A program of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Student Science Enrichment Program

awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years to nonprofit organizations serving North Carolina middle and high school students. Roughly a dozen awards are made annually. SSEP awards support career-oriented and practical programs intended to provide creative science enrichment activities for students in the sixth through twelfth grades who have shown exceptional skills and interest in science and mathematics, as well as those perceived to have high potential.

In line with the mission of the fund, projects that are funded through SSEP must seek to achieve three goals: improving students' competence in science and mathematics; nurturing their enthusiasm for science and mathematics; and interesting them in pursuing careers in research or other science-related areas.

The program is open to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina. Eligible organizations include public and private schools, colleges and universities, community groups, museums, zoos, scientific groups, and others that can provide experiential activities for middle school and high school students. BWF encourages partnerships (i.e., between individual schools or school systems and scientific groups, universities or community groups).

SSEP activities must take place outside of the usual school environment, such as after school, on weekends, or during vacation periods.