Just checking to see if anyone has any recommendations for a summer program for a kid who is sort of the youngest in her grade and will only be 15 yrs old by the end of summer 2018. She is very bright and is really interested in a science or math research program. Many programs we come across require a minimum 16 years age for the candidate:(
I’m not sure where you live so, if you wanted to stay closer to home and don’t live in New York this may not be for you. There is a program at Columbia University called “3-week Summer Immersion Program”. It has many courses for those going into 9-12 grade. The application deadline in on January 17th so if you have any more questions please feel free to ask. Sorry if this isn’t what you’re looking for.
Had the same problem, @Sush2016 as D is also the youngest in her grade (just turned 16 and she’s a junior this year).
Look closer to home; we found nothing suitable that was also affordable because of the age problem. See if a local college has summer programs or whether any professors are looking for lab help in her area of interest.
If that is impossible, she should volunteer or get a job. Colleges look favorably upon pretty much anything self-directed (i.e.: those expensive summer programs, with the exception of a handful of hugely competitive ones, are not the hook you think they are)
My daughter did Exeter summer in NH. She was 15 as a rising junior this past summer. We received excellent financial aid making it very reasonable. She had an amazing experience. Can’t say enough positives about it. It’s 5 weeks of academic enrichment in a fun and engaging atmosphere.
Thank you @Columbiafreak123, @Gatormama and @toomanykiddos!
@toomanykiddos …if you don’t mind sharing…which program at Exeter worked well for you? They all seem so expensive!
@Gatormama …definitely looking into local universities …For volunteering work choice is limited. Age issues…
@Columbiafreak123 …Columbia looks like an option…but she still …seems steep in terms of cost…
Depending on what you are interested in, finding volunteer work at this age should be no problem at all. Try local, smaller organizations in your neighborhood. They can always use an extra pair of hands. Paid work will be more of a challenge.
I had the same problem last summer, as well. I was an incoming sophomore, but I was still 14 years old during the summer. I had applied to the Summer@Brown program in Rhode Island, which said it was for 15 and up. However, I was still accepted and I ended up loving the program. I know they offer many science based courses, and math too. I took a Clinical Psychology course and the professor was amazing! I would definitely recommend it.