Penn STEM Scholars Program

Posted by on April 24, 2011

Penn STEM Scholars Program
July 5 – July 29, 2011

The Penn STEM Scholars Program is an opportunity for academically exceptional Philadelphia public and charter high school students to perform scientific study beyond the level offered in high school and to gain a college experience through participation in a four week summer academy at the University of Pennsylvania.
Current academy offerings are the Biomedical Research Academy, in partnership with the Department of Biology, and the Experimental Physics Academy, in partnership with the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Academies meet Monday through Friday, 9am – 4:30pm, and include guided laboratory work, guest lectures, discussion groups, and relevant field trips. Qualified students may participate free of charge and will be issued official PennCards, with benefits including access to campus libraries, computer labs, research facilities and resources typical of undergraduate students. In addition, lunch and a breakfast/snack stipend will be provided.

Although each academy sets its own curriculum the guiding principles of the academies are the same:
• Highest level of academic rigor and quality
• Combination of traditional content delivery and experiential learning opportunities
• Capstone project at the end of the 4 week program
• Attends a Philadelphia public or charter high school

Student Profile and Eligibility
• Receives Title I funding
• Maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or equivalent
• Achieves standardized test scores (PSAT, SAT, or ACT) in the 85th percentile or higher
• Demonstrates a diverse array of extra-curricular activities
• Entering grade 10, 11, or 12
• Biomedical ONLY – Completed one year high school Biology
• Experimental Physics ONLY – Completed one year high school Physics

Students must complete all of the following to be considered for admission. Applications will be reviewed in early May and selected finalists will be invited to campus for an interview. Scholars will be notified by the end of May.

Application Process: Deadline May 1, 2011

Application includes:
• Complete Hard Copy Application
• 1 letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor
• 2 short essays questions
• Official high school transcript
• Copy of test scores: PSAT, SAT, or ACT; If not available a second letter of recommendation is required.
• If English is not the student’s primary language they must submit an official TOEFL score report (combined score of 100ibt minimum)

More information
• Biomedical Research Academy: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/summer/programs/highschool/academies#01
• Experimental Physics Academy: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/summer/programs/highschool/academies#02