Ashley High School AIG Update
February 23, 2026
Crudeli's Schedule This Week
Ashley: Mon, Feb 23
Hoggard: Tues-Fri, Feb 24-27
Ashley: Mon-Thurs, March 2-5
Hoggard: Fri, March 6
Make an appointment here
Opportunities and Information
Please make sure to scroll through the entire newsletter. While some of the info is the same, new opportunities are added every week.
The Council on International Educational Exchange: Summer Programs
The Council on International Educational Exchange
www.ciee.org/go-abroad/high-school-study-abroad/summer/programs
107 different programs
Europe
Asia
Africa
South America
Central America
Ashley & Hoggard Students will receive an exclusive $2500 discount if they apply by Feb. 25th ( & they can also apply for more merit and need-based scholarships!!)
Deadline to apply - Feb. 25th 2026!
MARCH 15 - 2026 NOW Youth Leadership Awards
Do you know an outstanding youth who has displayed exceptional leadership on behalf of children’s environmental health, equity, or climate justice?
Nominate them for the Children’s Environmental Health Network’s 2026 Nsedu Obot Witherspoon (NOW) Youth Leadership Award! Winners will be honored at the annual Child Health Advocate Awards event held on Children’s Environmental Health Day on October 8, 2026, in Washington DC.
Nominations are open for the Children’s Environmental Health Network’s Annual NOW Youth Leadership Awards! This award honors outstanding youth ages 10-21 for their leadership in children's environmental health, equity, climate action, and justice.
MARCH 4 - New York Times: An AI Webinar for Students:
We’re currently inviting students to submit their video questions about A.I. in advance of our “How A.I. Is Reshaping Our World” webinar on March 4. Register for the webinar here.
MARCH 27 (9-12) Registration Deadline - North Carolina Youth Institute
The North Carolina Youth Institute is a transformative experience where high school students engage with local leaders and agriculture experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities and explore meaningful ways to make a difference in North Carolina and around the world.
The North Carolina Youth Institute is hosted by North Carolina State University with the generous support of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina FFA, and North Carolina 4-H.
Date: April 16-17, 2026
Venue: North Carolina State University
Registration Deadline: March 27, 2026
How to participate
Global Challenge Paper: To participate in the North Carolina Youth Institute, high school students research an issue related to food security and write a paper under the supervision of a teacher or mentor.
Cost: There is no registration cost to participate in the Institute and meals will be provided during the event. However, both student and teacher/mentor participants must organize their own transportation to and from the event in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Eligibility: 9-12TH grade students are eligible to participate in the North Carolina Youth Institute.
Benefits of participating
Students who participate in the North Carolina Youth Institute earn recognition as a Borlaug Scholar and become eligible to be invited as a student delegate to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. Participating high school students have the opportunity to:
Present research and recommendations on ways to solve key global challenges in a short speech and small group discussions with leading agriculture experts;
Become eligible for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, an all expenses-paid, eight-week hands-on experience for students to work with world-renowned scientists and policymakers at leading research centers around the world;
Connect with other student leaders from across North Carolina to share ideas, identify solutions to these problems and build lasting friendships;
Explore the issues, current research and opportunities to make a difference with organizations based in North Carolina;
Interact with global leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in North Carolina working to improve food security around the world; and
Have their research paper evaluated by the World Food Prize Board of Reviewers. Reviewers provide feedback to each student who participates in the Youth Institute.
For any questions about the North Carolina Youth Institute, please contact: Liz Driscoll, liz_driscoll@ncsu.edu or 919-513-7346.
MAY 1 (or until full) JUNIORS Cameron Impact Scholarship
ATTENTION JUNIORS: Applications for the impact-driven, four-year, full-tuition Cameron Impact Scholarship are officially open for the CLASS OF 2027.
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
· 15 scholarships awarded per annum
· Four-year, full tuition scholarship (actual dollar amount varies based upon school selection)
· Freedom in choice of school and area of study
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
· Accepting applications for the Class of 2027 - JUNIORS;
· have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7 or higher;
· be a citizen of the United States.
*** WE ARE LIMITED TO ACCEPTING A TOTAL OF 3,000 COMPLETE APPLICATIONS.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
***** We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
MARCH 15 - (9-12) Duke Vertices High School Science Communication Challenge
We are currently accepting submissions for our annual High School Science Communication Challenge (HSSCC), where we invite high school students to communicate a recent scientific research discovery in an engaging article of 650 words or less. Students must submit articles by March 15, 2026, at 11:59pm EST. Selected by a panel of undergraduate staff writers, winners will have the opportunity to publish their articles in our online magazine this spring. This would be a great opportunity for high school students interested in the intersections of research and science communication. We hope that you will help us spread the word to your students. Please direct interested students to more detailed submission instructions on our website.
Thank you for your time and consideration! Please feel free to email jaemin.kim@duke.edu if you have any questions.
MARCH 9 - (seniors) Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Providing the tools to help tomorrow’s leaders succeed
Since 2004, Student Leaders® has been part of our ongoing commitment to youth employment and economic mobility. We’re helping prepare a pipeline of community-minded students to be successful in the workforce through leadership training and work experience.
Through our Student Leaders® program, we advance employment opportunities by connecting more than 300 community-minded students to employment, skills development and service.
Are you driven to make a difference? Do you want to be part of a program that gives you real‑world experience, leadership growth, and a chance to shape your future? If so, we encourage you to consider applying to the 2026 Bank of America Student Leaders® program.
