ORNL Next Generation Pathways to Computing 2023

Organization
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Reference Code
ORNL_Next_Generation_Pathways_2023
Application Deadline
5/1/2023 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

The NextGen Pathway to Computing program affords rising high school juniors and seniors and recent graduates in accredited high schools or home school programs in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Roane counties the opportunity to learn about foundational computer and computational science skills. Students will be mentored by ORNL research and technical staff and will gain valuable skills needed for successful careers in computing fields. Participants will have access to ORNL’s leadership-class facilities, including Frontier, the world’s most powerful supercomputer. With a focus on solving the world’s most challenging scientific and technical challenges, ORNL conducts basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. ORNL’s Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate oversees an immense store of computing power, and its talented staff of computational scientists and mathematicians conduct state-of-the-art research and development in computer and computational sciences in support of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) missions and programs.

Any public, private, or homeschool student who attends or has recently graduated from any high school school in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, or Roane Counties is eligible to apply.

Diversity is Key

Scientific discovery is a team effort. Researchers, engineers, and technical and business professionals support achievements in science and technology by helping to manage and operate research projects and facilities. We believe the teams required to solve the nation's most pressing scientific challenges are those that combine a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Selected students will participate from 6/12/2023-07/14/2023, and will receive the following benefits:

  • $500.00 per week in stipend based on 40 hours of participation each week
  • The opportunity to learn from world-renowned scientists and engineers
  • Optional professional development activities, including workshops, lab tours, lectures, poster sessions, seminars, and networking opportunities
Qualifications

To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following criteria at the time of application:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (LPR) at the time of application
  • Be a rising high school junior or senior for the 2023-2024 academic year (expected graduation in 2024 or 2025) OR
    • Have graduated high school during the 2021-2022 academic calendar and not yet enrolled in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited college or university (including accredited community colleges) at the time of application
  • Be in good standing at an accredited high school or enrolled in an accredited home school program in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Roane, or Loudon in Tennessee
  • Be at least 16 years of age by the time of appointment
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
  • Provide proof of health insurance coverage
  • Complete a Zintellect application and acquire recommendations from a current STEM teacher and principal (curriculum coordinator for home school students). Recommendations must be submitted through the Zintellect application system.

The application will require:

  • Profile information
  • Educational details (i.e., dates of attendance/graduation, GPAs, majors, etc.)
  • Goals
  • Experience and Skills
  • A brief resume (.pdf upload) *Please email ORNLedu@orau.org for a resume template, if needed*
  • Academic records - for this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of academic records may be submitted showing name, school name, current/enrolled classes, and GPA (.pdf upload)
  • Contact information for recommenders, including current email addresses. Recommendation letters should address the applicant’s academic record and potential for success in a STEM internship, as demonstrated by intellectual merit, technical and teamwork skills, and communication. Applicants who are currently enrolled students must provide one letter from a current teacher or principal (curriculum coordinator for home school students). Recent graduates must provide one letter from a former teacher or principal. Recommenders cannot be family members.

Electronic applications, including submitted recommendations, must be received through the Zintellect application system. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Applications that do not include recommendations from a STEM teacher and principal will not be considered for selection.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: High School Diploma/GED received within the last 24 months or currently pursuing.
  • Overall GPA: 3.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (20 )
    • Engineering (6 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (18 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
    • Physics (16 )
    • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 )
Affirmation

I certify the following:

  • I am a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at the time of application.
  • I am a rising junior or senior for the 2023-2024 academic year (expected graduation in 2024 or 2025) OR
    • Have graduated high school during the 2021-2022 academic calendar and not yet enrolled in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited college or university (including accredited community colleges) at the time of application
  • I am a student in good standing or a recent graduate from an accredited high school or enrolled in an accredited home school program in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Roane or Loudon County in Tennessee.
  • I will be least 16 years of age by the time of appointment.
  • I have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
  • I can provide proof of health insurance coverage
  • I can complete the Zintellect application and acquire recommendations (2) from a current STEM teacher and principal or guidance counselor.