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High School Students to Work With Renowned Local Researchers and Professionals
Education Jun 15, 2016
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The EXPLORE program allows participants to gain real-world experience. – Courtesy photo
This summer, 22 high school students are stepping out of the classroom and into the real world to apply their knowledge to hands-on, cutting-edge research and professional projects with renowned local scientists, doctors, professors, and experts in Pasadena and Los Angeles.
The EXPLORE program, created and administered by Pasadena-based Institute for Educational Advancement (IEA), links gifted and high potential secondary students from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds with mentors in Pasadena and Los Angeles who advance each participant’s skills through the application of knowledge, hands-on research, and exposure to real world experiences. In an effort to ensure as many qualified students as possible have access to this experience, IEA provides scholarships to those students in need.
“Giving the students access to college level instruction is a great benefit,” said Stan Kong, professor at the Art Center for College and Design and EXPLORE mentor. “Also, the mentors have agreed to work with these prequalified students who are all active participants who want to be here. “
Pasadena-area placements include industrial design at Art Center College of Design and astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Other placements in the Los Angeles area include pediatric medical research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; non-profit leadership at CoachArt; biomathematics, evolutionary biology, computer science, and neuroscience at UCLA; and architecture, software security, and clinical pharmacy at USC.
In its inaugural year, IEA’s EXPLORE program offers a unique opportunity for high-potential secondary students to learn about working in a variety of professional settings. Externs advance their skills through the pursuit of knowledge, involvement in research, and exposure to learning experiences. Each participant grows intellectually and personally, while making pertinent and lasting connections with their mentors and peers.
The EXPLORE program will run through August 12 in Los Angeles and Pasadena.
Since 1998, IEA has been dedicated to the whole child, nurturing gifted children ages 2 to 18. IEA gives students the tools to work toward actualizing their full intellectual and personal potential in a safe and supportive environment.
For more information, call (626) 403-8900 or email nlachance@educationaladvancement.org.
