Unlock the Power of Undergraduate Research
At Stanley Park High School, we believe that empowering our students to engage in meaningful research is a crucial part of their educational journey. Undergraduate research not only helps students develop valuable skills, but it also provides them with the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their fields of interest.
Discovering the Benefits of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research can be a game-changer for students, offering them a chance to explore their academic passions and gain hands-on experience. By working closely with faculty mentors, students can develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These skills are not only valuable in the classroom but also highly sought after in the job market.
Moreover, undergraduate research can help students solidify their career goals and even lead to exciting opportunities, such as presenting their work at conferences or securing internships and research assistant positions. As one student researcher from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shared, “If not for this opportunity, my life would have gone in an entirely different direction. It was a great microcosm of what academia would be — and in fact, to me, has shown itself to be.”
Unlocking Opportunities through Prestigious Partnerships
At Stanley Park High School, we are proud to offer a range of undergraduate research opportunities made possible through our partnerships with prestigious foundations and programs. These collaborations provide our students with access to valuable resources, mentorship, and financial support, empowering them to pursue their research interests.
The Amgen Scholars Program
The Amgen Scholars Program, funded by the Amgen Foundation, is one such initiative that has had a significant impact on our student researchers. Each summer, a cohort of students, including a few from Stanley Park High School, conduct 10 weeks of intensive research and participate in networking events, workshops, and other activities. This program not only provides valuable hands-on experience but also allows students to build connections with peers and industry professionals.
The Beckman Scholars Program
Another notable partnership is the Beckman Scholars Program, supported by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. This prestigious program invites select students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics, or molecular, cell, and developmental biology to participate in 15 months of research alongside faculty mentors. The rigorous program helps students develop a deep understanding of their chosen field and prepares them for future success in academia or industry.
The Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program
The Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program, funded by the Clare Boothe Luce Program, is a remarkable initiative that supports women majoring in the physical sciences or engineering who are committed to research careers. As one of our students shared, “The Clare Boothe Luce Program has been incredibly influential in my decision to pursue continued higher education. My research experience has been so positive that I want to stay in academia.”
The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship
The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, a two-year program funded by the Mellon Foundation, is designed to support students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in academia within designated fields in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship aims to address the lack of diversity in faculty ranks by providing mentorship, funding, and a supportive community for aspiring scholars.
Empowering Diverse Perspectives in Research
At Stanley Park High School, we recognize the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion in the field of research. Our partnerships with these prestigious programs not only provide valuable opportunities for our students but also actively work to address the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in academia.
As one former Mellon Mays Fellow shared, “I was not a traditional, high-resource, competitive applicant, per se. But I was going to take full advantage of every opportunity I got. Look for people who aren’t as glossy on the front end, because sometimes this gloss is an index of class status and preparation — not necessarily an index of capacity, capability or creativity.”
Building a Supportive Research Community
Undergraduate research is not just about individual achievement; it’s also about fostering a collaborative and supportive community. Many of our student researchers have reported forming strong bonds with their cohorts, sharing in the challenges and triumphs of the research process.
As a student in the Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program shared, “I developed a strong community through the program. There’s eight of us in total. It’s a small group of like-minded individuals all going through similar things, being researchers in the physical sciences.”
Exploring Interdisciplinary Opportunities
At Stanley Park High School, we encourage our students to explore interdisciplinary research opportunities that bridge different fields of study. Through our partnership with the W.M. Keck Foundation, we are proud to offer the W.M. Keck Humanistic Inquiry Research Awards program, which supports students conducting comprehensive research projects within the humanities, arts, or social sciences.
By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, we aim to inspire our students to think creatively, challenge conventional boundaries, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in innovative ways.
Empowering the Next Generation of Researchers
At the heart of our undergraduate research initiatives is the belief that every student has the potential to become a passionate and impactful researcher. Whether they dream of a career in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the humanities, or beyond, we are committed to providing the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
As one of our faculty mentors, Tama Hasson, emphasizes, “I know I am where I am today because of undergraduate research. If you speak to any scientist in any field, whether it’s working for NASA, in academia or in industry, we all started with undergraduate research.”
At Stanley Park High School, we are proud to be at the forefront of empowering the next generation of student researchers. We invite you to explore the diverse range of undergraduate research opportunities available and join us in shaping the future of discovery and innovation.
