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In over five decades of SSP, most health and safety concerns have revolved around minor illnesses, sunburn, dehydration, sports injuries, etc. The faculty will provide first aid, and consult a registered nurse when needed, at no charge.
Participants live in a dorm, segregated by sex, double-occupancy (typically). Four Teaching Assistants and Residential Mentors also live in the dorm. Access to the dorm building or hallway and to each room is restricted by key card to authorized people only.
With respect to any hazards associated with the research, we teach and enforce lab safety protocols promulgated by the host campus, and followed by undergraduates during the academic year. Those protocols are thorough and well-established.
Over the 39 days of SSP you might need to see a doctor. The Site Director will try to obtain permission from your parent before seeking medical services, although in an emergency that may not be possible.
SSP does not provide any form of health insurance; your parent will be responsible for the full cost of any medications or health care services beyond first aid. For that reason, we strongly recommend you verify or obtain health insurance before arriving.
Challenge stimulates growth, so SSP is designed to be more mentally and physically stressful than high school. It’s not for everyone. After you are admitted, your parent must disclose any past or present health issues or concerns, including for example depression or eating disorder. We will try to accommodate your situation if we can.
During the program, you must disclose any new health issue to the faculty or nurse, to ensure you receive appropriate care.
The Summer Science Program is an independent non-profit 501(c)3, operated in cooperation with its host campuses and affiliates California Institute of Technology, Harvey Mudd College, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
