Hope College REACH Program

• Hands on research with Hope professors and students. • Program runs from June 15, 2009 - July 24, 2009. • Live at home, but spend your days on Hope’s campus. • Earn a total of $1500 for your research.   • All students are encouraged to apply. • Students from underrepresented groups will be given preference for half of the positions. • Application deadline is March 2, 2009.

2009 Student Application Process

Due Date:
Applications should be received by March 2, 2009. The target date for award notification is March 27, 2009.

Application Process:
1. Review the Research Projects and select your top three choices.

2. Complete the Application Form.

3. Write a one page statement explaining why you would like to be considered for the REACH program and how it would help you move toward your future goals. As part of your statement please explicitly address the following questions:

a. What do you want to do after you complete high school?
b. What do you expect to learn from this summer experience?
c. What traits do you think characterize a good scientist?
d. What personal traits do you possess that will help you to be successful in this program?
e. While not required, you might include a description of any work, class, or personal experiences (jobs, reading interests, course work, class projects, etc.) that have prepared you to do research.

4. Sumbit a recent high school transcript.

5. Please e-mail, fax, or mail your application form, statement and transcript to the address below. If mailing, please do not staple any of the documents.

6. Request a letter of recommendation from a science or math teacher. The letter should specifically address a) your potential for scientific research and b) personality traits or social skills that suit you to successfully work closely with others. The letter may be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to:

REACH Applications
Karen Nordell Pearson (Director)
Hope College
PO Box 9000
Holland, MI 49422-9000
Phone: 616.395.7217
Fax: 616.395.7923
E-mail: nordellpearson@hope.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to have research experience?
A: No!  This is supposed to be a learning experience! 

Q: Do I get to pick what research project I’ll be working on?
A: We will provide list of potential projects and want to know your preferences. We will do our best to match you with your top choices.

Q: Will I be doing research 8 hours a day, 5 days a week?
A: While research will be your main activity, there are also a lot of fun and interesting group activities that take place, including a field trip, lab tours, seminars, and luncheons.

Q: So I don’t live in the dorms?
A: No, you will be on campus Monday through Friday during the day, but you live at home and can make other plans for your nights and weekends.

Q: Sure I get paid, but why else would I want to do research all summer?
A: You’ll gain college-level research experience, see what it’s like to be on a college campus, learn about potential career opportunities in the sciences, make new friends, and have a lot of fun!

High School Student Eligibility Requirements

1. High school students from the Holland area who are currently Sophomores and who will have completed their sophomore year of high school at the start of summer (Rising Juniors) or who are currently Juniors and who will have completed their Junior year at the start of summer (Rising Seniors) are eligible to apply to the REACH Program. Other high school students are welcome to apply, but special consideration will be given to students who meet the above requirement.

2. Students must be available for the entire 6-week research period to be eligible to apply for the REACH program.

3. Students who have participated in the REACH program in the past are welcome to apply again. They will not, however, be given special consideration over the other applicants during the selection process because they have participated in the program before.

4. While all students who meet the above eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply, students from underrepresented groups will be given preference.