Program Significance Students work directly with a science professional doing useful work on actual projects. Students are placed in businesses, industries, government agencies, and academic institutions which bring a wide spectrum of disciplines to the program for student interest. Students are able to participate prior to making important educational decisions and are still able to elect requisite pre-college course work. Students learn about other science and engineering disciplines through the conference activities and the technical presentations of their peers. Students, families, and educators gain an appreciation for the science based issues and mission of the mentoring entity.
Students develop a network of peers from other schools and communities.
Mentoring companies receive actual productive work output. Mentoring companies gain community visibility and appreciation. Mentors gain experience with working with the culture and gender diversity of the workforce of the future. Experienced teachers as monitors ensures a positive experience for apprentices and mentors. Teachers come into contact with the professional environment of mentors.