Newman University is now accepting applications for the summer 2024 Investigative Summer STEM Program (ISSP).
ISSP camp is an immersive, weeklong experience that allows high schoolers to develop a better understanding of work in STEM-related fields through science, technology, engineering and math. For five days, students can perform hands-on research with Newman faculty, experience living on campus in the residence halls and even earn college credit.
The 2024 ISSP overnight program allows campers to fully immerse themselves in campus life with a nightly stay in the residence halls. Campers will arrive in the evening on Sunday, June 2, and depart in the afternoon/ evening on Friday, June 7.
Thanks to additional funding from Spirit AeroSystems, program cost, which includes two college credit hours, lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner for five days, is now only $300 before April 24 or $350 on or after.
The 2024 ISSP program application deadline is May 24, 2024.
The ISSP camp is made possible by the Berry Foundation.
What to expect
Each participant will select one interdisciplinary research topic from biology or chemistry. Working within a small group, the student will then conduct a literature search on the selected topics, set up laboratory/field experiments, collect data, analyze the results, draw conclusions from the findings and finally present the research to faculty and students.
Supervision and project background information is provided by the program faculty in one-to-one and small group discussion formats rather than traditional lectures. Guest speakers will provide participants with real-life applications of science and math.
During ISSP students will:
- Earn two hours of college credit with a pass/fail grade upon satisfactory completion of the program
- Spend five days performing hands-on research in small groups led by highly qualified Newman faculty
- Expand team-building and communication skills
- Engage with guest speakers from a variety of STEM-related fields to discuss the career opportunities possible with a STEM education
- Form friendships with high school students who share similar interests
Who can apply
Current high school sophomores, juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.0 grade point average and who have completed at least one high school science course can apply for ISSP. Consideration may be given to freshmen.
‘Worth it’
Sai Ananya Guntaka, a high school senior from Pittsburgh applied for the ISSP camp after a relative mentioned the opportunity to her mom over a phone call.
“We decided to look into it, and it was a lot of fun,” Guntaka said. “It was one of my first times staying away from home for a week, and I really liked the environment. Everyone was really friendly, and the lab work we did was very interesting because it’s a lot different from what we do in school.”
Important application dates
- Apply by April 24 for early bird pricing of $300, or $350 on or after
- Apply by May 24 to be considered for a scholarship. Limited number of scholarships available. Click here to apply.
- All ISSP application materials must be received no later than May 24, 2024.
- Camp runs June 2-7
For more information, please contact NSEP director and associate professor of chemistry, Ryan Huschka by email at [email protected] or by phone at (316) 942-4291 ext. 2428.
