Summer Textile Exploration Program
The Wilson College of Textiles Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) consists of five one-week sessions for rising high school seniors interested in learning about the textile industry, fashion, engineering, polymer science and business marketing. Up to 35 students per week are chosen based on their academic success, interest in NC State Wilson College of Textiles, and extracurricular activities.
Students participate in sessions learning about the five degree programs offered in the Wilson College of Textiles, applying to NC State University, Centennial Scholarships, future internship and job opportunities, and learning about the industry from partners and alumni. Each student has the opportunity to rank their top project interest and will spend parts of the day working on project pertaining to one of the following that has been completed in the past. Please note that the projects listed are subject to change each week.
I made so many new friends. STEP allows you to learn what the textile industry really entails.
Ashley
Brand Management, 2022
2023 Program Dates
- Week 1: June 11 – 16
- Week 2: June 18 – 23
- Week 3: June 25 – 30
- Week 4: July 9 – 14
- Week 5: July 16 – 21
Project Groups
Apparel Design
Students learn about the design process to create a mood board and a 3D digital rendering of their design using CLO. They will then create a garment themed around upcycling, zero-waste or kimonos. Finally, students model their designs on the runway during Friday presentations.
Textile Engineering
Biomedical Textiles: Students have the opportunity to collect bacteria samples from various surfaces, grow them and apply them to different fabrics to test an antimicrobial finish’s ability to reduce bacteria on different textile surfaces. The information learned can have an impact on textile products used in everyday life as well as hospitals, military personnel and much more.
Protective Textiles: Students in this group learn about those textiles created to keep us safe. The participants will have the opportunity to perform experiments on a variety of fabric to test their fire and water resistance and visit a local fire department to learn why it’s important. The participants also perform trials on a variety of face mask types to asses their efficacy.
Smart Textiles: Students explore the properties of various fibers and textile production methods. They are then tasked with creating a smart textile (a textile that responds to external stimuli). Students create a woven textile design with light-up capabilities. They also construct a McKibben Actuator model, a manmade muscle used in artificial limbs.
Business Management
Marketing: Students work in groups to develop a marketing plan and analysis for an apparel company or brand that is not a part of the current target market. Students then develop a new sub-brand or brand in order to successfully target that market.
Business Simulation: In teams, students participate in a business simulation that takes them through the start-up and growth of a textile manufacturing business, addressing the relevant decisions for business management. Students learn business strategies, financial planning, business sustainability, and they learn the differences between manufacturing and retail.
Textile Design
Students create their own motifs using hand and digital methods, and then develop innovative repeat patterns for textiles. Emphasis has been placed on students learning CAD design skills, color theory and design principles for printed textile design. In the end, students had the opportunity to have their design digitally printed on cotton fabric, and many have expressed plans to use their design(s) to create things such as tote bags, pencil pouches, pillows, and much more.
Polymer Chemistry
Students identify what a polymer is, how synthetic polymers are made, and where we find polymers in our everyday lives. They explore the polymerization model and create their own model of the molecular structure of polyethylene. Lastly, they learn the history and use of nylon and have the opportunity to make and dye their own nylon rope.
Application Information
Online Application: Opens January 1, 2023. Closes April 15, 2023. Your unofficial transcript is required to be uploaded as a part of your application, it should be uploaded as one complete document. Please do not take a picture of your transcript. Progress reports will not be accepted.
Program Cost: $450. The program cost covers lodging, transportation, materials, lunches and dinners during the camp. Partial and full scholarships are available on a need basis.
Questions: Please email tex-summer-programs@ncsu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay anything in addition to the fee/deposit?
The cost of the program covers lodging, transportation, materials, lunches and dinners during the camp. Please note: NC State is a cashless university, so students will need to bring a debit or credit card if they are interested in getting ice cream, snacks, coffee or items from the NC State bookstore.
When will I know if I have been admitted into STEP?
All applications will be reviewed following the April 15 deadline and applicants will be notified of their status at the beginning of May by the email address on their application.
Do the students need to be current juniors/rising seniors to apply and attend the camp?
Yes, you must be a current high school junior to be eligible for STEP.
What if I’m enrolled in an early college high school?
Our rule of thumb is that STEP attendees must be planning to apply to a four year university in the fall.
What factors does the Wilson College of Textiles consider for admission into STEP?
We are looking for students who are on-track (should they continue their current level of academic achievement) to be strong candidates for admission to NC State the following year. We look at grades, course selection, extra-curricular activities, leadership roles, unique life experiences, writing abilities, and like to see that the application answers are well thought out and thorough. Please note that a STEP admission decision is not a direct indicator of a future NC State admission decision.
Why can’t I select week 5 as my first choice on the application?
Week 5 is the Summer Textile Exploration Pioneer Program (STEPP) which was instituted to support students from non-metropolitan areas of North Carolina. The option to choose this week will not populate for you unless you are from one of these areas.
What types of transcripts do you accept?
We accept homeschool, narrative transcripts and other transcripts with nontraditional means of course evaluation. We do ask that your transcript is comprehensive, including your classes and evaluations (grades) through the current enrollment term. Your transcript should also confirm your standing as a high school junior (rising senior). We do not accept screenshots from PowerSchool or the equivalent. We also do not accept progress reports.
What is Week 5: Textile Pioneer Week?
Summer Textile Exploration Pioneer Program (STEPP)
The Wilson College of Textiles has added a fifth week (July 16-21) of its Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) with a focus for students from non-metropolitan North Carolina areas. The addition of the pioneer program is in alignment with NC State’s land-grant mission to diversify our student body while maintaining the excellence to continue providing educational innovation. The additional week of STEP will meet the needs of students from non-metropolitan North Carolina areas who have an interest in the textile industry, through the following ways:
- Personalized support to maximize success in the college and scholarship application process
- Focus on writing college and scholarship application essays
- Additional opportunities for parent/guardian engagement
- Overview of financial literacy
To qualify for participation in STEPP (July 16-21), a student must be from a non-metropolitan county in North Carolina. The UNC System Strategic Plan defines this as students coming from a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county as defined by the NC State Department of Commerce. At this time, the university is utilizing the 2016 Tier designations map. To see if you qualify, see the map below:
Where will I live during the program?
STEP attendees will live in one of the suite-style residence halls on main campus. Roommates are randomly assigned, unless we receive a specific roommate request, in which case we will do our best to accommodate the request. To check out NC State’s suite-style residence halls, please visit the University Housing website.