The Student Science Enrichment Program (SSEP) awards support creative, hands-on science education activities for K-12 students.  Nonprofit organizations serving North Carolina primary and secondary school students are eligible to apply. Activities typically occur outside of the school day ranging from after school programs, year round science experiences, Saturday academies or summer camps.  These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years.

Since the program’s inception in 1996, BWF has awarded $23.6 million to support 162 awards at 80 organizations across North Carolina.  The program has reached nearly 37,000 students. In 2011, 92 percent of student participants reported that they understand science better after completing a science enrichment program and 92 percent said that they would refer a program to their friends.

SSEP awards support career-oriented and practical programs intended to provide creative science enrichment activities for students in K-12 education who have shown exceptional skills and interest in science and mathematics, as well as those perceived to have high potential.  After school programs are demonstrating value in helping to close opportunity gaps for underserved and underrepresented students. These programs must enable students to participate in hands-on scientific activities and pursue inquiry-based avenues of exploration—an educational approach that BWF believes to be an effective way to increase students’ understanding and appreciation of the scientific process. To increase academic achievement, programs must provide a well-defined structure that aligns with the school-day curriculum, well-trained staff, and student follow up.