STEM opportunities for Spring 2013

Below are several STEM outreach events that are happening during the spring semester. We will post more as information becomes available!

AAAS Public Science Day - Feb. 16th and 17th

Location: Hynes Convention Center

Visit Family Science Days during the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Browse interactive tabletop exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and have your questions answered by experts convened by AAAS! This FREE event is open to all, but organized especially for students in grade levels 6 to 12.

This community science showcase — featuring hands-on demonstrations and other family and kid-friendly activities — shines a spotlight on a broad range of educators working to promote an interest in science among the general public.

Register!

Boston Public Schools Regional Science Fair - Mar. 2nd

Location: Cabot Athletic Center, Northeastern University

Come see work done by middle school and high school students in the Boston Public Schools. Students present on a wide range of topics in science, technology, and engineering.  There will also be interactive STEM activities run by university students and area scientists throughout the day. Open viewing will be from 1:30-2:45 pm.

NU College of Engineering Building Bridges - Dates TBA

Location: Northeastern University

A day for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to learn what engineering is all about. Students choose from a menu of hands-on interactive activities led by our engineering faculty and students from each of the College of Engineering departments.

MIT - SPASH - Registration Deadline - November 1st

Splash 2012 registration is closing soon.  This will be your last reminder about registration, so be sure to register before the deadline.

Because of inclement weather and the likelihood of power outages on the East Coast, Splash registration is being extended until November 1st at 11:59 PM. However, please plan ahead, and register earlier if at all possible!  It will be very difficult to extend registration further.

Classes being offered this Splash include:

 -Explosive Chemistry
-Tanks for the Memories: Armored Warfare in World War 2
-Swing Dancing
-What Makes Everything on the Internet Work
-Hacking Minesweeper
-Physics of Unicycling
-Speedy Delivery: An Introduction to Ethics, the Trolley Car Problem, and Why We Can't Have Nice Things
-Backyard rockets

Splash registration is now open at <http://esp.mit.edu/learn/Splash/2012/studentreg>, and the catalog is posted at <http://esp.mit.edu/learn/Splash/2012/catalog>.  As in previous years, registration will use a lottery system.

Fabulous, Fun, and FREE Summer Opportunities!

Check out these free summer events around Boston!


Fr-ee Fun Friday at MFA - Boston
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts for Fr-ee Fun Friday on August 3 from 10 am-9:45 pm. Activities for the whole family are available including drawing in the galleries, guided tours, and films.
Friday, Aug 3, 2012

Shakespeare on the Common 2012 - Boston
Enjoy performances of Coriolanus at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common. The play charts the rise and fall of a powerful general as he battles enemies abroad, and a tide of popularity at home in Rome.
Wednesday, Jul 25, 2012 - Sunday, Aug 12, 2012

Highland Street Fr-ee Fun Fridays 2012 - Massachusetts
This week, enjoy complimentary admission to Museum Of Fine Arts Boston, Norman Rockwell Museum, Amelia Park Children’s Museum, Fuller Craft Museum, and the Arnold Arboretum.
Friday Aug 3, 2012

Summer Bridge Program - Mass Bay Community College - space still available

Are you and/or do you know a recent High School graduate that might be interested in attending the following?  Please register at the link provided below.

MassBay is running a Summer Bridge from July 9-20 for rising H.S. seniors and recently graduated H.S. students. The program is FREE and includes the following workshops:

 

Title:  Mobile Apps with App Inventor
Students will learn to use App Inventor (a graphical block based programming environment) to create fun mobile applications! 

