Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Young Scholars Science Institute
The Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Young Scholars Science Institute (SYSSI) is a free summer program for local high school students interested in exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program offers hands-on experiences across a wide range of scientific disciplines—from cell biology and chemistry to neuroscience, computer science, environmental science, and more.
SYSSI grew out of the original Young Scholars Cell Biology Institute, launched in 2016 as a highly successful outreach initiative supported by the National Science Foundation. Building on that strong foundation, the program has expanded to include a broader range of STEM disciplines, providing students with exposure to multiple scientific fields and potential career pathways.
The program runs July 20–24 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.each day. SYSSI is a non-residential program, and students are expected to attend for the full week. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus each day.
During the program, students engage in immersive laboratory and experiential learning within Â鶹Æƽâ°æ’s state-of-the-art facilities in the Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences. Participants explore areas such as:
- Biology and Microscopy
- Neuroscience
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Human Physiology
- Physics
- Environmental Science
Â鶹Æƽâ°æ College students participate alongside faculty and staff, offering high school students valuable insight into college life and STEM career exploration.
To ensure accessibility for students of all backgrounds, the program is offered free of charge, including daily lunch.
The program is designed primarily for students entering their junior and senior years of high school; however, all high school students are welcome to apply.
The application requires students to provide basic information, including their name, school, grade level, and emergency contact details. Applicants must also submit a brief statement describing why they are interested in attending the program and arrange for a current or former STEM teacher to submit a letter of recommendation on their behalf.
Institution date: July 20-July 24, 2026
Daily schedule:
8:45-9:00 am drop off
9:00am-4:00pm daily program including lunch,
4:00-4:15pm pick up.
TO APPLY:
1.: Once you start your application, you will need to complete it in its entirety. The system will not allow you to make changes once the application has been submitted. If you close the browser, you will lose all of your information. The application will time out after 45 minutes.
2. One Letter of Recommendation: one letter from a counselor or teacher who knows you well. Submission instructions will be sent directly to the recommender’s email address provided in the application form.
Application deadline: May 30, 2026
Application decision: Admission decisions will be emailed to applicants between June 15 and June 18, 2026. Accepted students must confirm their attendance by June 30, 2026. Failure to confirm by this date will be considered a withdrawal from the program.
Questions about the program or the application process may be directed to Kara Cetto Bales, SYSSI program director.
