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/)