WDTS Brookhaven User Facility Summer School

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The Brookhaven User Facility Summer School (BUFSS) provides college and upper high school students with an authentic, hands-on research STEM experience that utilizes multiple state-of-the-art user facilities at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Students will spend four weeks onsite at BNL immersed in group STEM exploration at the Tandem Van de Graaf, National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), and Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) where they will develop hypothesis-driven scientific questions and learn how research can be conducted cross-collaboratively between BNL user facilities. Additionally, participants will interact with BNL STEM staff and be introduced to opportunities throughout the National Lab complex. Student groups will present their research to scientists and their peers at the conclusion of the program. BUFSS is funded as part of the Department of Energy, Office of Science Pathway Summer Schools supported by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS).

This 4-week program runs from June 30, 2025 to July 25, 2025 (M-F 9:00am to 4:00pm, except July 4th).

Program Benefits

Earn a stipend of $500 per week upon completion of a weekly report.
Learn the skills needed to use particle accelerators, electron microscopes, synchrotron light, and more.
Get hands-on research experience using state-of-the-art equipment.
Build your network of STEM professionals.
Be a part of a community of motivated STEM students.

Eligibility Criteria

Students interested in STEM, especially in the areas of materials science, physics, and engineering are highly encouraged to apply.

At the time of application submission, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a U.S. Citizen and possess a Federal REAL ID license or a valid passport
- Find more information about REAL ID at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
Be available for the entirety of the program (onsite at BNL from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on all dates of the program);
Have active health insurance for the duration of the program; and
Have reliable transportation to and from Brookhaven National Laboratory for the duration of the program (this is a commuter program; transportation and housing are not provided).

Some requirements are specific to your level of study:

College Students	High School Students
Must currently be a freshman or sophomore in a local college. Must be at least 18 years of age by the application deadline. Must have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0 for STEM courses ONLY (there is no overall GPA requirement).	Must currently be enrolled in 11^th or 12^th grade. Must be at least 16 years of age by the application deadline.

Application Requirements

Before completing the application process, please have the name, town/district, and zip code of your school, plus any STEM courses taken with corresponding grades and GPA (weighted/unweighted for high school students; overall/STEM for college students)
Two recommendation letters from STEM professionals (such as STEM course teachers/professors, mentors, academic advisors, or other relevant STEM professionals) are required. Recommendations are submitted online. Instructions on how to request and submit the recommendation letters are provided in the application confirmation email.
Applicants are asked to provide short essays on why they want to participate in the program and about their motivations and interests in pursuing a STEM field.

Only completed applications will be considered. Completed applications include both letters of reference. Students are notified of their acceptance in the program within three weeks of the application deadline.

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