Youth Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Engagement through Science 2013 Application Form Washington, DC area students saying YES! to science Photos by Cristina Castillo, Smithsonian Institution
The National Museum of Natural History is currently accepting applications for its 2013 internship program, Youth Engagement through Science (YES!). About the Program Description The National Museum of Natural History is committed to increasing opportunities for racially/ethnically diverse students interested in science and cultural studies. This program facilitates the development of science skills necessary to be competitive in today s knowledge-based society. Rising 10th, 11th & 12th grade students from the Washington, DC, area with an interest or aptitude in science are invited to apply for this unique, paid internship. The goals are to help participants to build their science and communication skills, explore careers in science by working side by side with scientists, and to prepare for the next step in their education through a college preparation course. Program Components: 16 week program Summer Session: 6 weeks, 5 days per week. June 24 August 2, 2013, 9:00 am 4:00 pm Interns pursue meaningful research projects with Smithsonian research scientists and science staff in the biological, geological, and anthropological disciplines. Interns also receive training and mentoring in communication skills and in communicating about science, and they prepare and present an activity for visitors to the National Museum of Natural History. Fall Session: 10 weeks, Saturdays from September 14 vember 16, 2013, 10:00 am 4:00 pm Students engage in college preparation planning and activities, including visits to college campuses, speaking with admissions counselors, and taking a practice SAT. Applying for the Program Eligibility Applicants must be current freshmen, sophomores or juniors in high school. Applicants must be US citizens or US permanent residents. Applicants must live in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region (DC, MD or VA). Participants are required to participate in both the summer and fall sessions of the program. Must have an interest in science or cultural studies. Application Procedure Submit a complete application package: Completed application form (attached) Application Survey Essay (see application) Two letters of recommendation Copy of high school transcript There are two ways to submit the application: 1) Email the application package to: yesprogram@si.edu. 2) Mail the application package to: Attn: YES! Program Smithsonian Institution-NMNH Office of Education & Outreach PO Box 37012 MRC 158 Washington DC 20013 Application Deadline Applications must be submitted no later than March 29, 2013. Questions? If you have any questions about this program or application procedures, please contact: Elio Cruz at yesprogram@si.edu or (202) 633-4588.
2013 Application Form Youth Engagement through Science (YES!) In addition to this form, all applicants must include an essay, two letters of recommendation and transcript. Applicant Full Name: Date of Birth: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: Email: Sex: Male or Female Ethnicity (optional): Name of School: Grade/Year: Parent/Guardian s Name(s) Parent/Guardian s Phone Numbers: (h) (w) I am a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident Essays: Required Essay Directions: At least 1000 words minimum. Why do you want to be a member of the YES Program? What qualities do you have that will contribute for a successful experience in this program and what are your expectations? Short Essay Directions: Please select three of the following questions below. 150 words or less 1. Tell us about an experience where you have communicated to your friends and community about your favorite science topic. 2. List two things you are proud of having done and tell us about these experiences. 3. Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, school, community, city, or town. How has this world shaped your dreams and aspirations? 4. What is your favorite thing to do outside of your school responsibilities? 5. Leadership and responsibility are key qualities we look for in candidates; can you tell us of an experience(s) that demonstrated these qualities? Submission Packet Checklist: Completed application form Essay Transcript I certify that the information given above is true: Signed Parent/Guardian Signature! Application Survey Two letters of Recommendation
Please provide your school district.! Application Survey Are you in a magnet or sceince-related track program at school? Have you ever completed an internship? Will you be the first in your family to attend college/university? What are you interested in studying in college? Are you interested in working on a project at the Natural History Museum? If, please rate your top 3 locations/projects. See "Projects" www.mnh.si.edu/education/yes/ Are you interested in working on as a keeper aide at the National Zoo? If, please rate your top 3 locations/projects. Are you interested in working on a project with Smithsonian Gardens? Please answer:,, or Need more information. Need more information Are you interested in working on a project at the Air and Space museum? Please answer:,, or Need more information. Need more information Will you be available for the entire summer internship? If not, please list dates of availability? Will you be available full time (40 hours per week)? Are you involved in any extracurricular activities (band, sports, part-time job) that may interfere with your full participation in the fall session, please list reason. Do you have previous experience using microscopes? Are you willing and able to work in an outdoor setting (i.e. Gardening, outdoor exhibits)? Are you willing and able to work with live animals including insects? Are you willing and able to work with dead animal specimens including insects? Some projects demand absolute care and attention especially when handling fragile specimens. Please rate your comfortability working with and handling fragile specimens. t comfortable Comfortable 1 2 3 4 5 Do you want to be in the medical field (pediatrician, physician, nurse, etc.) when you grow up? Do you want to be in the engineering field when you grow up?
Confidential Recommendation In order to better assess whether this student has the potential for success with our program and to assist us in determining his/her candidacy. Please fill out this form as a request for a recommendation. All information that you provide to YES! will be kept in strict confidence. Please return recommendation in a sealed envelope to student or our return address below. We thank you for your cooperation and time. Attn: YES! Program Smithsonian Institution-NMNH Office of Education & Outreach PO Box 37012 MRC 158 Washington DC 20013 Your information: Name E-mail Organization Phone number Relationship to student Please evaluate the applicant as follows: Excellent Very Good Good Average Below Average N/A Academic Potential Dependability Disciplined Work Habits Ability To Work With Others Curiosity/initiative Emotional Maturity How long have you known the applicant? How well do you know the applicant? Do you have concerns about the ability or motivation of the applicant? If so, please explain why. Describe the academic disciplines in which the applicant excels. Please describe the applicant's ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and written. Does this student posse strong technical/computer skills? Please list any experiences or opportunities this candidate has been involved in (i.e. science research projects, etc.) Please describe the applicant's desire to work in a science related field? We would appreciate any additional comments or observations. Would you recommend this student for our program?