Winspire Organization

WinSPIRE is an educational organization affiliated with UNC-Chapel Hill dedicated to expanding access to research and mentorship opportunities in STEM for high school students. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists by providing early, hands-on research experiences and professional development support. Each summer, WinSPIRE hosts a six-week Summer Research Program for rising high school juniors and seniors. Participants engage in cutting-edge research in UNC laboratories and take part in career development and college preparatory workshops designed to strengthen their academic confidence and readiness for future STEM opportunities. Students are guided by UNC graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty mentors, who work one-on-one with them to design, execute, and present original research projects. Mentors also lead workshops that help participants build skills in scientific communication, teamwork, and career planning. Through mentorship, community, and experiential learning, WinSPIRE helps bridge the gap between high school and higher education in STEM, preparing students to thrive as future innovators and leaders in science and engineering.