Summer Textile Exploration Program
A residential camp for rising high school seniors
What is STEP?
Applications for STEP 2025 sessions open on Jan. 1.
Our 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, chemistry and marketing.
STEP students will live on our campus, complete a project related to their area of interest in our studios and labs, and attend sessions to learn more about:
- Our five bachelor’s degrees.
- The college application process.
- Wilson College of Textiles scholarships.
- Internship and job opportunities available to Wilson College students.
Up to 35 students per week are chosen based on their academic success, interest in the college and extracurricular activities.
STEP In Photos
See the fun our campers are having inside and outside our labs and studios!
Project Group Examples
When each student applies to STEP, they’ll rank their top project interest. Each project group correlates to one of our academic programs, and students will spend part of each day completing a hands-on project in that field of study.
Below are just a few examples of projects that have taken place in the past.
Please note that the projects listed are subject to change each year, and not all project groups will be available during each camp session.
Fashion 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 and Technology
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.
When and Where?
Students will choose one of the five weeks to attend STEP. Please note that only select students are eligible to attend Week 5 (Textile Pioneer Week).
- Week 1: June 8-13
- Week 2: June 15-20
- Week 3: June 22-27
- Week 4: July 6-11
- Textile Pioneer Week: July 13-18
Cost and Financial Aid
The STEP 2024 program cost is $450. This payment covers lodging, transportation, materials, lunches and dinners during the camp.
Partial and full scholarships are available for those with demonstrated financial need. A financial aid application is included within the STEP application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I live during the program?
STEP students will live in one of the 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.
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.
What is Week 5: Summer Textile Exploration Pioneer Program?
Summer Textile Exploration Pioneer Program (STEPP)
The fifth week of STEP is called the Summer Textile Exploration Pioneer Program (STEPP) and focuses on students from non-metropolitan areas of North Carolina. This program provides resources specifically geared towards students from these regions, such as:
- Personalized support to maximize success in the college and scholarship application process.
- Tips for writing college and scholarship application essays.
- Additional opportunities for parent/guardian engagement.
- Financial literacy education.
To qualify for STEPP (July 16-21), a student must be from a non-metropolitan county in North Carolina. The UNC System Strategic Plan says that a non-metropolitan county is any county that the NC State Department of Commerce has included in its Tier 1 or Tier 2 lists. At this time, the university is utilizing the 2016 Tier designations map.
To find out if you qualify, see the map below (click to enlarge) or see a list of county designations:
Application Information
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 and writing abilities. We are also looking for thorough and thoughtful application answers.
Please note that a STEP admission decision is not a direct indicator of a future NC State admission decision.
What do I need to apply to STEP?
The application requires you to upload your unofficial transcript as one complete document. Pictures of your transcript and progress reports will not be accepted.
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.
When will I know if I have been admitted into STEP?
All applications will be reviewed following the deadline and applicants will be notified of their status at the beginning of May by the email address on their application.
Why can’t I select Week 5 as the first choice on my application?
Week 5 is the Summer Textile Exploration Pioneer Program (STEPP) and is only an option for students from pre-selected, non-metropolitan areas of North Carolina.
Contact Us
Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Email tex-summer-programs@ncsu.edu or call 919.515.6640 during normal business hours.
