Laney AIG Update
Week of September 8, 2026
9th Grade AIG Orientation for Students & Families
DATE: Tuesday Sept. 29
TIME: 6pm
LOCATION: Media Center
PURPOSE: to review high school AIG services
Writers of the Future Contest (9-12) Deadline Sept. 30
The most enduring and influential contest in the history of SF and Fantasy
L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new writers of science fiction and fantasy to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience.
Enter a short story science fiction, fantasy, light horror. No excessive violence or sex on the page. Up to but not exceeding 17,000 words. AI is not accepted. Professionals need not apply. Free to enter and entrants retain all publication rights. Enter 1 story per quarter, up to 4 per year. Anonymous judging. This is a merit-based competition. See the rules for details.
Entries in the Writers of the Future Contest are adjudicated only by professional writers. Prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 are awarded every three months. From the four quarterly 1st Place winners each year, a panel of judges select one story as the grand prize winner. The writer of the grand-prize-winning story receives the L. Ron Hubbard Golden Pen Award and an additional $5,000 cash prize.
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Spring Semester 2027 YES Abroad Applications Now Open!
We are excited to announce that the application is now available! Applicants can apply for YES Abroad semester program. Eligible applicants can apply here.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program is a fully funded opportunity for U.S. students to spend the 2027 spring semester abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Indonesia, or North Macedonia.
High school students and recent graduates will have a chance to explore a new country, broaden their perspectives, and develop language abilities by living with a host family, studying in a local school, and participating in leadership activities. YES students share information about their home culture with their hosts and local communities while building lasting relationships, strengthening the linkages between the U.S. and YES countries at the same time.
By participating in YES Abroad, you will develop leadership, language, and professional skills. Your worldview will expand and you will gain a new, lifelong network of friends and family overseas. All of this can give you a competitive edge that helps turn your academic and career aspirations into reality.
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. citizens
- Ages 15 to 18½ at the start of the program
- Currently enrolled in grades 9-12 or currently on gap year (graduation date in 2026).
Apply online at yes-abroad.org or call 800-380-6552 for more information.
Click here to start 2027 YES Semester Application or to access an application already in progress.
The application deadline is September 22, 2026 (4 PM ET).
Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy - deadline Sept 13
Are you a high school student who wants to make a difference in your community?
The Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy (the Academy) is a national leadership development and advocacy program that supports high school students in building knowledge, confidence, and skills to create change in their schools and communities.
Designed for rising 9th-12th grade high school students in the United States, the Academy centers the experiences and leadership of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and intersectional youth. Through interactive virtual sessions, discussions, mentorship, and hands-on activities, students explore the mental health challenges impacting their communities while learning how advocacy can create meaningful change.
Click here to learn more about this 2-part experience and find out how to apply!
US Senate Youth Program (11th & 12th): Deadline October 4th, 2026
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
9th-12th: NSCDA 50th Anniversary Congressional Essay Contest
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
Morehead Cain Application is Open!
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)
Park Scholarship Application is Open!
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)
Cocal-Cola Scholars Program
Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC
This is a perfect chance for families, neighbors, and friends to come together, give back, and make a positive impact in our community. Bring your loved ones and enjoy a fulfilling weekend while helping those in need. We encourage you to sign up and spread the word!
Warehouse Project - Wilmington
Volunteer Shifts:
- Tuesday-Friday, 9am-11:30am & 1-3:30pm
- 2nd Saturday of the month: 9am-11:30 AM
Projects are held inside the Volunteer Area. Occasionally, we may hold projects outside, weather permitting. Some projects include:
- Sorting bulk produce into family–size bags.
- Sorting donations from retail stores.
- Cleaning and bagging drink pouches.
- Sorting and inspecting food drive donations from individuals and corporations.
- Other activities may be available according to partner and community needs.
Miracle League Baseball
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.
Reagan Mauk
Email: reagan.mauk@nhcs.net
AIG Website: https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/laney-nhhs-aig/home-1
Office: 214
Phone: 910-251-6100