Providing opportunities for students underrepresented in STEM-related fields. 

Non-credit

Residential

Financial Aid

Final project

Application fee waiver

Program Overview

The program allows students to develop a deeper understanding of STEM via traditional classroom instruction, through hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. In addition to their academic experiences, students also have the opportunity to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country.

Through SAMS and other outreach initiatives, the university:

• Develops a diverse and supportive community of STEM Scholars interested in attending top-tier universities.
• Strengthens students’ commitment to pursuing STEM-related disciplines.
• Broadens students understanding and access to opportunities made available through study in STEM.
• Equips students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be successful STEM scholars.
   

Academic Experience

• Students will complete Quantitative and Computational Skill seminars that compose the academic core:
  • Math
  • Science
• STEM-related research project that is advised by a STEM faculty and/or graduate student
• Students will participate in weekly writing workshops with a focus on college application preparation.
• Students will successfully complete “Student to Scholar,” which is a credit-bearing course designed to help students better understand who they are, who they want to be, and learn what it takes to get there. This research-based course assists students as they prepare for their transition from high school to college.
• Students will attend workshops led by alumni, students, university leaders, and local industry leaders. Topics include STEM-related research, career exploration, and presentations on college admission and financial aid.
• Students will meet in mentoring small groups facilitated by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion professional staff and/or campus partners.
• Students will apply collaborative learning strategies by engaging in group tutoring and academic coaching offered through the Student Academic Success Center.

SAMS Research Symposium

• Students will showcase their STEM projects and celebrate their achievements at the Research Symposium. This capstone event includes student presentations and an awards ceremony, with options for families and caregivers to attend either in person or virtually.

Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

Jun 20 - Aug 01

6 weeks

Residential

0 USD

SAMS is a fully funded, merit-based program. There is no cost for scholars to participate beyond their travel to and from Pittsburgh, PA. We expect all SAMS Scholars to participate fully for the duration of the program. We understand that students may be applying to multiple summer opportunities, however if selected for SAMS, scholars will not be permitted to participate in any other programs (virtual or in person) if program dates conflict. 

Financial Need

Summer Academy for Math & Science utilizes a holistic application review and admissions process, looking at the full application and selecting program participants based on a combination of factors.  Part of the holistic evaluation includes a review of financial documentation.  There is no option for participants to pay out of pocket tuition fees for this program, and financial documentation is required for application submission. Documentation includes either tax documents or a completed NACAC Application Fee Waiver signed by your high school guidance department. Examples of demonstrated financial need can be found here. Please reach out to the SAMS Directors with questions. 

All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered.