

• The U.S. Department of Education is looking for students to help test next year's 2027-28 FAFSA form before it officially opens to the public by October 1.

Participating in beta testing means students can:

• Fill out their 2027-28 FAFSA early

• Get a head start on the financial aid process

• Be part of shaping the future of how students apply for aid

📲 Encourage interested students to sign up at studentaid.gov/joinBeta.

Joint Merit Scholars Event

September 23, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
📍 Roland Grise Auditorium
Presenters: College Representatives & CFNC
Audience: High School Students and Parents
Families will learn about merit scholarship opportunities from East Carolina University, North Carolina A&T University, UNC-Charlotte, and North Carolina State University, including eligibility and application requirements.

RSVP by September 21, 2026

FAFSA Informational Night – In Person

September 30, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
📍 Hoggard High School Media Center
Presenters: CFCC/UNCW Financial Aid Officers
Audience: High School Students and Parents
Families will receive step-by-step guidance on completing the FAFSA and accessing financial aid for college.

RSVP by September 28, 2026

The Morehead Cain is highly competitive UNC-Chapel Hill Scholarship that is a 4 year, fully funded scholarship with significant enrichment experiences including 4 summer of global exploration, leadership and civic engagement to foster leadership and community impact.

Students are currently able to self nominate only.

Click for more information: https://www.moreheadcain.org/

Click HERE to start your application

Deadline: October 1 (scholarship application + early application for UNC)

The Park Scholarship is a highly competitive NC State program that brings together students with outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character.

THE PARK SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM provides a four-year scholarship covering:

■ Tuition, fees and room and board

■ Books and personal expenses

■ Enrichment grants to fund study abroad,

research, service and more

Application Deadline: November 1st (Scholarship application + early application for UNC)

The 2027 application is available here for high school students graduating in the 2026-2027 academic year through 5 pm Eastern on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The Miracle League of Wilmington is an accessible baseball league filled with joy, dancing and home runs for children and adults living with disabilities; Ages 3+. Currently, the Miracle League of Wilmington serves over 150+ All Stars through three types of teams: Classic, Tee Ball, Competitive.

Spring and Fall Season are held for 8 weeks!.

FALL: September 12th

SPRING: February

Volunteers sign ups for the Miracle League Fall season starting Sept. 7th. We rely on over 100 volunteers every game day and are so grateful to our past and future volunteers! Volunteer sign up at the link below.

Email: reagan.mauk@nhcs.net
AIG Website: https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/laney-nhhs-aig/home-1
Office: 401 (media center)
Phone: 910-350-2089