Summer Research Programs?

aantn writes "I'm currently looking for a science-related summer program. I'm an 11th grade Israeli high school student interested in computer science and robotics. I have a high GPA and take afternoon classes in computer science and mathematics at Israel's Open University. I have several years of experience with C, Python, C#, and Java. I'm actively involved in several open source and freelance projects. Through a program at my school, I will be entering Trinity College's Fire Fighting Robot contest later this year. I enjoy writing and liberal arts, but I'm not interested in a "Learn to Program" or any other "Learn to ______" summer program. I'm looking for something that will be academically challenging and research-oriented. My top choice would be a university research program in either computer science or robotics, but I'm also looking at other science-oriented programs. Does anyone have suggestions for such programs? I'm mostly looking in Israel and the United States, but I'd love to hear about programs in other countries which accept international students. If it's relevant, I have a US citizenship."

Comments

NSF REU

[raaum]

I believe that many National Science Foundation funded Research Experience for Undergraduates programs will take exceptional high school students.

See http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/

Re:NSF REU

[raaum]

True. However, the last sentence of the original post is "If it's relevant, I have a US citizenship." So, it would seem the poster qualifies.

Cut out the middleman

[rnaiguy]

I don't know how it is in Israel, but when I was in high school here in the US, I just e-mailed a bunch of professors around the city who were doing interesting work, until I found one willing to take me on as a lab assistant, and I did research there for the rest of my time in high school. I worked for free for a while, but it eventually turned into a nice part-time job (as well as a great activity to put on college apps). My high school even had a program that got me credit for doing it, so that's something you may want to look into. With your strong background, you shouldn't have a hard time finding a lab willing to take you (scientists love cheap/free labor).

Check out stanford and CMU

[Facegarden]

Stanford and CMU have good programs in general, there must be some good summer programs. Plus, both have a presence in Silicon Valley (Stanford is just there, CMU has a campus at Moffett Field), so you can find a good job afterwards. You seem really talented, so you should be able to get into those places if you know how to talk to people (find a professor who wants you to attend, and the application process will be MUCH easier).
-Taylor

Google Summer of Code

[wordisms]

I recommend Google Summer of Code. Check out the 2008 projects: http://code.google.com/soc/2008/

Re:Google Summer of Code

[Annymouse Cowherd]

You need to be 18 or older.

Rose-Hulman Operation Catapult

[pallmall1]

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has an interesting program called Operation Catapult that might be of interest. I attended many years ago, and the program was great. All the facilities -- libraries, labs, machine shops, etc -- were available to you and you worked with full professors and department heads for your project. It's an invitational program, but it sounds like you're qualified.

The school itself is not widely known to the general public, but it is very well respected academically. Check out the wikipedia page.

PS: Sorry to post as a reply to an early post, but the thread is getting heavily trolled and I didn't want this post to get pushed back to page 3 of a troll-a-thon.

Not likely enough time for security clearance

[Anonymous Coward]

Even applying today, there's enough lead time to get clearance for a foreign national to visit a US National Lab this summer.

We've had to turn away europeans from one of our tour groups at Sandia, who applied with six months advance notice. DOE could not get them cleared in time.

Los Alamos, and other national labs

[gardyloo]

http://www.lanl.gov/education/precollege/

Los Alamos (where I work) is always interested in having bright students (of any level, high school and beyond) come and work here. My particular group hosted a high school student last summer. I'm sure the other national labs have similar programs. Just snoop around the website (this might be a place to start for ideas: http://www.lanl.gov/education/profiles/index.shtml), email people who are doing cool things, and you might be surprised at the opportunities that open up.

RSI

[Anonymous Coward]

There's a research program at MIT called RSI. It's pretty competitive, but they take about 20 international students every year.

Weizmann Instittute of Science in Rehovot

[Funkeriffic Toad]

The Weizmann institute outside of T.A. runs a summer program (two versions actually, one for HS students and one for undergraduates) called the Karyn Kupcinet International Science School for Overseas Students. At least, that's the part of the program I participated in, as an American undergrad. But there were a lot of Israeli HS students around, so I think you would be eligible. You get to troll the institute's websites and rank the distinguished faculty members you would like to do research with in order of preference. If you get into the program, they'll assign you one of your choices, and that advisor will help you with a research project. The CS/Math department is very strong. I don't know much about the other departments, But it's worth pointing out that Weizmann has its own particle accelerator (!), now used mostly for nMRI I believe.

Re:Google Summer of Code

[PaintyThePirate]

You need to be 18 or older.

Indeed. However, there is the Google Highly Open Participation Contest for those under 18.