Thank you for your interest in being a LEAH Knox Youth Leader for Summer 2023! The LEAH Project’s Knox Data Science and Biomedical Research Internship is an intensive summer research experience designed to equip rising high school juniors and seniors with the knowledge and know-how needed to conduct research, to network with scientists and researchers, and learn about the excitement of scientific discovery firsthand.
Position Summary
The LEAH Knox Summer Research Internship runs from July 5, 2023 – August 9, 2023. It is a commitment of 9:30AM – 4:00PM Monday through Friday for those five weeks. Students will learn quantitative methods, data analysis, and coding alongside molecular biology techniques from experienced biology and computer science instructors at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In addition, youth will participate in a variety of college and career readiness workshops while also building friendships with each other. The internship will conclude with a research symposium where youth can present their research findings from the summer. Youth Leaders can earn up to $2,250 for the summer.
We are planning on hosting the program in-person and will follow all government and local guidelines in order to safely do so.
Other benefits of the program include:
- STEM teaching internships for students enrolled in BPS. Youth are trained to teach STEM curricula at afterschool programs. During the school year, students will have access to college visits, STEM career exploration opportunities, and additional academic support. School year internships are 6-8 hours a week and youth can earn approximately $2,800 based on their participation and attendance.
- A mentor who works in STEM. Youth leaders are expected to meet with that mentor monthly for hourly meetings starting in the Fall of 2023 and ending in the Summer of 2024.
- All participants who successfully complete the summer program and are engaged with staff during the school year will be eligible to receive a paid internship opportunity the following summer in a research setting in the Boston area.
Who can be a LEAH Knox Youth Leader?
To be eligible for the LEAH Knox Program, students must be:
- Rising high school juniors or seniors
- At least 16 years old by July 1, 2023
- Fully vaccinated AND boosted for COVID-19 (two doses of Pfizer and a booster shot)
- Live within ~1hr commute to MIT and downtown Boston via public transit
- Interested in pursuing science
- Students of color and students from low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply
No prior lab or research experience is needed. All that’s required is an interest in scientific research and a willingness to learn and work hard! This program is particularly suited for students strongly interested in exploring a possible career in a computer science, medical, or biology-related field.
What are the time commitments?
- Must be available for an interview between March 20-24, virtual or in-person
- Must be available for programming Wednesday July 5th – Wednesday, August 9th. The commitment is every day, Monday – Friday from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- All students must commit to attending five STEM-based events during the 2023-2024 school year.
Application requirements
- This application will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. It includes four short answer questions (a minimum of 150 words each).
- All applicants need to be rising high school juniors or seniors and be 16 years old or older by Monday, July 1st 2023.
- You are required to submit a letter of recommendation, which must be completed by a current/former science or math teacher. You will be asked to provide the name, email address, job title, and school/organization of the recommender on this application. A recommendation form will then be sent to your recommender to complete by the application deadline.
- You are required to upload your resume and a copy of your academic transcript.
- You can save your application progress and continue where you left off.
- Applications are due Sunday, March 12th, 2023 at 10:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Letters of recommendation are due one week later.
If you require assistance with this application, please email Paul Gregg at pgregg@hria.org.