Media advisory: High schoolers showcase STEM research at WF Leap

Winston-Salem, N.C. – July 22, 2024 – This summer, 25 high school students from six Title I Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools are participating in the Wake Forest LEAP ( (Lab Experiences: Academics and Professions) program. Among them is Autumn Taylor, a 15-year-old rising junior at Glenn High School who loves building theater sets and dreams of becoming an architect or structural engineer.

WF LEAP offers these students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on lab research experience while earning a paid internship. The goal is to increase the number of traditionally underrepresented youth and minorities in the STEM education pipeline.

Rather than earning money in more traditional high school summer jobs, students accepted to the program have a paid summer experience that directly links to a desired career or educational discipline.

“Meals, transportation and other resources are provided to help break down any barriers or challenges that these students may face,” said James.

The program pairs each student with a Wake Forest professor and a co-mentor, who guide them through the foundations of their discipline and research. Over six weeks, from June 17 to July 26, students work on individual projects ranging from cancer cell responses to water treatment technology to improving muscle mass for older adults. These research projects will be showcased at a symposium on Friday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of Wake Downtown.

“The symposium is an exciting time for the students to share what they learned with their mentors, school district staff, family and friends,” said James. “They will have booths, provide live demonstrations, and answer questions about their research projects from visitors during the event.”

Teachers from each of the target high schools serve as a dedicated point of contact for students who wish to apply for LEAP. These ‘Teacher Advocates’ assist the LEAP program coordinators by identifying, nominating, and supporting students through the application process. This year, the six schools participating are: Carver, Glenn, Kennedy, North Forsyth, Parkland IB, and Reynolds. Title I schools are identified by the federal government because they serve a large population of families facing economic challenges.

Students not only gain lab experience during the program, but also participate in professional development workshops on career exploration, resume development, networking, public speaking, and research, in collaboration with Wake Forest’s Office of Personal and Career Development, ZSR Library, and the Wake Forest Speaking Center.

Throughout their experience, students also engage in various activities and field trips, including visits to Mazie Woodruff Aviation Tech Lab at the Smith Reynolds Airport to learn about drone use in science and aviation careers, meetings with researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and learning how to use a variety technology and tools at the WS Mixxer Community Makerspace.

The LEAP program also provides resources and support that extend beyond the summer, aiming to improve students’ confidence and encourage aspirations in STEM education and careers.

“When you see firsthand how much these high schoolers have grown, the impact it’s had on them personally, and how their confidence has increased in subjects like math and science, you see the importance of having more programs like this in our community,” added James.

The student’s research projects will be featured in their home schools in the fall. LEAP is made possible by support through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) and The Truist Foundation.

According to the  U.S. Department of Labor, STEM occupations are projected to grow by almost 11% by 2031, over two times faster than the total for all occupations.

Media are invited to attend the symposium and see the innovative projects these students have developed. Join us on Friday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of Wake Downtown. For more information or to confirm your attendance, contact Keri Brown media@wfu.edu or 336-758-4442.

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About Wake Forest University:
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.