Top Research Opportunities for High School Students in Virginia

Summary

The Black College Institute (BCI) at Virginia Tech is a prestigious four-day academic enrichment program designed to provide underrepresented and minority students with expanded opportunities. The program offers a range of workshops and hands-on activities in various academic disciplines, allowing students to explore their interests and engage in meaningful learning experiences. In addition to academic content, BCI also provides support and guidance for the college application process, helping students navigate the complexities of applying to higher education institutions. A unique feature of BCI is its service learning component, which allows participants to contribute to the community and develop a sense of social responsibility. With its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, BCI has become highly competitive, receiving over 1,200 applications in 2021. The upcoming 2023 cohort will consist of 200 talented and motivated students who will benefit from this enriching and transformative program.

Summary

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium offers an exceptional program for students interested in climate change and eager to collaborate with NASA. This program provides an interactive online course consisting of seven modules, where students have the opportunity to learn from NASA researchers and engage with NASA-related research and data. The most exciting aspect of this program is the summer residency at Langley, where selected students will work on a team project to design a satellite mission that explores Earth Systems. This hands-on experience allows participants to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Additionally, students can choose the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Program, which focuses on human spaceflight. The program structure is similar, providing valuable learning opportunities and culminating in a team project. It is important to note that the dates provided are for the 2022-2023 program, and the timeline for the 2023-2024 program is expected to be similar.

Summary

The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) offers a valuable program aimed at empowering youth with developmental or other disabilities and helping them develop their leadership skills. This program provides a range of activities focused on leadership development, social skills enhancement, and interactions with role models and guest speakers who cover relevant topics. The agenda also includes a special Capitol Day, where participants will have the opportunity to meet lawmakers and government officials and engage in a mock legislative hearing. It is important to note that the application process for this program is competitive, and only 25 students will be selected to participate.

Summary

For those interested in dentistry, this program in Virginia offers a valuable opportunity to explore the profession and gain hands-on experience. Through interactive workshops and lab activities, participants will have the chance to engage in tooth carving, suturing, digital dentistry, and other related activities. The program is a commuter program, meaning participants will need to arrange their own transportation. However, the program itself is completely free. It's worth noting that VCU also offers other programs for high schoolers, such as the Pharmacy Summer Scholars program and the Allied Health Career Exploration program, providing a range of options for students interested in various healthcare fields.

Summary

In this two-week program, students can choose between two tracks: Computer Science/Information Technology and Engineering. The Computer Science/Information Technology track offers hands-on experience with hardware, including assembling a desktop computer and installing an operating system. Students will also delve into topics such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. On the other hand, the Engineering track focuses on the data center and semiconductor manufacturing industries. Students will have the opportunity to visit industry partners and even earn their OSHA 10 certificate, which is valuable for understanding workplace safety. Both tracks provide valuable insights and practical skills in their respective fields.

Summary

The Purpose and Power: Women Shaping History residential pre-college program is designed to empower young women by exploring the important role of women in shaping history. Through a combination of on-campus and off-campus learning experiences, students will delve into various aspects of women's contributions throughout history. Additionally, participants will receive support for the college application process, including a letter of recommendation from Hollins University, mentoring, and workshops. With a limited cohort size of 20 students, this program offers a selective and intimate learning environment.

Summary

The Arlington Independent Media internship is a valuable opportunity for aspiring journalists to gain hands-on experience in multimedia storytelling. Over the course of six weeks, participants will learn how to transform their story ideas into compelling nonfiction multimedia pieces, including video, photography, and audio. Through workshops and story meetings, students will develop their skills in journalism and receive guidance from experienced professionals. This program provides a real-world journalism experience, allowing interns to build their portfolio with impactful media pieces. Additionally, participants will have the chance to network and establish connections within the industry. Upon completion, interns will receive a letter of recommendation, further enhancing their future opportunities in journalism.

Summary

The George Mason University ASSIP (Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program) offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on research in various fields. By partnering with a mentor from the university, participants will delve into specific projects across disciplines such as Earth Science, Molecular Medicine, Cyber Security, Finance, Astronomy, Math, and Forensic Science, among others. The program provides access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop their scientific skills. Through their research, participants will also enhance their scientific writing abilities, explore potential STEM career paths, and foster creativity and innovation. The program format may vary depending on the project, ensuring a tailored experience for each student. ASSIP serves as a platform for students to immerse themselves in the world of research and gain valuable insights into their chosen fields of interest.

Summary

JMU's Honors Summer Institute offers a highly competitive and comprehensive program designed to prepare students for college life. With an acceptance rate of 30 students, the program provides a unique opportunity to engage in a variety of academic experiences. Participants will take part in an interdisciplinary Honors Core Course, where they will explore a current issue from multiple perspectives and fields of study. This course encourages critical thinking and fosters an appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. Additionally, students will attend subject-area classes that focus on different majors each day, allowing them to gain exposure to various academic disciplines and explore potential areas of interest for their college major. The dynamic and engaging nature of the classes ensures an interactive and enjoyable learning experience. JMU's Honors Summer Institute aims to provide students with a well-rounded training in college life, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge as they prepare for their higher education journey.

Summary

You Be The Chemist, hosted by the Chemical Educational Foundation, is an engaging competition that tests students' understanding of basic chemistry concepts, laboratory skills, and reasoning abilities. The competition begins with a virtual Regional Challenge where teams of 3-4 students participate in timed multiple-choice and short-answer questions. In addition, teams are required to create a video essay based on the designated theme for each year. Successful participants move on to compete in state and national finals, where they have the opportunity to vie for scholarships, interact with scholars and industry leaders, and further cultivate their passion for chemistry. You Be The Chemist provides a platform for students to showcase their knowledge and skills in chemistry while fostering a deeper appreciation for the subject.