Student Testimonial: Summit STEM Fellowship

Emily Chen - Summit STEM Fellowship

Why did you decide to apply to the Summit STEM Fellowship?

When I applied to the Summit STEM Fellowship, I was only a high school freshman interested in math, computer science, and engineering, but I had no idea how to apply them to something I could pursue in the real world. The fellowship’s mentorship opportunities, strong community, and STEM resources really appealed to me. I liked the idea of learning firsthand how people my age had made real impacts and the lessons they learned from their experiences. I participated in SSF because it seemed like the perfect way to explore STEM beyond the classroom.

Fortunately, I was accepted into the program and immediately knew that the Summit STEM Fellowship was the right choice. Thanks to the program’s flexibility and part-time commitment, I could attend over the summer while pursuing other opportunities. The schedule was one of the most appealing features initially because I could participate fully alongside my other classes and activities. 

What did a typical week look like?

The schedule varied each day, which made the experience exciting and full of surprises. Weekday programming began around 4 or 5 p.m. PST and lasted until 7 or 8 p.m., depending on that day’s schedule. Fireside Chats (the main lectures) occurred every weekday for an hour. We heard from so many incredible mentors who walked us through the skills they developed and harnessed to succeed in high school, and who inspired us fellows to make an impact.

STEM Shorts happened three times a week. These chats were more technical and introduced us to a wide array of subjects and resources. Skill Builders also occurred twice a week, consisting of short lessons on crucial skills we would need to be successful in the future. Career panels, which brought in STEM professionals to answer questions, share their daily lives and responsibilities, and offer advice on pursuing similar paths, were among my favorite events. Other fun weekly activities included Science Trivia Nights and Game and Networking Nights.

Every Friday included the weekend Ideathon, which presented a hands-on challenge for our teams to take on. There were also office hours on Saturdays, which gave students an opportunity to meet one-on-one with their mentors.

What was your most memorable experience?

The most memorable moment for me was seeing the community’s support. I had recently started a nonprofit called Toys 4 Joys Global, which donates handmade crocheted stuffed animals to those in need. We had struggled to gain outreach for our initiative, so I posted our need for volunteers to the fellowship’s discussion board, and almost thirty eager fellows filled out our interest form. I also received a ton of supportive comments, and others connected with me on Slack.

What advice would you give students before joining a summer program?

The advice I would offer teens considering attending similar programs is that you get what you put in. If you treat the experience just as a box to check for your resume, you likely won’t have the same fulfillment that I did. On the other hand, showing up curious and open to new ideas will change how you think about yourself and your future. Summit STEM gave me mentors for advice, friends who share my passions, and the motivation to pursue ambitious goals, which I will carry with me for years to come.