Rio Grande Valley Summer Science Internship
For 2014-2015 Sophomores and Junior
Internship Dates: June 15 - July 23, 2015
6 weeks/20 hours per week

 

The goal of the Rio Grande Valley Summer Science Internship is to increase the number of students, particularly Hispanic students, who graduate college with science degrees. Currently in the United States, research shows that Hispanics are underrepresented in science. We believe that many students from the Rio Grande Valley have the capacity to become scientists given the opportunity to develop those interests.  Therefore we have created the Rio Grande Valley Summer Science Internship program through funding from National Institutes of Health (NIH) and our partner organizations.  This year we have internship positions with The University of Texas Pan American (UTPA), The University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB), The University of Texas, School of Public Health (UTSPH), Lower Rio Grande Valley Area Health Education Center (AHEC), and The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA).

 

Who Should Apply:*

 

* Students currently enrolled as sophomores & juniors in high school

* Students who are curious & interested in learning more about the sciences

* Students ARE NOT required to have a strong scientific background

* Students living in the Rio Grande Valley

* Students who will be first generation college graduates whose parents HAVE NOT completed a bachelor's degree  from a college or university

* Students who are interested in pursuing science degrees in college

 

**PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS WHO MEET ALL OF THE ABOVE LISTED CRITERIA.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The deadline for the online application is May 22, 2015; 5:00pm CST.

 

ORIENTATION: It is mandatory for all students accepted into this internship program to attend orientation and must bring at least one (1) parent/guardian with them. We want parent(s)/guardian(s) to understand the requirements and guidelines of the program and have an opportunity to meet with their child's mentor. Orientation is held at two locations; UTPA in Edinburg and UT Health Science Center, School of Public Health in Brownsville.

 

ORIENTATION DATES: UT Pan-American- Thursday, June 11; UT Health Science Center, School of Public Health- Friday, June 12. Times TBD.

 

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Students PLEASE make sure to answer all questions. You must answer all questions on each page before continuing on to the next page. You will also have the option of using the Back Button to return to the previous page to double check your responses. You may leave application and start off where they left off as long as application is accessed from the same computer/device and browser. However, it is highly recommended that once you begin the application that you complete it.

 

ESSAY: Students are required to complete a 350 word essay as part of their online application. Your essay should include the following (1) Why you are applying to this program? (2) Why you think you would be a good candidate for this program? and (3) List your future goals and how this program will help you reach your goals?

 

RECOMMENDATION FORM: You will need one (1) recommendation form completed as part of this application. Have an academic teacher or your high school counselor complete the recommendation form on your behalf. Form is located at the Rio Grande Valley Science Association https://sites.google.com/site/rgvsatx/home. Your teacher/counselor will fax or email the form directly to Cindy Salazar at (956) 755-0606 or RGVSSI@utb.edu. Students please follow-up with your teacher/counselor to make sure form has been submitted to ensure completion of your application.

 

*All students are highly encouraged to contact Cindy Salazar (956-755-0673 or RGVSSI@utb.edu) to assure that all application forms have been submitted correctly.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 

When will I be notified if I was accepted into the program?

 

You will be notified the first week of June. You will receive a phone call and also be sent an acceptance letter with details regarding orientation dates/times and items that you will need to bring with you that day.

 

 

Will transportation be provided during the internship?

 

There will be NO transportation provided. When selecting your internships remember that you will have to arrange your own transportation to and from the internship site on the days you are scheduled to be there. The stipend provided at the end of the internship can help cover some of the internship related costs, for example gas, lunch etc.

 

If accepted, what will my schedule be like?

 

Due to the nature of some of the projects you may need to work on specific dates/times. This will be arranged with your mentor. You will be able to communicate with your mentor once you are selected. You will be expected to work 20 hours per week. This may be done in longer blocks of time on fewer days or evenly spread across days of the week.

 

 

Will my mentor work with my schedule if I’m participating in academic, extra-curricular activities or going on summer vacation? (e.g. Upward Bound, Summer band or other responsibilities)

 

In order to meet the requirements of this program you MUST complete 20 hours a week for the six weeks. You will only be allowed to reschedule a maximum of 12 hours during the internship. If you miss hours you will have to make those hours up. We strongly encourage you to evaluate your schedule/activities for this summer. If you are unable to commit to these requirements do not apply.

 

If you have any questions please email RGVSSI@utb.edu or call 956-755-0673.

PLEASE PRINT THIS PAGE NOW--for your records.