“the educational experience of a lifetime” … since 1959

The Summer Science Program offers teens an exhilarating and inspiring immersion into hands-on experimental science. Working in teams of three, 36 participants and 7 faculty form a supportive “living and learning community” over 39 days. Each team completes a real research project, taking and analyzing original data. Afterward, they join a worldwide network of 2,500+ alumni of all ages. In 2023 we will operate six programs:

  • three in Astrophysics: research in near-earth asteroid orbit determination at New Mexico State Univ., Univ. of Colorado Boulder, and Univ. of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • two in Biochemistry: research in fungal crop pathogens at Purdue Univ. and Indiana Univ.
  • one in Genomics: research in evolution of antibiotic resistance, at Indiana Univ.

SSP is an independent nonprofit, the only summer program operated, governed, and largely funded by its own alumni and former faculty … eloquent testimony to its impact on young people for more than six decades. Many alumni call it “the educational experience of a lifetime.”

Is SSP For You?

SSP is open to current high school juniors (and a few truly exceptional sophomores) who have completed the pre-requisites by summer, and will be at least 15 years old, but not yet 19, during the program. (Too young? We can remind you later.)

Follow SSP on Instagram  for application reminders and updates.

"SSP has truly been a transformative experience for me, both socially and academically. The five weeks we spent living and learning together were extremely valuable. With no other group of students would I feel more comfortable plowing through problem sets, racking our brains to analyze data, and spending late nights reviewing material together. I've learned from so many different personalities, and have seen firsthand the importance of collaboration in this unique environment. I now leave this summer with increased confidence in my abilities, a network of lifelong friends, and an excitement to witness the future that lies before me."



Key Dates for 2023 Programs

Thursday, December 15, 2022


Applications open.
We can remind you

Friday, February 3 , 2023


Deadline for international applicants – all non-U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.

Friday, March 3 , 2023


Deadline for U.S. citizens and green card holders attending school in the U.S.

Mid-March, 2023


International admission decisions released

Mid-April, 2023


U.S. admission decisions released

2023
Programs will run mid June – end of July
2022 Programs