 

Title: Have a product to sell? – Build it!  Market it! And share with the WORLD!
Students will learn to express their ideas creating visual impact with Office productivity tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Web Expression)

 

Title: Artbotics This is a fun activity that combines arts and crafts with computing.  Students will design and create arts and crafts projects using cardboard, foam, balsa wood, glue, wire and other materials.  Once the project is ready we will add motors, lights and sensors to make it move and bring it to life.  How about a sun flower that spins?  Or a mailbox that opens and closes its cover?  More ideas at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N22FrgQgLM –

 

Title: Race to the finish line: A Lego robot competition
Students will put together Lego robots and program them to perform different tasks (moving, turning, throwing a ball, and speaking) as they compete to reach the finish line! More at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aailzk1nzp8g6s2/x-6imgV8RR/TechDayLego%20Spring%202011

 

Title: Storytelling and Games with Scratch
Students will learn to use Scratch (a graphical block based programming environment) to create a visual and interactive expression of a creative idea in the form of a story, a poem, a song or a game. More at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aailzk1nzp8g6s2/q1PLouYKv0/StoryTellingScratch%20Spring%202012     

 

We still have space available for the workshops!  Register at www.massbay.edu/summerBridge . 

Summer Sports, Health & Safety Day - Boston

http://www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF/

Summer Sports, Health & Safety Day

Mayor Thomas M. Menino invites all program participants, parents, coaches and youth service providers to a Summer Sports, Health & Safety Day!
Summer is the time of year when youth and families tend to be most physically active and with increased physical activity comes increased risk of injury, if we’re not knowledgeable of how to play it safe. For this reason, on Saturday, June 30th BCYF’s Recreation Center at Madison Park will host a series of workshops and trainings on how to stay healthy and safe during the upcoming summer months.
Note: Water Safety Participants- please see Water Safety file below for registration and participation requirements.
For more information or to RSVP for the day’s activities, please contact BCYF’s Recreation Division via email at BCYFRec@Cityofboston.gov or by phone at (617) 635-5206 ext. 107.
Summer Sports Health & Safety Day »
Water Safety Packet »

• 

  Boston R.O.C.K.S Out & Boston R.O.C.K.S the Block!!!

  Boston R.O.C.K.S Out!!! is a free drop-in program for ages 8-18 that provides structured games, sport activities and arts projects for up to 50 children at each of ten locations throughout the city Monday-Friday 12-6pm.
  Boston R.O.C.K.S the Block!!!, sponsored by JetBlue, BCYF and its partners, brings neighborhood fun to your block including swimming, music, games, hands-on activities, valuable programming information and a healthy meal at a BCYF swimming pool and the surrounding green space.
  For details check out the flyer below!
  Boston R.O.C.K.S Out!!! & Boston R.O.C.K.S the Block!!! »

• 

  BCYF Summer Programs

  Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency and the lead department for Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s Boston R.O.C.K.S!!! summer programming campaign.  Check out our summer page to learn about the Moakley Park Sports Center, BNBL, FACTS, the dozens of neighborhood-based summer day camps and other programs we offer for Boston’s young people.
  BCYF Summer Page »

• 

  BCYF Recreation Programs

  Check out all activites and programs the BCYF Recreation Division is offering including programming at the new BCYF Recreation Center at Madison Park.
  BCYF Recreation Page »

• 

  BCYF Summer Guide 2012

  BCYF is the City of Boston's largest youth and human service agency and the lead department for Mayor Thomas M. Menino's Boston R.O.C.K.S!!! summer programming campaign. Included in this brochure are dozens of neighborhood-based summer day camps and programs for Boston's young people. BCYF Summer Guide 2012 »

FREE STEM Sunday at Northeastern July 8

Join us for CMMI's FREE family day at Northeastern University on July 8, 2012.

Families of K-8 students will have the opportunity to participate in fun interactive demonstrations and science and engineering activities at Northeastern's Cabot Phyiscal Education Center (building 41 on the Campus Map) .


Participants will have the opportunity to build a city of the future, draw a science mural, take home a garden kit, learn about whales, and more!

Visit http://sciencesunday.weebly.com/ for more information.
Space is limited, families must REGISTER HERE and be entered for a raffle!

STEM Sunday is presented by Northeastern University's Center for STEM Education in collaboration with the National Science Foundation's CMMI Engineering and Research Innovation Conference, Cambridge Science Festival and Science on the Street,  Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Maker Faire, Boston Children's Hospital, NStar, American Society of Civil Engineers and the Northeastern NUTRONS.

