The SPIRE Fellows Program is an academic support system focused on enhancing student success, engagement, and retention in STEM. We welcome students with diverse experiences and interests, offering them a space to build a sense of academic belonging. The program supports high-achieving undergraduates pursuing majors and/or careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and STEM+ disciplines (e.g., Economics, Psychology) that offer a Bachelor of Science degree.
SPIRE also provides high-level STEM tutoring, academic skills development, and access to a network of STEM role-models/mentors. As a SPIRE Fellow, you will have many opportunities to learn how to network with faculty, alumni, and industry leaders – and in turn, envision your own successful career path.
STEM courses and majors can be highly competitive and academically challenging at Duke. SPIRE provides a supportive and inviting community, where you can find your place and form your identity both in STEM, and Duke as a whole. SPIRE strives to create an environment that fosters collaboration and close social bonds, where fellows are celebrated for their successes, and supported during their challenges. To that end, SPIRE provides a Living & Learning Community (LLC), and we host many social events throughout the year, e.g. SPIRE Fridays, game nights, and watch parties, etc!
SPIRE's commitment to you
- Academic coaching and skills instruction, tutoring, and career counseling
- Wellness and well-being coaching to assist you in balancing the academic demands of STEM at Duke
- Supportive STEM faculty/staff mentors
- Access to a network of departmental faculty, administration, and graduate students for potential shadowing, mentorship, and engagement opportunities
- Funding for approved enrichment opportunities/items and 1-1 tutoring
- Support to identify STEM enhancement and research opportunities
- Support to present research at local and/or national conferences
- Support to publish research in peer-reviewed journals
SPIRE's expectations of you
- Attend SPIRE events, e.g. the SPIRE Speaker Series and New Fellows Welcome Dinner
- Participate in community outreach and programs
- Take a first-year course in the Spring semester on developing your STEM identity (0.5 credits)
- Participate in summer exploration opportunities
- Live together sophomore year in the SPIRE LLC
- Participate in program development, e.g. an exit interview with SPIRE director in senior year and iterative program assessment
- Actively engage with the SPIRE community (attend SPIRE Fridays, social events, and seek from and provide help/support to other fellows)
Letter from the Fellows
For many of us, coming to Duke meant stepping into a world of opportunity - but it was one that could be overwhelming. From taking our first STEM classes, to declaring majors, to discovering all the ways you can get involved in science at Duke, we often felt daunted by these challenges - especially since many of us came from communities where guidance and support in STEM were limited.
But for all of us, SPIRE became the support system we needed. It’s not just a program — it’s a family of people who genuinely care for, show up, and uplift each other. Whether we’re navigating setbacks or celebrating wins, we know SPIRE is behind us.
From the first year course – it’s more than just a class but rather a stepping stone into all things Duke. Instead of focusing on just academics, Kaitlyn made sure that we highlighted mental health, Duke’s history, the importance of networking, and even more. To have a class that puts an emphasis on your needs and wellbeing during one of the most challenging transitions of your life means more than anything we can articulate in a few words. There’s not many classes that you can say brought good vibes all around but the first year course is definitely a part of the few that do. Outside of the classroom- living in the LLC truly feels like having a home away from home. It’s knowing we always have a safe and warm place to return to, that my friends are just down the hall, and knowing you are never alone at Duke.
SPIRE also makes sure that you have a diverse and vast network of mentors who you can count on to be therefor you as you find your way at Duke and beyond. You will have someone to ask big questions about your future career to, someone to feel your pain when you didn’t get a class you wanted, and someone to recommend you the best study spots. Being matched with an academic mentor, who will help you with most of your academic goals and career path, as well as an upperclass student mentor or “big” who will look out for you and help you with the relatable struggles of being a college student. You will also form connections through SPIRE’s many events geared toward helping you meet people who you relate to and who have gone through some of the same experiences as you. In short, SPIRE gives you brilliant, reliable mentors to have on your team – an invaluable gift and an essential part of feeling secure and supported at Duke.
And of course, our directors are more than just SPIRE advisors. They are your biggest cheerleaders, listening ears, stormtroopers, and the list could go on and on. There has never been a point in my SPIRE career in which we felt we couldn't go to one of them to just talk or get advice. They are the most loveable people on Duke's Campus ( or even the world) that exist, with so much compassion to share with students inside and outside of SPIRE. At the end of the day, we always have a safe space with them.
Through SPIRE, we’ve found life-long friends and mentors who celebrate our wins and support us through our struggles. We’ve formed bonds that extend much farther than classrooms, labs, or graduation ceremonies. Words ultimately can’t tell you just how much SPIRE means to all of us - but we invite you to explore and get to know our vibrant community. With SPIRE’s support, our fellows have grown into even more brilliant, kind, and driven individuals who are passionate about making the world a better place.
Love, SPIRE Board ‘25/26
Meg, Emma, Larkspur, Julissa, Nandini, Laura, Portia
Who Should Apply?
SPIRE welcomes all first-year Duke students who are interested in pursuing STEM majors and who are seeking an inclusive academic support system. We particularly encourage applications from students who have encountered barriers to accessing or advancing in STEM and who value collaborative learning and peer mentorship.
*Due to the outstanding support system already in place through our PreHeath Advising Program, prehealth students will not be considered for placement in SPIRE.