Students can plan ahead
by Tiffany Liu
With summer vacation already on some minds, students should plan ahead and take advantage of free available opportunities to further their knowledge and develop skills that may be useful in future careers.
For those interested in engineering, The School of Engineering at Santa Clara University offers an annual Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) program. Divided into two sessions running from July 8-12 and 15-19, this program offers current high school sophomores and juniors an opportunity to explore the field of engineering at a college campus. All on-site fees will be covered, including room, board, and supplies. However, students must arrange their own transportation to and from campus. Instructions to apply are available online at scu.edu/engineering/beyond-the-classroom/outreach/summer-engineering-seminar-ses and the deadline to submit is March 2 at 5 p.m.
Photo by Karen La
Those hoping to enjoy the summer weather and study the environment can dive into the ocean and explore marine biology at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. This summer program lasts from June 26 to July 2, and all expenses are paid, including transportation. Only incoming high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may apply. As space is limited, students should apply as soon as possible at dornsife.usc.edu/uscseagrant/summer-science-programs before the March 9 deadline.
Preparing for college and future careers, high school seniors interested in computer science or related fields can apply to Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute, a three-week program, by March 2. If accepted, students living within a Google office’s vicinity will be given a transportation stipend and expected to commute. Those who live too far away will be placed in the residential program in Seattle, WA, Cambridge, MA, or Pittsburgh, PA. Housing, meals, and transportation fees will be paid. For more information on application materials, students can visit edu.google.com/resources/programs/computer-science-summer-institute.
Whether one’s interest lies in engineering or environmental studies, various summer programs and internships may provide life-changing opportunity.