Free Upcoming Events

EurekaFest at Museum of Science - Cambridge
Saturday, Jun 23, 2012
Celebrate the inventive spirit at EurekaFest, presented by the Lemelson-MIT Program and the Museum of Science. Saturday at the Museum of Science, cheer on over 200 high school students in an all-day design challenge that explores the invention process through wind-powered devices. Events are open to the public.
Free Coffee With The Mayor - Roxbury Circle The City - Dorchester
Every Sunday from Jun 24, 2012 - Aug 5, 2012
An open-streets event connecting people to parks with entertainment, bike tours, activities for all ages, performances, and a farmer's market. Featuring free activities for all ages that promote healthy, active living, Circle The City will draw people out of their homes and cars and onto safe, car-free streets to walk, bike, roll, play and celebrate some of our greatest urban resources—our parks.
Saturday, Jun 23, 2012
Free coffee with Mayor Thomas M. Menino. Join the Mayor for refreshments and conversation and also receive a free flowering plant.

Summer Programs at MIT

--Summer HSSP--

Student registration for Summer HSSP has just opened!

Summer HSSP is a seven-week academic program that runs on Sunday afternoons, beginning on July 8th and ending on August 19th. Classes

-- both academic and non-academic -- are offered in 3 timeblocks between 11 am and 5 pm.

Summer HSSP is open to rising 7th graders through rising college freshmen, and offers exciting classes such as Circuit Theory, Cell Biology, and The Psychology and Physics of Music. Check out the catalog and register at <http://esp.mit.edu/learn/HSSP/>.

Classes will be assigned using a lottery, so take your time to look through the catalog -- all registrations before June 22nd will be considered equally. You can express preferences for up to three classes per time block, and a lottery will determine your classes. The lottery stage of registration will close at 11:59 pm on June 22nd. We expect to publish results of the lottery on June 25th.

The total cost for Summer HSSP will be $40, which covers all seven Sundays of classes. We offer generous need-based financial aid.

We hope to see you this summer! Email us at <summer-hssp@mit.edu> if you have questions about this program.

--Delve--

Looking for a way to get college credit in high school? Interested in showing colleges just what you are made of? Want to explore a topic in-depth? Registration is open for Delve, ESP's AP preparatory course, and we would love to have you join us for an exciting 26 weeks of learning for just $250! Sign up today at <http://esp.mit.edu/learn/Delve/index.html>.

Delve will offer classes for the Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and French AP exams during the school year, from mid-September until May. Every Sunday, students will spend 10AM to 3PM at MIT dedicated to one of these classes (with an hour long lunch break in between).  Our classes can be taken as stand-alone classes, not just in conjunction with AP courses at high schools.  You will have the opportunity to take the AP in May with your school or with our partner, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.

If you have any questions about Delve, please feel free to email us back at <delve@mit.edu>.

--Help Splash! spread--

Are you entering college, and want to help spread Splash?  Learning Unlimited, a nonprofit that spreads Splash to universities across the country, maintains a monthly newsletter with numerous announcements of Splashes and stories about Splash's growth, and maintains information about volunteering for Splashes across the country. This includes a number of Boston-area programs beyond MIT.  You can sign up at their

website: <http://www.learningu.org>.

Touch Tomorrow at WPI

http://wp.wpi.edu/touchtomorrow/

June 16, 2012, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Rain or Shine. In the midst of the prestigious NASA Sample Return Robot Centennial Challenge, WPI will transform its campus into a family-friendly festival of hands-on technology and exhibits. FREE and open to the public. Explore new territories galore with WPI researchers, students, and NASA educators.

Free events this weekend!

World Oceans Day
Sunday, Jun 3, 2012

Join the New England Aquarium on Central Wharf to experience a full line-up of Oceans Day activities, including submersible robots, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids and plenty to learn about ocean animals and habitats.

This annual event is a great way to learn about our ocean’s incredibly diverse creatures and habitats—and what we can do to protect them.

