• LeadWISER Mentorship Conference
     
    This school year, we are excited to host the second annual LeadWISER Mentorship Conference, which includes a 9-week virtual mentorship program for high school students. Participants will work closely with Duke student mentors to develop a research project and community-based initiative on a topic of their choice, including but not limited to sustainability, women’s health, education or public policy. The program will culminate in an in-person poster presentation and leadership conference in late March/early April.
     
    We are currently accepting rolling applications from high school students for the mentorship program, which begins on January 18th. All high school students are welcome to apply. Our application deadline is January 7th at 11:59 pm. I am reaching out to ask if you could share the attached informational flyer, FAQ doc, and application link with students at your school who might be interested in this opportunity!
     
     
     
     

  • About the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program

    The Lady Cardinal Mentorship is a 4-week summer enrichment opportunity for North Carolina high school girls, grades 9-12, interested in exploring careers in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics within state government.

    Started in 2019 based on recommendations from the 2018 Status of Women in NC Report, the mentorship program is part of the state’s initiative to reduce the growing disparity in employment and earnings among women and men in North Carolina, particularly in STEM-based careers.

    What You Can Expect

    • 40 hour work week (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
      • 24 hours in placement site working side by side with women leaders
      • 16 hours working on a group project
    • $1,700 stipend at end of mentorship
    • Lunch & Learns each week with women leaders across state agencies
    • Opportunities to visit various state government agencies through field trips
    • NOTE: The program does not provide housing to participants

  • Project Uplift 2026

    On behalf of the Carolina Higher Education Opportunity Programs (CHEOP) office, we're excited to share details about Project Uplift and Uplift Plus 2026!  

    Project Uplift and Uplift PLUS are summer enrichment and college access programs designed to promote and increase access to higher education for rising high school seniors. We welcome interest from any student across North Carolina.

    Project Uplift flyer 

     

  • Youth Legislative Assembly

    The 2026 Youth Legislative Assembly will be held March 13-15. YLA is a mock legislative session where high school students voice their opinions and vote on issues concerning local, state and national government.

    The conference gives high school students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the workings of local, state and national government. Active participation in YLA increases students’ confidence and ability to debate current issues.

    Any high school student in good standing at a public, private, charter or home school in North Carolina is eligible to participate in YLA. Participants do not have to have a member of the N.C. General Assembly to sponsor them. 

    The application deadline is Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. For more information, email Erica.Gallion@ncleg.gov.

     

  • Opportunities for Teens at Oberlin Road Public Library

    Please check out these events and opportunities for teens with Wake County Public Libraries. 
     
    I will be hosting a meet and greet on Tuesday, December 2nd from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. where I hope to gather some information on what kind of programs the teens would be interested in seeing in 2026. Flyer attached.  In addition to that, our teen programs will be returning weekly starting January 6th on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. - see flyer.
     
    I am also recruiting for our Teen Leadership Corps program. Teens in grades 6th - 10th are invited to apply for this program. I will be hosting an orientation on Thursday, January 15 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. A flyer, application and commitment form are also attached to this email.
     
    Thanks for your time and consideration. Please reach out if you have any questions.
     
     

    Julia Palko (She/Her)

    Youth Services Librarian

    Wake County Government 

    Community Services/Libraries

    julia.palko@wake.gov

    919-856-6710 (office)

    Oberlin Regional Library

    1930 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC  27605

    wake.gov/libraries

  • Ideas for Community Engagement Hours

    • Do you belong to or live near a church, mosque, synagogue? All of these organizations are non-profits. Approach the administrative staff and ask if they have volunteer work you can do.
    • Other Non-Profit Agencies in the Area include Salvation Army Soup Line, Bargain Box, Cameron Village Library, The Food Bank of NC, Wake Relief at St. Saviour's, The Green Chair Project, Raleigh Rescue Mission, Interact, Saving Grace, Step-Up Ministries and many more! 

    Community Engagement Opportunities