InnovaSTEAM PRa nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), opened applications for its summer program that will offer high school students on the island hands-on experiences and mentorship, including conferences with leading mentors and professors from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in Boston.
“This program offers an opportunity for academically talented students to have access to experiences that can define their future. I lived that process and know the impact it has. “We aspire for more young people in Puerto Rico to be exposed to research, mentoring and professional development environments that prepare them for careers in the sciences.”expressed via press release the co-founder and executive director of InnovaSTEAM PR, Hector de Jesus Cortésdoctor in Neuroscience.
The program will be carried out in person, from July 6 to 18, and will select 20 students from ninth to eleventh grade from public, private and homeschools. For two weeks, participants will receive intensive academic instruction in neuroscience, participate in research projects, visit laboratories, and have direct interaction with scientists and professionals. The experience will take place in Puerto Rico and Massachusettswith access to institutions such as MIT, Harvard Medical School and the UPR.
Interested students must reside in Puerto Rico, attend between ninth and eleventh grade, and have a minimum cumulative average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). To complete the online application, the student must submit a recent academic transcript, two short essays (the first of up to 300 words about their motivation for participating and their interest in neuroscience; the second, up to 250 words about a significant challenge they have faced), a list of extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions, and two letters of recommendation from teachers, researchers, or other professionals. Also, they must be available to travel to the United States from July 11 to 18.
The deadline to apply is April 17, at 11:59 p.m.
“Our goal with this summer program is to use the field of neuroscience, which collaborates with many other branches, to advance scientific knowledge and improve the health of society. In addition, we want young people from all parts of the island to have the opportunity to explore opportunities and resources inside and outside of Puerto Rico so that, when the time comes to decide what and where to study, they have the tools and clarity to do so,” added De Jesús Cortés.
InnovaSTEAM PR offers financial support to chosen students that covers travel, accommodation and participation costs. The selection process evaluates academic performance, leadership and interest in contributing to society through science.
Founded in 2024 by doctor Edmarie Velez Guzman and De Jesús Cortés, Puerto Rican scientists, InnovaSTEAM PR was born with the purpose of closing access gaps and providing students with the opportunity to explore their potential in STEAM areas, regardless of their economic circumstances.
For more information, interested parties can visit the official InnovaSTEAM PR page, as well as the official Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. Also, you can write to info@innovasteampr.com.