<p>This program is free (it's new) it's at MIT for high school students -- it's not that academically compative to get into (because it's new). My son was accepted after an online application the next day. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.rle.mit.edu/cua/tops.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.rle.mit.edu/cua/tops.htm</a></p>
<p>I</p>
<p>Sorry, meant it's not that "competitive!"</p>
<p>Cool. Not only is it free, they pay you a $3,000 stipend, plus housing at MIT. However, it says the due date for the app was Feb. 1. Are there still places open? When did your son apply?</p>
<p>Um, the link says it's for COLLEGE students--they will design courses & teach them to students at the Museum of Science. Pays $3000.</p>
<p>Still, it looks very cool.</p>
<p>I think that the $3K stipend and housing is for the college students teaching the TOPS program. If you click on the hs app link, it mentions something about the hs'ers being responsible for daily transportation.</p>
<p>So high schoolers should be Boston residents?</p>
<p>This is a more direct link</p>
<p><a href="http://www.rle.mit.edu/cua/tops/hs.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.rle.mit.edu/cua/tops/hs.htm</a></p>
<p>Yes, the only qualification for HS students is that it is a day program (8:30 to 4 p.m.) and you must provide your own transport and housing (no stipend). But, we found a Staybridge long-term stay place only 15 mins from Boston that is not that expensive (in-town stuff is more pricey). It helps if you go w/another student. Overall, even w/the housing it's still far, far cheaper than any other 2 week academic program we looked at anywhere.</p>
<p>I'm not 100 % sure they are still taking applications--but it's worth a shot (via online--very easy to fill out). When they sent us an acceptance, they said, "tell your friends/acquaintances"!)</p>
<p>I presume you will be staying with your high schooler at this Staybridge? lol imagining mine shopping & cooking for himself!</p>
<p>In Ohio there are a few programs on college campuses that are free. The only cost is room & board in the dorm for 2 weeks, so it's really very reasonable. I imagine these programs exist in other states...Governor's Gifted programs, etc.</p>
<p>I went this year. (2008) I lived pretty close but one third of the students came from elsewhere. (Washington D.C., Arizona, and even Thailand.) It's pretty clear that they came to put an MIT-Harvard program on their resume, not because they really liked physics (like me). Nevertheless we all had a good time. The only issue is it's taught by undergraduates, and the physics is a little simple at first.</p>
<p>I looked at the website, and I see that it is meant for students who are considering teaching at the HS or MS level. Was the emphasis on teaching?</p>