Frequently Asked Questions

Held October 30, 2023, the NCSSM Ethics & Leadership conference is a one-day event for high school students that provides the opportunity to network with other students, participate in problem solving sessions, hear from experts in racial equity in STEM fields. This year the theme of the conference is: Racial Equity In STEM: Ethical Implications for STEM Professions. The conference is in-person. This year's Ethics and Leadership Conference invites students to explore the intersection of ethics and racial equity in STEM professions.

• Network with other students, educators, and tech industry professionals

• Participate in problem solving sessions and discussion about ethical tech

• Hear from experts about ethical dilemmas in their fields

Event will be held in the Educational Technology Complex (ETC) on the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Durham Campus (1219 Broad Street, Durham NC 27705).  The ETC is on Maryland Ave. near the Club Blvd. Intersection.  Visit the NCSSM Website for a map and directions. 

Yes, this year's conference will be offered in-person. 

This conference is more like a field-trip. Conference sessions are meant to be enrichment opportunities, where you can learn about ethical computing and other topics not often covered during a normal school day.

Sessions will be fun and engaging. Participants will alternate between expert speakers and small group sessions used for brainstorming and reflection. 

The conference is free. 

There is space for 250 in-person participants.

High school students in North Carolina are welcome to attend, along with teachers and educators acting as chaperones. 

Although the primary audience for the conference is high school students, teachers from many disciplines may choose to take part in the conference given its interdisciplinary nature. CTE and PLTW teachers, science teachers, and social science teachers may be particularly interested in the content.

We'll be hearing from experts in racial equity in STEM. In-person, small group discussions will be lead by NCSSM faculty, staff, and leaders from around North Carolina. 

See the conference schedule for more details about the day. 

You will receive an educator’s guide 2 weeks before the conference. It will include all of the information necessary to facilitate the in-person conference day, and additional curriculum and lesson resources to extend your students’ learning beyond the day. 

NCSSM is a 'mask optional' campus but we encourage everyone attending the event in-person to safeguard the entire community by wearing a mask, particularly during in-door portions of the event. 

Click on the in-person registration link and fill out the form on the registration page. 

We recommend using a personal email address that you check regularly, since many schools block email from outside sources, and you may not receive information about your sessions.

• In-person participants - Students and educators should each register individually using the In-person Conference Registration. 

Click on the registration link for virtual attendees and fill out the form on the registration page. We recommend using a personal email address that you check regularly, since many schools block email from outside sources, and you may not receive the link to your sessions.

• Virtual participants - Students participating without a teacher or educator facilitating should register using the Virtual Conference Registration.

• Virtual participants - Educators who will be leading their entire class (or another large group) in the conference should register ONLY themselves using the Virtual Conference Registration. Please do NOT register each student individually in order to preserve seats for other virtual participants. 

Watch your email for conference information including directions to the NCSSM Durham Campus.