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Five Reasons Why You Should EXPLORE This Summer

March 27, 2018

by Nicole LaChance, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Are you a high school student looking for a dynamic, challenging summer experience? Look no further than the EXPLORE program! Here are five reasons why you should join us this summer.

  1. Hands-On Experience

I learned what a career in research looks like, I gained a lot of confidence from being independent and verbally participating in meetings, I gained lots of experience in the field of data science. These are all important because they have helped me grow personally and academically and set me apart from other students.” -2016 Alum

EXPLORE externs don’t get the stereotypical intern experience of fetching coffee, doing routine office work and entering data. Instead, they get a unique, hands-on opportunity to assist with research at prominent institutions across Los Angeles. Additionally, they gain first-hand knowledge about working in a professional setting.

  1. Intellectually-Challenging Placements

 “Before I started the program, I had no prior work experience, so I didn’t really know what to expect […]while this externship was no doubt challenging, it did help bolster my confidence in my own abilities […] that I do have the proper skill set to succeed within this industry.”-2017 Alum

Designed for advanced learners, externships are tailored to match the passions and interests of bright minds. Students have an opportunity to work in university laboratories and professional environments where they help to conduct research aimed at solving real-world problems.  They are challenged to discover their talents and are encouraged to pursue their full potential.

  1. Grow Your Network

I feel EXPLORE really addresses the importance of networking and explained how to do so very well and showed the importance of teamwork.” -2017 Alum

Through the EXPLORE program, students build a strong support system that can last a lifetime. They can make connections with mentors and organization employees who can provide educational guidance and personal insights in the career field, and become part of a community of like-minded peers who share similar goals and passions . They also learn the importance of networking and how to expand their professional connections.

  1. Personal and Professional Growth

I learned many things I didn’t previously know about myself. One of these is that, when given space and time and I put in my full effort, I can be very creative and productive.”-2017 Alum

Students spend the summer strengthening their professional skills by immersing themselves in stimulating and intensive learning experiences and working alongside leaders and experts in their particular field of study. Once a week, they join with fellow externs to participate in college and career workshops focused on topics such as public speaking, applying to college, interviewingand resume writing. Both aspects of the extern experience aim to encourage students to actualizetheir full professional and personal potential.

  1. Guidance from Distinguished Professionals

“I really enjoyed seeing a young, hopeful, intelligent and hard-working student. It made me believe that our future is in good hands and minds!”-EXPLORE Mentor

One of the most unique aspects of the EXPLORE program is that it matches high school students with distinguished professional mentors in their field of choice, something normally reserved for students at the university level. These mentors provide guidance that we hope will last long beyond the duration of the program.

Are you ready to EXPLORE this summer? Apply by April 16th to join this summer’s cohort!

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Author:

IEA Staff

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