While there are two years left in your checklist for high school, finding ways to stand out in the top universities is becoming increasingly difficult for students, especially in rural areas, to stand out to admissions counselors. Juniors, this year is THE year. From SAT, ACT, AP, and regents’ exams, colleges and universities are on the lookout for students beyond their test scores.
Along with hundreds of students at Patchogue Medford High School, we understand that finding programs locally and affordably is difficult. So, here is my guide to programs YOU should get involved in your junior year!
STEM
For those of you who want to pursue a future career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, living on Long Island gives students like you the opportunity to explore various career paths through various sectors of STEM.
Brookhaven National Laboratory:
One of the most dominating institutions that gives students the opportunity to learn about their career paths is the Brookhaven National Laboratory. From educational enrichment programs to internships, BNL has all the resources you need to explore a career in STEM. If you find yourself wanting to pursue a science in research, BNL is the right place to start!
SAGE – https://www.bnl.gov/education/programs/program.php?q=253
High School Research Program – https://www.bnl.gov/education/programs/program.php?q=219
STEM-Prep Summer Institute – https://www.bnl.gov/education/programs/program.php?q=227
Science Technology Entry Program (STEP):
On Long Island, PMHS is associated with the Suffolk County Community College campus.
From free tutoring classes, free college preparation courses, and engagement in STEM courses offered by college professors, STEP will open doors to new possibilities. Resources such as regents Barron’s books and SAT prep courses are also offered. The program also engages in Science Fair opportunities, which allows students to be motivated to learn and compete. STEP – https://www.sunysuffolk.edu/explore-academics/academic-affairs/academic-partnerships/science-technology-entry-program/step-science-and-technology-entry-program.jsp
NASA Summer Programs:
For our future astronauts, engineers, and astrophysicists,
NASA has various programs available for your interests! Although I personally have never attended one of these programs, our own future astronaut Moncerath Gutierrez Matute has, she’d like to share her experience attending one of NASA’s programs with you!
“During my time at SEES I had the opportunity to research a topic on microbiology applications in space with an amazing group of talented students from all over the nation. My favorite part was all the great people I met, who I keep in contact with and will be presenting a poster on our research in December”, says Gutierrez Matute.
“Overall if you want to experience new things like iFLY, research, teamwork and Texas humidity, this program is the quintessence of all of these”.
For those of you who want a career at NASA or simply want to take the opportunity to explore space exploration and a deeper understanding of the universe, I highly recommend you join these programs.
NASA – https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/
Stony Brook University:
Famously known as one of the top public universities in the country, Stony Brook University is expected to have the best enrichment and research programs for students nationwide.
The university offers various programs throughout the year for students interested in STEM-focused careers.
SIMONS Summer Program and the Garcia program are relatively competitive programs that YOU can get involved with this summer. Both programs enlighten students in the research field, where students from around the world compete for positions in these programs.
Take a chance and a big leap into the research sector of these wonderful science programs!
SIMONS Program – https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/simons/about/about.php
Garcia Program – https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/garcia/summer_program/program_description
Miscellaneous:
Besides the earlier programs listed above, there are many programs you can take part in. Research-driven students should consider applying for these highly ranked programs/competitions.
Regeneron – https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/
GSTEM NYU -https://cims.nyu.edu/gstem/
Rockefeller Summer Science Research – https://www.rockefeller.edu/outreach/ssrp/
Science Honors Program at Columbia University- https://outreach.engineering.columbia.edu/SHP
Humanities
Those of you passionate about pursuing becoming a lawyer, becoming a social worker, or joining the justice workforce, some of these following programs might be of your interest! Many of these programs have been taken part by our school representatives and I hope you will take advantage of them.
NYS American Legion Girls/Boys State:
The program outlines a week-long experience of debating, bill-writing, and empowerment of young students’ involvement in government. If you are interested in the in-depth details, please follow this link: https://pmhsredandblack.com/9887/feature/where-americas-future-lies/.
Girls State – https://empiregirlsstate.org/ Boys State – https://nylegion.net/boys-state/
NYS Police Explorer:
Becoming a NYS police officer requires a lot of effort and determination, but NYS has provided the resources to help younger students get involved in civic engagement. The police explorer program gives students the opportunity to engage in community service and preparation for a career in law enforcement.
Police Explorer – https://suffolkpd.org/Community/Police-Explorers
Art & Music
Considering that all programs are invested by similar circumstance, I chose to group these. Among all these programs, they have been considered as some of the most uplifting programs for students to advance a career in music. Whether it is performing an instrument or pursuing a passion in displaying your own artwork, these programs can help you stand out.
Fredonia Summer Music Festival – https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-music/music/summer-music
MYO – https://www.myo.org/
American Music Abroad – https://www.americanmusicabroad.com/
Nation Youth Orchestra of the United States of America – https://www.carnegiehall.org/Education/Programs/National-Youth-Ensembles/NYO-USA
The Saturday Program – https://cooper.edu/academics/outreach-and-pre-college/saturday-program
