ParentNET
A slice of campus life written by an MTU student

Now that summer is in full swing, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that summer time at Michigan Tech is not just for college students! In fact, one of the biggest programs that take place during the summer months is for students in middle school and high school. This exciting program is known as the Summer Youth Programs, commonly referred to as “SYP.” I attended SYP as a freshman and sophomore in high school. The first summer I learned about wildlife ecology, and the following year I learned about radio broadcasting. Needless to say, both explorations were the best parts of my summers!

What is SYP?
According to the SYP website, the purpose of SYP is to introduce “pre-college” students to careers and allow them to develop new skills through laboratory, classroom, and field experiences. SYP offers six different programs for students to choose from with a total of more than 70 one-week explorations scheduled throughout the summer. The six programs include Summer Youth Explorations, Women in Engineering, Explorations in Engineering, American Indian Workshop, Orchestra Fellowship Program, and Women in Computer Science. Enrollment is limited to 1,200 students.

What is an exploration?
An exploration will offer your student opportunities to learn about a specific category of study at Michigan Tech. All explorations are lead by a Michigan Tech faculty member, graduate student, or a field specialist. This could include different aspects of engineering, robotics, sciences, computers, motor sports, astrology, art, writing, video game programming, business, dance, and Spanish (just to name a few!). These explorations begin the week of July 9 and run for a week at a time until August 5. Explorations remain open until they reach capacity, so it is important to sign up as early as possible. To see the different explorations and the weeks they are offered, please visit http://www.youthprograms.mtu.edu/syp/explorations.asp.

What’s new this year?
A few exciting additions for this summer include Forensic Science: CSI at Michigan Tech! Michigan Tech is working with Criminal Justice to have students learn how forensic scientists use principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and geology to solve crimes. Students will learn techniques such as DNA fingerprinting, spectral analysis, and ballistic analysis.

Another new exploration is called “Go Global! Explore Business around the World.” Has your student ever dreamed of traveling around the world? Are they interested in other cultures? Do they like learning other languages? If so, your student should attend this exploration and learn how language, culture, and location all impact the decisions of global companies. I can recommend to your student from personal experience while working at one of the global engine leaders, Cummins, this exploration would be the perfect start to thinking about a career for an older high school student.

One of the newest programs that I would be the most excited for is the Upper Michigan Wolf Ecology exploration. Students track wolves on foot using radio telemetry, prints, and other signs in some of the most scenic, rugged terrain of upper Michigan. Students can learn about the ongoing wolf studies at Michigan Tech, while analyzing bones, making tack casts, and learning how to navigate with a map, compass, and GPS. As a warning, students should be prepared for long hikes and possibly very buggy conditions.

Finally, the last new exploration is called Husky Video Game Development. It helps students learn about what it’s like to be an actual video game designer, and gives students opportunities to design game systems. Overall, the goal of this exploration is to leave students with an understanding of how to create great games in a fun and challenging environment.

How much does it cost?
And, of course, the biggest question that many of you may be wondering is “How much does it cost?” The cost depends on which exploration or program your student wants to attend and if they want to stay on-campus during the week of their exploration. To see more cost information, please visit: http://www.youthprograms.mtu.edu/syp/cost.html. On this link you will also find that scholarships and financial aid are available. There is also a special section just for parents that offers more detailed information and a list of what your student should bring. This section can be viewed at: http://www.youthprograms.mtu.edu/parents/index.html.

SYP is for college students, too!
If you’re a parent that no longer has middle school or high school age students in the household, don’t forget to remind your college student that there are also great opportunities for summer employment through the SYP. If you think your student might be interested, please pass along this link: http://www.youthprograms.mtu.edu/employment.html.

Until next week,

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