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In an exciting partnership, the Saunders Science Scholars (SSS) program is joining hands with ACTivate Futures, expanding their mission of science education, college readiness, and youth development to students from Hertford County Public Schools.

ACTivate Futures, a collaboration between the Gates County Community Partnership and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, was presented to local students this past summer. The free program opened its doors to high school students wishing to bolster their preparedness for higher education. After the camp, a decision was made to expand the program into a joint campaign with the Saunders Science Scholars, an educational enrichment program launched in Gates County in 2017.

“ACTivate Futures was initially tailored for Gates County students. Towards the end of registration, we realized there would be a sizable number of open slots and when this happens, we don’t close things down, we open them up,” said Chante Jordan, Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “The response from Hertford County was tremendous. Thank you, Hertford County Early College High School (HCECHS), for your continued support and engagement.”

Dr. Crystal Harden, Director of Program and Access Initiatives at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, shared her enthusiasm.

“The integration between ACTivate Futures participants and our Saunders Science Scholars was seamless, so we had to figure out a way to continue,” stated Dr. Harden. “This collaboration underscores the potential our students hold. Welcome Alexis, Jameilya, Madison, Trent, Sydney, Amiya, and Anaston to this continued educational journey.”

With six meetings planned throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, these sessions will foster an environment of collaboration and shared learning. Sessions will primarily be held at the Gates County Community Center, with potential meetings in Hertford County.

“As a parent and President of the Hertford County Early College High School Parent Teacher Student Organization, I am very grateful to the Gates County Collaborative (Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Gates County Community Partnership, and Gates County Schools) for opening the doors of the program to students at Hertford County Public Schools and other surrounding counties,” emphasized ACTivate Futures parent Wendy Vann. “I am even more excited that ACTivate Futures will continue throughout the 2024-25 year to allow the HCECHS students to join the Saunders Science Scholars in additional college readiness initiatives. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue this exciting partnership”

Gates County Community Partnership is a 501c3 public charity whose mission is to inspire and increase community engagement by the citizens of Gates County for the educational and social development of its youth.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center serves North Carolina and beyond by bringing together the unique resources of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to engage the public for an enhanced understanding of science.