As an added bonus, look for Calvin, the Aquarium's inflatable 42 foot long right whale on the Greenway at Milk Street. (Weather permitting)

All World Oceans Day activities are free and open to the public. Aquarium admission is separate, but you can still enjoy the World Oceans Day Celebration.

Please visit www.neaq.org/oceansday for more information and event details.
Cambridge River Festival
Saturday, Jun 2, 2012

The Cambridge River Festival celebrates the arts with a free outdoor event, attracting an enthusiastic audience of 200,000 to the banks of the Charles River. With 30 years under its belt, the River Festival has become a venerated Cambridgeg institution and a highly anticipated annual event.

Beginning with a procession from Harvard Square to the Charles River, the Festival's enormous variety of visual and performing art and food reflects the city's diverse neighborhoods and cultural heritage.

Visitors experience a wide array of Cambridge-based visual and performing arts which extend along a mile-long stretch of Memorial Drive between JFK Street and Western Avenue. The Cambridge River Festival collaborates with many local organizations and programs to showcase multiple stages of live national and local jazz, folk, world music, dance, poetry and theater performances.

Visitors also enjoy family entertainment, hands-on art-making activities and demonstrations, crafts, and a grand assortment of specialty foods and traditional festival fare.

Young Achievers Summer Institute for rising 8th, 9th and 10th graders

Register today for the Young Achievers Summer Institute, an innovative summer learning experience for middle school and high school students.

Students eligible are youth who are entering the 8th, 9th and 10th grade who are encouraged to participate in this unique career exploration program. Youth will be introduced to various careers in the arts, government and health and get a sneak peek at college life through field trips, speakers, workshops and activities on the campuses of area Colleges and Universities.

Through each session, students will gain knowledge that will help them shape their own career paths and college aspirations. Students will develop leadership and networking skills through fun, interactive and hands on activities. Students can participate in one week or two weeks sessions, choosing one or all to attend.

Please check the link I have provided to obtain cost and registration information.
http://www.ymcaboston.org/achievers/achievers-programs/summer-institute

Please sign up as space as limited by emailing mwendling@ymcaboston.org, or call 617-522-4789

Programs run from 8:30-2:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday

All sessions meet at YMCA Achievers, 3134 Washington Street, Boston, MA (Egleston YMCA)

Cost is $87.50 for one week and $175 for 2 weeks – Financial aid is available!

MIT Science of Baseball Program - 8th and 9th Grade Boys (Boston/Cambridge)

http://mit.edu/msbp/MSBP_Summer.html

The MIT Science of Baseball Program (MSBP), a four-week summer program, is aimed at improving the mathematics and science skills of entering eighth and ninth grade boys who attend Boston and Cambridge public schools. This summer, MSBP will provide opportunities for 30 boys to learn physics, biology and math by building on their interest in baseball.

The program will feature an integrated, experiential curriculum, including both academic and athletic components that exploit connections between student experiences and academic topics. MSBP strives to teach students to take pride in their academic and athletic performance and to appreciate the math and science hidden in their everyday lives. The objectives of MSBP are to:
• Stress the importance of self discipline, organization, personal goal setting and cooperation.
• Increase student’s awareness of science technology engineering and math (STEM) fields as a future education and career option.
• Foster meaningful and lasting relationship between staff and students.
• Create an enjoyable and memorable experience.

In partnership with families, schools, little league clubs, and other community-based organizations, MSBP strives to spark a passion for science in students by approaching them through a sport they love, baseball. The program is offered free of charge to participants through the generous support of our sponsors and MIT.

How to Apply We are excited to be moving to an online application for the 2012 MIT Science of Baseball Program. To complete your application you will need to complete an information request and obtain a user name and password through the application website at:
https://mit-oeop-admissions.symplicity.com

Climate Change Summit May 12th MIT - High School Students

The first BYEN Environmental Career Exploration Symposium, part of Youth CAN's annual Climate Change Summit, is this Saturday! 

