The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers offers students from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to explore the field of nuclear engineering through hands-on academic, technical, and leadership experiences.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Students immerse themselves in a curriculum that balances academic rigor with engaging, real-world experiences. Mornings are dedicated to math and science tutoring, along with college entrance exam preparation. Afternoons feature seminars on college readiness, technical communication, leadership development, and community-engaged design projects. Workshops on deep time, speculative design, and community energy systems further enhance creative and critical thinking skills.

Hands-On Learning and Research

The Harper Academy curriculum includes laboratory visits to premier U-M facilities such as the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory, ZEUS laser system, and the Virtual Ford Nuclear Reactor. Field trips to the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and Fermi Nuclear Power Plant offer practical insights into the nuclear industry. Students also engage in innovative community workshops, conducting interviews and facilitating discussions on nuclear energy with local communities.

In addition, select students have the opportunity to collaborate with NERS faculty on groundbreaking research projects, contributing to the academic community while gaining invaluable research skills.

A Collaborative Partnership

Harper Academy 4 Future Engineers is made possible through the partnership between NERS, Charles Harper Charities, Detroit Second Chance, and the U-M Office of Culture, Community, and Equity (OCCE). Together, we create pathways for underrepresented students to enter STEM fields, with a focus on preparing the next generation of nuclear engineers.

Inspiring Future Leaders

With a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, Harper Academy nurtures future engineers, equipping them with the tools and mentorship they need to succeed in nuclear engineering and beyond. This annual program continues to grow, with plans to expand in the coming years to inspire even more students to pursue careers in STEM.

For more information about the Harper Academy 4 Future Engineers, please contact NERS Recruiting & Outreach Coordinator, Khan Nguyen.

Working with NERS and the Harper Academy team in serving this talented, dynamic, and exceptional group of All-Stars has truly been a highlight of my time here at the University of Michigan. To see them all find community, identify their purpose, and begin to develop a path towards accomplishing their goals during this year’s Academy was special and continues to bring a smile to my face. I, along with the OCCE and the Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP) teams are looking forward to continuing to be a source of advocacy, encouragement, guidance, and support to these amazing All Stars through this new and exciting endeavor and the ones to come.
—Joseph Ballard II, Director of Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP) & OCCE Student Access, Belonging, Engagement and Success