Does your high school student dream of solving contemporary challenges in science?George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Program (ASSIP) provides future scientists with a summer curriculum that includes studying HIV, cancer, biodefense and climate change. Mason is currently accepting applications for its summer 2010 session. Students can learn more about the program and download the application, which is due March 1, 2010 by linking to site above.
ASSIP provides high school juniors, seniors and college undergraduates interested in exploring science and medicine the opportunity to work alongside the university’s faculty researchers. Participants spend eight 40-hour weeks working on real-world science projects. Last year, 11 students had their work published in scientific journals. One student even obtained a patent for his early diagnosis of Lyme disease.
Programs like the one at George Mason are just beginning recruitment for summer jobs and internships. The experience gained in programs like this will set your teen apart on college applications and expose him to real world careers. Amy VanMeter is the ASSIP director at Mason: “The reason I believe ASSIP has been so successful is that we have enrolled highly talented, creative, and hard-working students who have contributed to very important projects. The experience and training sets them apart from other candidates for both job and college applications. For instance, prior participants have been accepted to medical school and top universities, and others have won competitive lab positions. It’s really a win-win situation for the students and our researchers."
What makes this program special is the chance for students to perform experiments alongside working scientists and to use the latest technology in laboratories. “We have extremely dedicated faculty and staff who mentor, guide and teach our future scientists,” says VanMeter.
There are many summer programs to investigate. Some places to look include online at universities, government agencies, corporate web sites and even Craig's List--which often offers a simple and fast process for applying to jobs and internships.
What are school counselors and human resource professionals saying to teens about the job hunt this summer? What should teens do to prepare for the interview?
Here are a few tips:
- Start investigating summer internships and employment opportunities.
- Have teen ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, neighbors or coaches.
- Create a resume that shows his or her special talents and experiences.
- Suggest they focus on finding work that shows responsibility and perhaps contributes to his or her career goals.
Good luck.
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