The Summer Science Program (SSP) provides an enriching and intensive experience for cohorts of about 20 incoming Williams students who are excited about STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and who are from groups historically underrepresented in the sciences and/or who are first-generation college students.
The program is designed to help incoming students by
- Facilitating the transition to Williams College
- Developing knowledge and competencies for academic success in supportive learning environments
- Providing platforms for a greater sense of belonging to STEM fields and increased self-efficacy
- Introducing research opportunities and supporting students in their research endeavors.
Each cohort starts with a 5-week residential pre-frosh program where we preview the Williams experience by immersing participants in introductory courses and introducing them to life as a Williams student. We prepare participants for academic success in introductory courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as well as those courses with significant Critical Reading and Writing components.
Our program’s focus is on building a community of learners by emphasizing peer learning, establishing close student-faculty and student-staff relationships and on introducing participants to the academic, social, cultural and mental well-being support structures the college has to offer.
After the 5-week summer program, participants in SSP benefit from optional workshops and programming throughout their 4 years at Williams. Programming introduces participants to the process of conducting research, provides mechanisms for participants to gain paid laboratory research experience during the academic year and the college’s summer research program, supports attendance to scientific meetings and disseminates information about diverse career opportunities with STEM+ degrees.
Williams College offers this program at no cost to participants.
Note that SSP requires a strong commitment from you and that it is designed for incoming Williams students who are excited about science and who are from groups historically underrepresented in the sciences and/or first-generation college students.
The program is 5 weeks long and runs from June 28 – August 2, 2024.