CU Science Discovery is currently recruiting mentors for our upcoming High School Summer Research Experience. This 6-week summer program connects motivated high school students to STEM research opportunities at CU Boulder and the Anschutz Medical Campus. This year’s program runs June 7-July 26, 2024 (with the fourth of July week optional).
High school participants go through a competitive application process and are matched on the first day with a specific research project based on their interests and past experience. We assign two students to each host mentor; students work a approximately 15 hours per week in your lab, although schedules vary a bit across different labs based on the nature of the work. They also participate in an interactive Research Methods seminar, taught by a PhD level scientist, where they learn about the research process, including how to navigate the scientific literature, analyze their data and compile research results into an effective scientific poster. The program culminates with a Research Expo on July 26, in which participants share their research posters with friends, colleagues and their families. Essentially, the program is designed to give high school students a taste of what the research process is all about. It also provides a nice opportunity for postdocs and other researchers to gain mentorship experience and for faculty to address Broader Impacts requirements tied to their grants. Broader Impacts are one of two criteria for every NSF proposal and there are a number of campus resources in this regard.
Mentors each receive an $1000 stipend and may be eligible for some additional research funds for their students’ project. For additional information, contact Kathryn Penzkover.