The Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI)
The Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI)
Are you a rising high school senior moving toward a future in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM)? Are you eager to explore the direction in which STEM-related degrees and careers can take you? Does being part of the scientific process at a South Carolina research university intrigue you?
If so, our Summer Program for Research Interns may be the experience you've been looking for.
SPRI is a statewide outreach program that places students in university and corporate R&D labs throughout SC for six-week internships, mentored by professional scientists.
Opportunities include everything from biomedical and cancer research to nanotechnology and alternate fuels engineering research. GSSM has established research partnerships with Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina. In addition, GSSM hosts research at a variety of other partner sites including Furman University, the Greenville Hospital System, the Waddell Maricultural Center, the Greenwood Genetic Center, the Savannah River National Lab and Francis Marion University, just to name a few.
The SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics invites you to apply for one of its coveted SPRI Scholar research positions available summer 2012.
- Application
- Deadline to apply is January 27, 2012.
- SPRI will take place June 11 – July 20, 2012.
- Scholars must commit to the full six-week experience.
Find out more about SPRI and GSSM by calling the Outreach Department at 843-383-3958.
What is the Summer Program for Research Interns, or SPRI?
- SPRI is a statewide outreach program designed to pair academically talented students with scientist mentors in research and development labs across the state for a six-week internship.
- Students conduct research on new or existing projects in areas such as astronomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, computer science, engineering, physics, microbiology, zoology and more.
- More than 1,700 students from across SC have benefited from SPRI since its inception in 1991.
How do I apply?
- Students from public, private or home-school settings are encouraged to apply to become an SPRI Scholar.
- Applicants must be SC residents and rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years of age by June 2012.
- Applicants must complete and return the application form which is available here. Deadline: January 27, 2012.
- Applicants interested in financial aid must indicate the need by checking the appropriate box on the application form. The applicant must complete and submit a financial aid form (available shortly). A link to the form can be found on the application page. After completing the form, mail it to GSSM, SPRI Scholars with your other application materials.
- Applications must be accompanied by the following:
- Two 2012 SPRI Scholar Recommendation forms from math or science teachers
- An official transcript with a list of courses and credits earned through the first semester of the 2011-2012 school year
- Class rank and number of students in class
- PSAT/SAT or PLAN/ACT scores
- List of extracurricular activities and academic honors and awards
- Personal essay
What if I am accepted?
- Research positions are limited in number at the participating higher-education institutions and corporate labs due to the availability of scientist mentors in the scholar’s area of interest.
- SPRI Scholars may choose between commuter or residential internships, provided mentors in chosen fields are available.
- SPRI Scholars will be matched with supervising scientists, taking into consideration research interests and the proximity of a research site to the intern's home.
- SPRI Scholars must sign a contract committing to the full six-week internship, as well as a written research abstract and an oral presentation at GSSM’s February 2013 Colloquium in Hartsville.
What is the cost of the SPRI experience?
- The fee for residential scholars is $2,400. Scholars will live in dorms on the campuses of the research institutions where they will conduct research.
- The fee for commuting scholars is $1,200.
- There is a limited amount of financial assistance available - download the financial aid application.
