Paid internship at the Smithsonian! Applications due April 1!

 

Since launching in 2010, the Youth Engagement through Science (YES!) internship program has connected local youth with Smithsonian collections, experts, and training to inspire them to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. This internship experience provides youth from communities traditionally underrepresented in science careers with the resources needed to help them to achieve their ultimate goal of attending college.

During six weeks in the summer, students who participate in YES! work side-by-side with Smithsonian researchers and educators behind the scenes and away from the public areas of the museum. Interns are given the unique opportunity to work in the Museum’s vast research collections where they see rare objects and specimens, including meteorites, mummies, and mammoth skulls!

Over the course of the internship, YES! interns acquire valuable technological skills and enhance their written and verbal communication abilities through guided workshops. Working with Museum educators, they help visitors experience the Museum in interactive ways.

In early fall, interns attend a ten-week college preparatory program that rounds out the third component of the YES! program. Students will be guided through the college application and orientation process in sessions covering a variety of topics. Interns will also tour local colleges to help them prepare for their pursuit of higher learning. To continue refining their communication skills, students will resume their rotations in the exhibit halls.

The YES! program aims to form a bridge between the Smithsonian Institution and students interested in STEM careers by providing new avenues for them to understand and participate in scientific pursuits at the next level.

Applications for the 2012 YES! program are currently available and are due April 1, 2012. To apply, visit https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html and create an account. Once you create an account and log-in, click “Search for Program.” Next to “Office/Museum/Research Center,” is a drop-down box; select “National Museum of Natural History” from the list. Next to “Program that you wish to apply for,” there is another drop-down box. Select “Youth Engagement Through Science” from the list. You can now begin completing your application.

The program is open only to students who are currently in the 9^th-11^th grade and the stipend will be awarded to students only upon completion of both the summer and fall sessions.

For a complete list of application requirements, including transcripts, recommendations, and the essay topic, please visit: http://www.mnh.si.edu/education/yes/program_components.html.

Register for the 2012 Young Women's Conference on Non-Traditional Careers!

 

Young women who are currently in the 8^th grade through their 1^st year in college are invited to explore non-traditional careers at the 6^th Annual Young Women’s Conference on Non-Traditional Careers!

The conference will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 from 9:30am – 3:00pm at the:

Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University

800 Florida Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20002

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to meet successful women in non-traditional careers, including: Technology, Aerospace, Architecture, Bio-Medicine, and other fields. Participants will also learn about the importance and role that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) will have on their futures.

During the conference, there will an opportunity to:

Interact with robots, and their creators; and

Learn more about Career & Technical Education in DC.

The conference is FREE and pre-registration is required. Registration must be completed by

March 14, 2012. 

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided (breakfast and badge pick-up starts at 8am).

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program - Applications due January 7, 2011!

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides an opportunity for students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer.

SEAP places academically talented high school students who have an interest and ability in science and mathematics as apprentices in DoN laboratories for eight weeks during the summer. These students work with scientists and engineers who will also serve as mentors. The program offers students a unique and positive experience in their fields of interest, thus encouraging them to pursue careers in science and engineering.

The apprentice program is designed to:

• Encourage students to pursue science and engineering careers;
• Acquaint qualified high school students with the activities of Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories through summer science and engineering research experiences;
• Provide students with opportunities in and exposure to scientific and engineering practice and personnel not available in their school environment;
• Expose students to DoN research and engineering activities and goals in a way that encourages a positive image and supportive attitude toward the defense community; and
• Prepare students to serve as positive role models for their peers by encouraging other high school students to take more science and math courses.
  

 To be eligible for the SEAP program, students should have completed at least grade 9 (graduating seniors are eligible to apply) and must be 16 years of age (although some laboratories may accept a 15 year-old applicant).

As part of the SEAP program, participating students will spend 8 weeks during the summer doing research. The program dates are fixed and cannot be changed and students are expected to participate in 8 continuous weeks – no vacation time is allowed during these eight weeks.

SEAP strongly recommends that students apply to laboratories that are close to their residence as no travel or relocation allowances will be provided.

Participating students will receive $3,075 for the 8 week program that will be paid in two installments.

Applications are due on January 7, 2011 at 5:30 pm EST and the deadline for references is
January 14, 2011.