Date & Time:

May 12th 9:30AM-3:30PM

Location: MIT Stata Center

High school students and young adults are invited to this FREE event that includes:

• lots of PRIZES
• cool workshops to choose from(skill building, to prepare to transition into staff positions...)
• a table fair with music, hands-on activities and more,
• the opportunity to meet and talk with environmental professionals,
• opportunities to take action for sustainability,
• breakfast & lunch.

Check out the event website

here (http://www.blsyouthcan.org/BLS_Youth_C.A.N./Summit_12.html)

for more information and to register. (https://blsyouthcanclimatesummit.mit.edu/ )

The workshops will engage participants in hands-on activities to learn about a range of topics and build skills that will strengthen resumes. 

In the Environmental Career Symposium professionals from the fields of Clean Energy/Clean Tech, Natural Resource Conservation, and Community Action (Environmental Policy at the grassroots level) will speak directly with young people about their jobs and how they got there.

Consider registering today and sharing this announcement with youth and those that work with youth. Questions may be directed to me at hchristou@environetwork.org or (617)345-5322 ext. 110. 

 

ARTEMIS Computer Project for Rising 9th grade girls

Boston University is pleased to announce that it will host the 2nd  annual Artemis Project@BU.  Artemis is a free, five-week computer  science summer program for 8th grade girls who will be entering 9th  grade in September 2012. Artemis introduces participants to the  creative thinking and problem-solving skills that are at the core of  computer science.  The program was founded in  1996 at Brown  University and we launched the first program at BU last summer. The  girls who participated found Artemis to be both fun and engaging as  evidenced by the video montage on the program homepage.

 Artemis sparks the interest of girls by making fundamental topics in  computer science fun and engaging, incorporating lessons with  hands-on activities as well as real-world applications. Artemis  teaches girls how to design their own websites in HTML/CSS, build and  program robotics, and create games using programming languages such  as Java, Python, Scheme and Visual Basics. Sample conceptual topics  included introduction to search and sort algorithms, cryptography,  artificial intelligence, circuits, and recursion through Towers of  Hanoi. In addition, students go on weekly field trips and hear from a  variety of guest speakers. We hope that students will leave Artemis  with both the practical skills and the conceptual background that  will help them succeed.

 The program will be held in Boston University's Photonics Center from  June 25 through July 27, 2012 M-F from 9:00-3:00.  Please note, this  is a day program and accommodations are not available. For more  information and to apply, please visit the program website at  http://www.bu.edu/lernet/artemis.

Summer Camp - Boston Nature Center

Summer Camp at Boston Nature Center

Set against 67 acres of a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, the Boston Nature Center (BNC) day camp provides a unique nature experience right in the middle of the city! Every day is filled with hands-on/minds-on experiences, outdoor exploration, gardening and many other exciting camp activities. We have an experienced and caring staff that creates a safe, inclusive and fun atmosphere.
The Sanctuary includes trails, meadows, forests, gardens and beautiful indoor space at the George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center.
Camp Offers:

• A safe environment with a high staff to child ratio
• Ten one-week sessions for 5 to 13 year olds
• Four one-week sessions for 14 to 15 year olds
• Volunteer opportunities for 16 year olds
• Drop off between 8:30 am – 9:30 am & Pick-up between 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
• Extended day options
• Weekly field trips
• An Open House for families every Friday Afternoon

 The Boston Nature Center Camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local Board of Health. You may request copies of BNC’s policies regarding background checks, health care, discipline, and grievances.
Join our wonderful camp community that blends the traditional camp experience with a high quality science education!
Download the 2012 Summer Camp Brochure Summer Camp - English (PDF 1.5 MB)

• Summer Camp - Spanish (PDF 1.5 MB)
• 2012 Leaders in Training program, ages 14-15 (PDF)

2012 Summer Camp & School Vacation Week Registration
Please Read:

Camp & Vacation Week Information and Policies (PDF)
2012 Weekly Themes (PDF)

Please print and submit these registration forms for 2012:

BNC Registration Form (PDF)
Camp Health and Waiver Forms (PDF)
Community Agreement (PDF)
Financial Aid Application (PDF)

More Information

• Contact Phone: 617-983-8500
• Contact Email: bnc@massaudubon.org

Mailing Address:

• Boston Nature Center
  500 Walk Hill Street
  Mattapan, MA 02126

Enter the 2012 Google Science Fair

Have you asked a question today? What did you do with it?

