For Students

For Teachers

Do you like doing science experiments? Do you enjoy solving tough math problems? Are you interested in exploring the life of a scientist or mathematician? Are you curious about college? Are you looking for a challenging and fun summer job?

If so…then Hope's High School Student Summer Research Program may be perfect for you!

To be eligible for the 5-week summer research programs students must be rising juniors or seniors and must be nominated by a Holland community teacher or counselor. Students from groups that are underrepresented in science and math are eligible for the REACH program. All student participants will be paid about $1,200 for the five week summer research program. The program begins with an orientation on Monday, June 16th, with an opening luncheon on Wednesday, June 18th, and finishes with a closing celebratory luncheon on Friday, July 18th. Parents are invited to both luncheons and participating students will make short presentations about their summer research at that closing luncheon.

2008 Student Application Process

Due Date

Applications should be received by March 7, 2008. The target date for award notification is March 28, 2008.

Application Process

• Review the Research Projects and select your top three choices.
• Complete the application form.
• Write a one page statement explaining why you'd 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.
  • What do you want to do after you complete high school?
  • What do you expect to learn from this summer experience?
  • What traits do you think characterize a good scientist?
  • What personal traits do you possess that will help you to be successful in this program?

  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.

• Supply a recent high school transcript.
• Please email, fax, or mail your statement and transcript to the address below. If mailing, please do not staple any of the documents.
• Request a letter of recommendation from a science 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

  Hope College

  Office of the Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences

  PO Box 9000

  Holland, MI 49422-9000

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need prior research experience?

  No! There is no expectation that you've had previous research experience. Research-novices are encouraged to apply.

• To be eligible to participate, should I have taken courses in all areas of science?

  There are no prerequisite courses for being part of this research program. Your coursework will be useful, but there are no required courses.

• Do I get to choose the research project on which I'll be working?

We will provide applicants with a list of potential projects, and we encourage you to indicate your preferences for 2 or 3 projects. We'll do our best to match you up with one of your top three project choices.

• Do we live in the dorms during the 5-weeks?

  No, you'll be on campus Monday through Friday during the day, but you can live at home and plan other activities for your weekends.

• Are we doing research 8 hours a day for the whole 5 weeks?

  Although your research project is your primary activity, there are other parts of the summer program including social activities, an Ethics in Science seminar and other science-related activities.