Ashley High School AIG Update
February 9, 2026
Get College Ready (8-11)
A free text- and email-based initiative that provides guiding and motivating college preparation tips by grade level. Designed for students ages 13 and older, parents/guardians, and other college influencers, the program offers general (not UCLA-specific) guidance related to coursework, test preparation, and extracurricular leadership. Participants receive up to four messages per month, making it a simple way for families to stay engaged in the college preparation process. Learn more at prepare.admission.ucla.edu.
Feb. 17 - The McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship
The McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship opens doors and transforms futures with $1 million in scholarships awarded to support up to 100 outstanding students across the country, giving them the boost they need to chase their dreams. To date, more than 17,000 students have written their own stories with the help of over $35 million in scholarships. They are proof that dedication, passion and hard work have no limits.
Recipients are selected for their academic achievements, community impact, personal statement, and financial need. For McDonald’s, supporting these students means believing in them and in everything their future holds. Register to Apply Here
Summit Education: 2026 Summer Programs
Summit Education hosts virtual summer programs for high-achieving students interested in STEM. In 2026, students have the opportunity to apply to the Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF) and Summit Research Scholars (SRS).
Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF): SSF empowers the next generation of STEM leaders by helping students explore a wide range of STEM fields and career pathways while building leadership and life skills. The program is structured as a flexible 10–15 hour weekly commitment, allowing students to join alongside other summer activities.
Summit Research Scholars (SRS): SRS equips students with the tools to conduct original research, covering essential research methods and technical skills. At the end of the program, students complete a Research Capstone and practice applying their skills to solve real-world problems.
Applications for Summer 2026 programs are now open. Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of acceptance. For more information, please visit www.summiteducation.org.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 - Upward Bound Math & Science Info Session
Students and families are invited to learn about the Upward Bound Math & Science program, which provides academic support, tutoring, college preparation, and enrichment opportunities in math and science. This session will cover eligibility, program benefits, and how to apply.
Location: Board of Education Center (BOE) 1805 South 13th Street
Wishmakers Gala by Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina
Our Wishmakers Gala will take place on Thursday, March 19 at the Burney Center at UNCW. This signature fundraising event brings our community together to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, and volunteers play a key role in making the evening run smoothly.
Volunteer roles include:
Event Set-Up – Helping prepare the venue prior to guest arrival
Food & Beverage Service – Assisting with serving meals and drinks during the event
Bussing – Clearing tables and supporting event flow
Event Break-Down – Helping wrap up at the end of the evening
Students can earn service hours, support a meaningful cause, and participate in a memorable community event. Volunteers can sign up directly using this link: Sign up here
Miracle League of Wilmington
The spring season schedule and volunteer sign up is available if you would be willing to participate. We welcome volunteers of all ages and just ask that anyone under the age of 14 have an adult accompany them.
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: Tee Ball, Classic, and Competitive.
All games and practices are played at the Miracle Field located at 5510 Olsen Park Lane in Wilmington, NC. The specialized 33,000 square foot field is made of a flat, rubberized surface that is barrier free for all Miracle League All Stars!
For a full description of volunteer needs click here.
Volunteer sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084BACAC29A4FF2-61280984-volunteer#/
Public Archeology Corps
Public Archaeology Corps is a non-profit organization consisting of professional archaeologists, historians, and private citizens united in their concern over the rapid loss of archaeological sites.
Our mission is to protect archaeological sites located on privately owned land.
Archaeological sites on public lands, such as military bases or state/national parks, are protected by state and federal laws. Sites located on private land are not under any protection, and many are lost to development each year. The careful study of an intact site by professional archaeologists often adds to what we know about history; when an archaeological site is lost, a piece of history is lost as well.
Our geographical focus is southeast North Carolina, in and around Wilmington.
Jennifer Crudeli - Gifted Education Specialist
Email: Jennifer.Crudeli@nhcs.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/crudeliaig/home
Ashley Office: 405
Hoggard Office: 104B