Did it take you somewhere new? Did it bring you here?

The Google Science Fair is an online science competition seeking curious minds from the four corners of the globe. Anybody and everybody between 13 and 18 can enter. All you need is an idea.

Geniuses are not always A-grade students. We welcome all mavericks, square-pegs and everybody who likes to ask questions. Simply upload your project here to win some life changing prizes.

Everyone has a question. What’s yours? http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair/index.html

February Vacation Opportunities

School Vacation Week at the MIT Museum!

The MIT Museum is offering STEM focused activities every day of the week for kids and families this vacation week (20 - 24)! All are free with the price of admission ($8.50 for adults, $4 for kids or students, 5 and under are free).

Monday: Come participate in Gears and More - an exploration of mechanical engineering from 10 am - 12 pm, and then a demonstration by MIT Motorsports from 1 - 4 pm!

Tuesday: There will be a Paper Skyscraper Challenge from 10 am - 12 pm, and then a demonstration by MIT's Electric Vehicle Team from 1 - 4 pm!

Wednesday: Come and try your hand in the Straw Rocket Challenge from 10 am - 12 pm, and then see a demonstration by MIT's Rocket Team from 1 - 4 pm!

Thursday: Participate in the Mind the Gap Engineering Challenge from 10 am - 12 pm, and then see a demonstration of the Paradiso Synthesizer, the "world's largest electronic music synthesizer" and also learn about polymer particles for type 1 diabetes from 1 - 4 pm!

Friday: Try out the Marble Run Engineering Challenge from 10 am - 12 pm, and then see demonstrations by IRobot, Kiva Systems and the Paradiso Synthesizer from 1 - 4 pm!

For more information, check out http://web.mit.edu/museum/programs/programdescriptions.html#feb2012

School Vacation Week at the Museum of Fine Arts

The MFA has free admission for all students during the vacation week, and are running a number of free art programs Tuesday 2/21—Saturday 2/25, 10 am—4 pm! There are guided tours of the museum, painting and sculpting workshops, and story time! You can even build your own model of a museum! There will also be performances by the Revels Repertory Company of “An American Journey”, a play about immigrants in the early 1900’s and their journey to America.

To see all the programs, visit http://www.mfa.org/programs/series/cogan-family-foundation-vacation-week-adventures

"A Model of a Good Time" February School Vacation Week

Visit the USS Constitution Museum at the Charlestown Navy Yard this break to participate in hands-on gallery programs, practice caulking, or waterproofing, a ship, learn to write using an old quill pen, and enjoy tons of other activities! Also make sure to stop by the 33rd Annual Ship Model Show, and see over 50 handcrafted model ships of all types!

The museum is open 10 am - 5 pm, and for more information, call 617-426-1812!

Boston Centers for Youth and Families

For even more vacation ideas and activities, check out the Boston Centers for Youth and Families website. They work with the city of Boston to bring you tons of great options for your break!

http://www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf

STEM Summer Opportunities

Youth to Health Careers Mentoring Program

Boston Area Health Education Center is looking for students ages 13 - 18 interested in a career in the healthcare industry. Students will be paired with mentors in the field and work on academic skills, career development, leadership qualities and also just having fun. Students should expect to commit about four hours per month. For more information call 617-419-3402, visit www.mayorshealthline@wordpress.com or email lmika@bphc.org.

Camp Cardiac

Camp Cardiac is a week-long summer camp for students ages 15 and up interested in medicine. Participants will get the chance to learn from and talk to experts in the field. Scholarships and applications are available now at www.campcardiac.org or 617-659-0246.

