By Noah Moster
Sometimes, school isn’t enough. Learning is a fulfilling process, and while the educational system tries its best to provide all the knowledge that one may want, the fact is that resources are limited. However, limited resources should never stop a student’s pursuit of enlightenment, and for this reason, many universities often offer pre-college courses by which to take during the summer. This provides a benefit to all parties involved: the high school gets a path by which to give the students looking for a more involved approach to their potential career, the college gets to promote itself to a potential client, and the student gets to interact with their chosen interest and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Summer is well on the way, but this is the perfect time for lowerclassmen to begin searching for a feasible program that piques their curiosity in a given field so they may be prepared to apply come January or February of next year. Here are the three best programs for a fun STEM summer course!
1. SUMaC
Link to Website: https://spcs.stanford.edu/programs/stanford-university-mathematics-camp-sumac
Stanford. What is there more to say?
Of course, this wouldn’t be a very satisfying entry if that were all there was to it, would it now? For those who may not be well-acquainted with the educational sphere, Stanford is known across the board as a top-performing university of notable repute. As it would follow, their pre-colligate studies would be of high quality for any aspiring sciences student. Fortunately, this conclusion has led to the SUMaC program – Stanford University Mathematics Camp. Some topics it teaches are abstract algebra, number theory, real-life application of such principles, and more.
Now, there’s a reason this one is the first bullet point on the list: it’s by far the most expensive option of the three, with little alternative for payment. The tuition (because now even summer courses need that) is $8,250 for in-house, with the online course being $3,550. In addition, high-school sophomores or juniors can apply for the summer course until the 29th of March, but make sure your academic standing is grounded – they only have 40 in-house seats and 64 online slots. Additionally, they will check your records, require a $65 application fee, and need a recommendation form from a math teacher. However, the benefits are undoubtedly substantial if you prevail financially and academically.
2. National Geographic Student Travel
Link to Website: https://natgeostudenttravel.org/programs/mitcampus-robotics-technology/
Educational programs don’t have to be school-based to give high schoolers connections to the world of science, as showcased in the National Geographic Student Travel program. This particular curriculum is honed in on the MIT Campus, allowing students to envelop their minds in engineering and robotics. This course is much more physical than the prior one, with a more hands-on approach to the craft – students will be actively using and creating their own machines, gaining first-hand experience.
This 8-day course comes at a $6,790 price tag (not calculating for airfare), but fortunately, it also has a scholarship application option, allowing students a more financially friendly option. This isn’t a trip you’d want to miss out on come next year!
3. NASA STEM Engagement
Link to Website: https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/stem-engagement/
Growth isn’t a process that necessarily requires a mentor (other than one’s self). For those who may want to take their learning into their own hands, the NASA STEM Engagement page marks the X on the metaphorical treasure map, scholarly riches to come. Countless projects reside on this website for the ones who roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, teaching themselves instead of hiring someone to do it for them. Coding a Mars landing? It’s there. Building a Relay modeled after NASA’s own communication structure? Right on page 1. Crafting a Corsi-Rosenthal Filter, whatever that is? Just a search away!
This course doesn’t have instructors personally guiding the potential student through all the steps and functions; that much is clear. But it’s also not the cost of a used car, so there is that to consider as well. Learning is learning, and it’s up to the learner to use the resources at their disposal, not vice versa.
Knowledge should be available to everyone. That’s a statement nobody can contest, but the fact is, life doesn’t always allow for such commodities to be available. Science is expensive, and it makes little sense for those in charge of many programs to operate at a loss. As sad as this is, it is doubly tragic for the students eager to know more about the realm they interact with. Fortunately, there are always options one can take to educate themselves. Hopefully, these entries have been a sufficient stepping-stone into the foray of erudition and an inch in the mile of progress to come!
Do you want more resources on the topic of STEM summer courses? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real-world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators. To start your 9-12 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