As a Bank of America Student Leader, you will:
Earn a paid, six‑week internship with a national nonprofit organization.
Attend our Leadership Summit where you will build career skills, explore how public/private sectors work to address critical community needs, and connect with peers and Bank of America leaders.
If you have a passion for making change, see our Bank of America Student Leaders® eligibility requirements and FAQs for more information about the program.
ACT/SAT Resources (March 11)
All NC high school juniors take the ACT in the spring of their 11th grade year. Students are automatically registered for this test and it is given at their high school. Students who wish to take the ACT multiple times may register and pay for additional local ACT testing dates here. The SAT is not given in NHC schools. If you would like to take the SAT, you will have to do so on your own time. Register and pay for the SAT at this website on your own.
There are free test prep resources for both the ACT and SAT below.
Click the button above for instructions on how to create your account and access these free resources provided by NHCS.
Downloadable resources for each ACT section.
New Partnership Expands Free SAT Preparation
College Board has partnered with Schoolhouse.world, founded by Khan Academy® creator Sal Khan, to launch free, peer-led SAT tutoring, adding a new layer of support to its extensive suite of no-cost practice resources. Early pilot results point to increased confidence and a stronger growth mindset among participating students.
Summer Opportunities
Girls Who Code
High school students gain the computer science skills they need to make an impact and prepare for tech careers in our free, virtual Summer Programs. With two program options to choose from, beginner to advanced coders can develop valuable skills, find community, and build their professional networks at a pace and format that works best for them.
NC State Pre-College Programs
At NC State, we believe it is never too early for students to start shaping their paths to success. We offer a variety of pre-college programs that provide a taste of college life, allow students to explore their academic interests and gain valuable skills while experiencing NC State's vibrant campus atmosphere in Raleigh, NC.
Programs ranging from athletics to college readiness are available, depending on student interests. Dates, deadlines and location vary according to individual program.
We encourage you to explore the site for programs that interest you.
Shoot Like a Girl (9-12)
Shoot Like a Girl, a Wilmington-based, summer program focused on workforce development for high school girls. Our curriculum is dedicated to giving them the skills and confidence to become future filmmakers.
Looking to connect with any students who have an interest in storytelling, film, photography, theatre and the arts in general. Camp is led by award-winning industry professionals and is centered on hands-on experience. It is an intensive film-making summer day camp.
Learn more and get inspired by our programs in this 2-minute video.
APRIL 15 - (JUNIORS) The U.S. Military Academy at West Point Summer Leader Experience (SLE)
Led by current West Point cadets, Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is a five-day immersion into a West Point cadet's academic, military, and social life. SLE is for rising high school seniors who are interested in learning more about West Point and the qualities required to succeed as a cadet.
SLE takes place the summer between your junior and senior year. High school juniors should apply between 15 February and 15 April of their junior year. To apply, complete the initial portion of the West Point application (Step 3 in our Steps to Admission) and then the SLE checklist.
At SLE, you will explore West Point from all angles, including our high-tech academic facilities, team-building athletic activities, and realistic military training. You'll also gain firsthand insight into the character, determination, commitment to excellence, and leadership skills expected of West Point cadets.
Dates for Upcoming Sessions
- Session 1: May 30-June 3, 2026
- Session 2: June 5-9, 2026
- Session 3: June 11-15, 2026
An SLE application doubles as the first step of a West Point application. However, please note that an SLE application nor attending SLE obligates you to complete a West Point application or attend West Point.
Learn more here: West Point Summer Leader Experience
Some links may be outdated but this gives you an idea of where to begin in planning summer experiences.
Volunteer Opportunities
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.
Scholarships & Senior Info
NC College Foundation FAFSA and Financial Aid Award Webinars
Feb. 19 @6:00pm: Evaluating Financial Aid Award Offers Register Here
The Leadership/Scholarship Google Classroom contains opportunities for students in all grades. Some are contests, leadership seminars, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships. The AIG coordinators are constantly adding and updating information here. Join using the button/code so you are aware of opportunities as they become available.
SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITE UPDATE
We are in the process of moving our NHCS Scholarship website. The old website is no longer being updated; the last updated information on the old site is November 2025. The new link below is the main location for scholarship resources.
Previously Featured
The previously featured opportunities listed above can be found by looking in the archives!
I try not to post things for more than 2 weeks:
- Feb. 24 - Upward Bound Math & Science Info Session
- Feb. 25 - My List Contest
- Feb. 27 - Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Challenge
- Feb. 28 - Interdisciplinary Health Professions Summer Summit @UNCW
- April 25 - US Service Academy Info Forum
No Deadline: Schools Meals for All Student Ambassador Program
Gifted Advisory Council
The 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 2022-2025 AIG Plan. The council provides perspectives, information, and independent initiatives that are not shared through regular NHCS AIG communications. Please use the link below to join the GAC's mailing list for newsletters and other information for how to support your student and their school's AIG program. The remaining meetings for this school year are planned for:
February 16, 2026
March 16, 2026
April 20, 2026
All meetings are from 6:00-7:00pm at the Board of Education Building
meetings are not streamed or recorded
If you aren't sure you can make the meetings but would like to receive information from the Gifted Advisory Council, please sign up below.
Jennifer Crudeli - Gifted Education Specialist
Email: jennifer.crudeli@nhcs.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/laney-nhhs-aig/home-1
Ashley Office: 405
Hoggard Office: 104B