Boston Architectural College Summer Academy Open House

Boston Architectural College is hosting a four-week design exploration program focusing on architecture. Interested high school students should attend the open house on February 11 from 10 am - 12 pm at Boston Architectural College to learn more details and scholarship information. Visit www.the-bac.edu/summer or call 617-585-0101 to learn more.

Summer Job Opportunities and Tips for Teens

Apply to the HOPELINE to be considered for employment with the Boston Youth Fund. Teens ages 15 to 17 are eligible to apply - must be 15 by July 8 and under 18 through August 17. Registration is open 24 hours a day from February 1st to March 2nd. See www.bostonyouthzone.com/byf or call 617-635-4204 for details and application information.

ABCD Summerworks is accepting applications for summer employment. Applicants should be between the ages of 14 and 21 and Boston residents interested in getting work experience. Registration opens February 1st, call 617-348-6548 for details and visit www.summerworks.net to apply!

Boston R.O.C.K. IT!!! Launch into Summer is for anyone interested in learning about the opportunities for youth this summer. All Boston residents are welcome, and those under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. This event will take place at Emmanuel College from 11 am to 1 pm on February 22.

Want Help with Your Job Search, Resume or Interviewing Skills? If you attend a BPS high school, contact your Private Industry Council (PIC) Career Specialist at www.bostonpic.org!

Call the Mayor's Youthline for questions about job opportunities in the Boston area, and check out www.BOSTONavigator.org!

BPL Job & Internship Fair: Teens looking for a job or internship should visit the Jobs & Internship Fair at the BPL. Feb 11, 12-3pm. Mezzanine Conference Room, BPL Copley Branch. Call 617-859 - 2334 or visit www.bpl.org!

Ship Model Show: USS Constitution Museum

The 30th annual Ship Model Show will be on display at the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown from Saturday, February 4 - Sunday, March 24! See over 100 models built by over 30 men and women. There will be several prize categories, including most popular, so cast your vote!

There will be free family focused activities open to the public, and hands on events and presentations during the school vacation in February.

Call 617-426-1812, ext. 146 or visit http://www.bostoncentral.com/events/exhibit/p7351.php for more information.

2012 Kavli “Save the World Through Science & Engineering” Video Contest

Do you think we can save the world through science and engineering? Join hundreds of the world’s leading scientists, engineers, thinkers, and innovators as we tackle mankind’s greatest challenges and help to build our future.

The Kavli Foundation is challenging Grades 6-12 students across the world to brainstorm and share their ideas! This year's contest theme is inspired the National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges. The NAE recently asked some of the world's leading technological thinkers to  identify what needs to be done to  make people and  our planet thrive.

Students worldwide are invited to submit entries to the 2012 video contest, with cash awards and prizes for the top entries. The best videos will be shown at the Festival Expo during April 27-29, 2012, where hundreds of thousands of science fans are expected to gather in Washington, D.C.  The first place winner will also receive a travel stipend to attend the Expo.

Visit http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2012festival/contests/kavli-video-contest   to enter!

Summer research for HS students - Young Scholars Applications Now Available

The Young Scholars Program (YSP) is an intensive six-week summer research program at Northeastern University that offers future scientists and engineers a unique opportunity for hands-on experience while still in high school. Students work in active research laboratories alongside faculty and graduate students from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. Through seminar series, weekly field excursions, career counseling, homeroom presentations, and access to university facilities, students explore potential STEM careers and get a real taste for college life.   The program is open to Boston area applicants who have completed either their sophomore or junior year in high school. It is a highly selective program, in which hundreds apply and less than 30 are accepted each year.

Please click here for the 2012 application.

 The deadline for submission is March 20, 2012.

For more information on YSP, please visit http://www.neuysp.weebly.com/  or contact youngscholars.neu@gmail.com with questions.

