<p>I’ve been looking for two different kinds of programs. First, I’ve been looking for an adventurous research program in the western US and Canada. I see lots of things like Adventuretreks but I want something with an academic focus and maybe volunteer work. Either way I want to be productive while seeing things like Mt. St. Helens, Columbia River Gorge, places like that. </p>
<p>Also I am looking for DNA science programs. Basically anywhere. </p>
<p>If anyone knows anything about good summer programs or have done anything similar to what I am describing it would be great to have your input! Thanks!</p>
<p>Bump. Any input would be great! Even if its just something you’ve heard about.</p>
<p>Daughter did this in high school one summer - the research she did not only helped get her into an ivy for college, but got her chosen to do undergrad research starting the end of freshman year for a great prof when she was there (the prof admitted that her DNA research was the only reason he looked at her request). She still is friends with the people she met that summer, many of whom went to top 20 schools for college. </p>
<p>Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP)
The Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) is a six-week residential summer research program at The University of Iowa. Students will conduct scientific research in university laboratories under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students will also produce a research project/paper as a part of the program. Eligible participants must have completed grade 10 or 11 by summer of participation. See contact person for application deadline and program dates.</p>
<p>[The</a> University of Iowa Biosciences Program](<a href=“http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/biosciences/summer/programs.asp#6]The”>http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/biosciences/summer/programs.asp#6)</p>
<p>I believe University of Chicago has a similar program, called by a different name (at least they did several years ago).</p>
<p>Thank you! Do you know the selectivity of these programs and what previous knowledge is required?</p>
<p>Anything I say would just be a guess, but my D’s friends all were doing well in hs and had done other science activities (like science fairs, science olympiad, lecture series…). I would guess that UC is a lot more competitive because it is in a big city and not in the middle of a rural state. (Even though Iowa City is small, SSTP had activities arranged in the evenings and on weekends like caving and rowing and there were outdoor summer concerts in the downtown.)</p>