About Us

The first academy was held during summer, 2005 for one week at campus of the University of North Carolina-Wilmington in Wilmington, North Carolina.  There were 70 middle school students (Grades 5-9) who were local residents of New Hanover and Pender Counties.

The participants consisted of diverse ethnic groups: African American (25), Asian Americans (5), Caucasian Americans (27), Native Americans (3), other (2) and from diverse economic backgrounds. For about fifty nine participants this was their first time attending a summer program.

Each day of the academy the participants were engaged in 20+ hours of academic enrichment in mathematics, science, and technology.  The core curriculum was developed by UNCW academic faculty, staff and students in alignment with the North Carolina Middle School Standard Course of Study in Mathematics and Science. 

Each activity had a literacy component in which students had to read or present information.  Some of the academy activities included:  video conference presentation by NASA; visit to the Upperman Cultural Center; campus tours and introduction to UNCW programs; College Foundation Presentation and ending with a trips to Exploris Science Museum, beach, and Imax Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

The Junior (Jr.) Seahawk Academy is now in its 4th year of operation and has served over 200 students.  This academy has positively influenced participants’ interests in academics and motivated them to attend college and major in these fields.