Free Boston Events and Opportunities

EVENTS

MFA Open House: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts on MLK Day for free admission for all! Children are also invited to pick up a copy of the book, “Greek Gods and Heroes” at the Huntington entrance while supplies last. Jan 16, 10am-4:45pm. 465 Huntington Ave. www.mfa.org

KEEP HEALTHY

Seasonal Influenza Shots: Annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu usually occur during the late fall through early spring. Protect yourself by getting the flu shot. The Public Health Commission will be posting locations that offer free vaccinations. Visit www.bphc.org/flu to find a location near you.

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

Boston Centers for Youth & Families After School Programs: The BCYF Program Guide for 2011-12 is available online. Find programs from winter through summer for all ages including homework help, GED, basketball, volleyball, yoga, chess, computer class and more. Contact your local community center for more information. 617-635-4920, www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf

Youth to Health Careers Mentoring Program: The Boston Area Health Education Center is looking for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health. Mentors will work with students in everything from academic support and career exploration to leadership development and just having fun. 4 hours a month. FREE. Ages 13-18. 729 Mass Ave, 2nd floor, South End. 617-419-3402, lmika@bphc.org

The Record Co: TRC offers teens an in-depth look at audio production and professional record-making. Sign up for a FREE class to learn how to make beats, use microphones, and what it takes to create a high-quality recording. Classes are taught by young audio professionals in working commercial recording studios. Apply now. Classes begin Jan 23. 960 Mass Ave. 617-334-5098, www.therecordco.org

The Steppingstone Foundation: Take part in a free program that is designed to prepare Boston school children for educational opportunities and BPS exam schools, independent schools and college. Grades 4-6. Deadline: Jan 3. 617-423-6300, www.tsf.org
INTERNSHIPS & JOB HELP

Year Up Paid Internship: Year Up is an intensive one-year training program for young adults ages 18-24 who have graduated high school or have their GED. Interns provide Fortune 100 companies like Merrill Lynch, American Express, and Bank of America with information technology entry-level talent. Deadline: Jan 12. 617-542-1533, www.yearup.org

The "Bank of America Charitable Foundation Student Leaders" Program: Currently seeking young motivated leaders to be part of its summer internship program. Students will learn how they can help shape their communities. Must be a high school junior or senior. Deadline: Jan 25. Application: www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders

Boston PIC: A Private Industry Council Career Specialist can help you build your resume, improve your interview skills, match you to job shadow opportunities or connect you to a job. BPS high school students should visit their PIC Career Specialist at their school. 617-524-5224, www.bostonpic.org

SCHOLARSHIPS

Torch Scholars Program: Torch scholars receive full tuition, fees, and room and board scholarships for its Summer Immersion Program and eight subsequent semesters of undergraduate study. For students who have persevered despite difficult family situations, cultural barriers, and financial challenges. If you know a young person who may qualify, nominate her/him by Jan 15. www.northeastern.edu/torch/nominate

Yawkey Scholar Program: This program helps talented and motivated disadvantaged young people meet the rising costs of undergraduate education. A 4-year renewable scholarship is provided to high school seniors in MA planning to attend private colleges in MA. Awards average $12,500/year. Deadline: Feb 15. www.tpi.org/resources/yawkey_scholars_program.aspx


All information courtesy of Boston Youth Zone (http://www.bostonyouthzone.com/)

The 2012 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is officially OPEN for entries!

Students in grades 5-8 can enter today for a chance to win $25,000, a trip to 3M's global headquarters to work alongside leading scientists, and the coveted title, America's Top Young Scientist.

Ten finalists will have an exclusive opportunity to work directly with a 3M scientist during a summer mentorship program. Each pair will connect virtually and work through an original project that the finalist will present at the final event in October.

Follow these 3 easy steps to enter:
1. Parents submit an online consent form at www.youngscientistchallenge.com.
2. Parents fill out a registration form and choose a username/password.
3. Students login to upload a quick 1-2 minute science video about a possible solution to an everyday problem.
For video topic guidelines, tips from previous winners and more, visit www.youngscientistchallenge.com.

Encourage your middle school student to enter today!

Questions? Email us at YSC@discovery.com