Request for Applications

The Wilson College Summer Science Institute invites young women to be a part of the Summer Science Institute for Girls and join a community of scientists discovering and exploring the fields of physiology, biochemistry and analytical chemistry; learning the techniques and how to apply them.  The residential Institute will be conducted on the campus of Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.   This all-inclusive program is open to girls who have successfully completed grades seven, eight or nine, demonstrated academic ability in the sciences and may be interested in pursuing a career in a scientific field.   This Institute is partially underwritten by Wilson College and a financial gift from a friend of the college to support women in science.

Participating students will acquire hands-on learning in the sciences with an emphasis on physiological systems and their responses. Various model systems will be used to measure and analyze the physiological parameters using computer software, biochemical and analytic chemistry techniques.  These young women will be in residence at Wilson for the week, where they will conduct experiments in team settings mentored by Wilson College science faculty. 

Wilson students majoring in the sciences will serve as peer teachers and serve as Advisers in the residence hall housing the girls.  Teachers from the girls’ schools will be invited to visit the campus as their students carry out scientific experiments.  The Summer Science Institute emphasizes creative thinking, inquiry-based learning, team-based problem solving, and integration of advanced biological and chemical methodologies.

Highlights

• All sessions will be held on the Wilson College campus
• Residential program to strengthen the learning and interactive experience
• Experienced faculty and students on staff
• Hands-on experiential learning and discovery - Team-based research approach
• Experiments run between days with results being the basis for the next day’s activities
• Evening discussions and strategy planning
• Analysis and interpretation of results presented on Friday in a scientific colloquium setting
• Planned field trip to research laboratory

Application Process

Open to girls who have satisfactorily completed Grades 7, 8 or 9.

The total comprehensive cost of the Institute is $300. A $50 non-refundable laboratory fee is due with the application and will hold your position in the Institute. The balance of $250 will be due by June 30 and may be reduced if the Institute receives additional support to offset this fee.  Make checks payable to Wilson College, Summer Science Institute for Girls.  You have the option of paying the entire amount or submitting the $50 deposit with the balance due by June 30. An administrative fee of $50 will be deducted from all refunds. No refunds will be given after June 30. Wilson College reserves the right to cancel this program due to insufficient enrollment up to two weeks prior to the institute. A full refund will be given if cancelled.

Please submit the following, or print and mail the registration form:

• Paragraph describing your interest in science 
• Supporting material indicating academic status and academic achievement in the sciences, you may include copies of grade reports
• $50 deposit

Scholarship opportunity:   A limited number of scholarships can be awarded this year based on academic merit and financial need.  If you are interested in this opportunity, contact the director for information.

Institute Information

• Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
• Fees include Institute instruction, lab materials, room and board, T-shirt, Field trip, and certificate.
• The Institute begins with registration on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and concludes with a research symposium for the parents on Friday afternoon.

Please include your contact information with your application materials

Send all application materials to:
M. Dana Harriger, Ph.D.
Director, Summer Science Institute
Wilson College
1015 Philadelphia Avenue
Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-264-4141, X3275

Be Part of the Scientific World of Discovery