Gardner-Webb University Launches Summer Searight Scholars Program for High School Students

Three-Day Academic and Career-Focused Experience Set for June 2-4

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University is introducing a new summer program designed to help high school students build a strong foundation for academic and career success. The Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP), a three-day learning experience, will be held June 2-4 on the GWU campus.

The program grew from insights shared by the Rev. Johnny and Mrs. Shirley Searight, whose passion for education established the Searight Pace Program. Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters helped to make the Searight’s vision a reality by cementing a partnership with the Foothills Workforce Development Board. The organization works in Cleveland, Rutherford, Polk and McDowell counties to develop the region’s future workforce and its mission includes expanding career-focused opportunities for high school students.

Designed for students in grades nine-12, the Summer Searight Scholars Program strengthens academic engagement, college preparedness, and workforce readiness. Classes will be taught by qualified Gardner-Webb faculty and subject‑area experts. Participants will explore multidisciplinary topics such as artificial intelligence, global food systems, healthcare, and social media marketing. They will also be introduced to personal finance and business etiquette. In sessions with Gardner-Webb admissions staff, they will learn about academic programs, identify career interests, and develop skills for college success.

“The Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP) is beneficial to high school students because it helps them to continue learning and developing important life skills during the summer,” observed Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, a Gardner-Webb professor and the assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships. “With the assistance of our full-time faculty and staff, students will explore new subjects, build leadership and teamwork skills, and stay academically engaged so they do not forget what they learned during the school year. Students will return to school more confident, prepared, and motivated for future opportunities.”

Negbenebor also noted that industry partners, including a representative from the Foothills Workforce Development Board, will serve as guest speakers. They will discuss emerging workforce needs and professional expectations. Regional employers will share information about job opportunities along with the new, high‑demand career fields developing in the region.

The SSP is offered through the Searight PACE Program, GWU’s continuing education initiative that provides professional and lifelong learning opportunities for individuals at all stages of their education. Negbenebor noted, “Through our specialized courses with certificates, learners identify critical gaps, pivot to new career paths, and gain the tools to make lasting contributions to their fields. We equip faculty and staff to solve real-world problems, explore new career horizons, and build distinguished careers that serve the greater good.”

Summer Scholars Program

Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

• Dates: June 2-4
• Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (educational sessions, lunch, plus two hours of homework daily)
• Location: Tucker Student Center, Gardner-Webb University
• Eligibility: Rising ninth-12th grade students
• Credit: 10 continuing education (CE) credits
• Completion: Certificate ceremony on June 4
• Register here.
• Contact: [email protected] or 704 406‑2667

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.