May 17, 2007

High School Students Can Earn University Credit Through Summer Research

UC Santa Barbara's Research Mentorship Program, which enables talented high school students to get an early start on their college careers, will take place this summer from June 25 through August 3. The deadline for applications is May 31.

The six-week summer program gives students aged 16 to 18 the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of UCSB faculty members, post doctoral students, and advanced graduate students.

Choosing their own research topics in areas as diverse as science and engineering, the arts and music, the social sciences, and the humanities, the students earn eight units of UC academic credit. At the end of the program, they present their research findings at a two-day symposium that is open to the public.

"They're already bright and eager young students, but within six weeks they make remarkable transformations in understanding concepts and using vocabulary," said Miriam Polne-Fuller, a research biologist at UCSB's Marine Science Institute and director of the program. "When they present their work at the symposium they sound like young professionals."

Applications must be submitted to UCSB's Summer Sessions office by May 31. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, two letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials. For information, call (805) 893-8950.

Participants can live in campus residence halls or commute to UCSB daily. The cost for the Research Mentorship Program is $6,598, which includes tuition, housing, three daily meals, and extracurricular activities. For commuting students the cost is $2,900. Scholarships are available for financially qualified students.

For more information about the Research Mentorship Program or to download an application, go to www.summer.ucsb.edu/precollegeprograms.

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Our academic community of faculty, students, and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society. All of this takes place within a living and learning environment like no other, as we draw inspiration from the beauty and resources of our extraordinary location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.