NOVEMBER 2 , 2026 | ETHICS & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Background on the Conference

NCSSM Ethics and Leadership Initiative

There is a pervasive need for leadership in the world. The challenges that face us, whether seen as opportunities or problems, demand effective and coordinated action. Curriculum that addresses development of both the skills and the ethical foundations of effective leadership is, therefore, an important undertaking. Bright, motivated high school students have great potential for acquiring leadership skills and problem-solving abilities as part of their education to become effective, ethical leaders.

NCSSM in cooperation with high school educators and students from throughout North Carolina is developing curriculum for teaching leadership skills and facilitating character development of high school students. This curriculum is seen as addressing the need for effective global leadership in such areas as science, technology, education, the arts, international relations, and others. It is being developed within a project called the NCSSM Ethics and Leadership Initiative.

The starting point for the NCSSM leadership curriculum was a Cooperation Agreement signed between leaders of the Israel Arts and Science Academy (IASA) and NCSSM on September 20, 1995. Discussions with NCSSM faculty, administrators, and students during the succeeding months defined a possible framework and components for the curriculum. These were examined in light of information obtained about leadership programs for college and high school students at other institutions in the U.S. The resulting curriculum was first offered as a yearlong seminar for approximately 30 seniors in 1996-97. Eight of these students attended a two-week curriculum development conference the following summer at the Israel Academy, entitled “Ethics in Science and Humanities.” Particularly in the first year and continuing to the present, student input has been relied upon heavily to shape the NCSSM course materials. These have been developed into two trimester-long courses which attract 100-110 students annually, and a semester-long Interactive videoconferencing course offered through NCSSM’s Distance Education and Extended Programs division. The Initiative also includes an annual conference and an occasional teacher workshop conducted via NCSSM's Distance Education network.

Conference History

Key Historical Eras

The NCSSM Ethics & Leadership Conference (ELC) originated from a 1995 partnership between the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) and the Israel Arts and Science Academy (IASA). What began as a year-long leadership seminar has evolved into a premier annual event for high school students across North Carolina.

Foundational Years 1995-1997

Following a 1995 "Cooperation Agreement," NCSSM developed a leadership curriculum to address the global need for ethical decision-making in STEM and the humanities. A pilot seminar for 30 seniors was launched in 1996, with some students attending a development conference in Israel.

Establishment & Growth (1998–2010s): The first official annual conference was hosted in 1998. Over the next two decades, it transitioned from an internal seminar into a statewide outreach event open to students in grades 9-12.

Modern Expansion 2020-Present

Recent years have seen the conference adapt to global shifts, and Ethics and Leadership Conference themes have included topics to address the global need for ethical decision-making in STEM, including:

2025: Nil: Name, Image, Leadership
2024: Data and Democracy
2023: Equity In STEM: Ethical Implications for STEM Professions
2022: Should We Hack Humanity?
2021: Cybersecurity Implications in the Modern World.
2020: Artificial Intelligence

Core Mission & Impact

Statewide Reach: The conference fulfills NCSSM's legislative mandate to serve students from every corner of North Carolina.

Collaborative Learning: It emphasizes problem-solving and small-group conversations where students collaborate with peers and professionals to apply ethical frameworks to real-world challenges.

Leadership Development: The initiative remains dedicated to nurturing global leaders who can navigate the complexities of science, technology, and international relations.

Statewide Reach: The conference fulfills NCSSM's legislative mandate to serve students from every corner of North Carolina.

Collaborative Learning: It emphasizes problem-solving and small-group conversations where students collaborate with peers and professionals to apply ethical frameworks to real-world challenges.

Leadership Development: The initiative remains dedicated to nurturing global leaders who can navigate the complexities of science, technology, and international relations.

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