Hartnell College

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Internship Project (STEM IP)

Introduction

The value and importance of summer internships for students cannot be overstated.  It is an opportunity for them to get experience in a laboratory or field setting that is virtually impossible to obtain in the classroom.  It allows students to work alongside a professional in their field of interest and be part of a team that is working on an interesting project.  Most of these projects have a very specific goal in mind—one that hopefully can be completed in a summer’s work.  In addition to intense learning in their field of interest, it is an opportunity for students to work in a collaborative environment, present their results and feel the respect of their peers.  It is a tremendous confidence builder for these students when they realize that they can work with respected scientists and feel like they are making an important contribution. 

Overview

The Hartnell College STEM Internship Project is an eleven month long research project, beginning in October and concluding in September of the following year.  The application period and phases of the project are described below.  The project will serve up to 24 students, each of whom must have declared a STEM major, have earned a 3.0 GPA at Hartnell (or in high school if they are a first year student), and be a US citizen or legal permanent resident in order to qualify for participation in the project.  Students may either be considered as First Year Participants (no previous STEM internships) or Second Year Participants (one previous STEM internship) but are not eligible if they have had more than one STEM internship.  For evaluation purposes, the academic performance and subsequent course selections of students participating in the project will be compared to those of nonparticipants.  Students apply for acceptance into the project and receive a stipend for their participation.  This is serving as a pilot project for a unit bearing Hartnell STEM Career Preparation Project currently planned for launch in the 2009 – 2010 academic year.   

Research project goal

Every participant will apply for scholarships and STEM related internships.  Those who earn internships will complete internship project plans in spring 2009, carry out those plans in summer 2009, and present them at a research symposium in fall 2009. 

Timeline of events 

October 2008

  • Promote participation in STEM IP by application deadline (Oct 10).
  • Collect faculty referrals (Oct 13 – 17).
  • Review applications & select candidates for interviews (Oct 20 – 24).
  • Carry out candidate interviews & make final cohort selection (Oct 27 – 31).

 

 Fall 2008

  • Students complete resumes, educational plans, the Hartnell scholarship application and essays about their background & career goals.

Spring 2009

  • Students complete internship applications, participate in technical skills training sessions and prepare for internship activities.

 Summer 2009

  • Students carry out internships while participating in an online internship monitoring program.

 September 2009

  • Students present their work at the Hartnell STEM Intern Research Symposium.

 

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