EXPLORE

There’s nothing like hands-on learning. We provide ways for gifted and advanced young adults to explore a career field of interest and start applying their knowledge in an intellectually limitless and nurturing environment.

Externships Providing Leadership Opportunities in Research and Education (EXPLORE) program matches gifted and advanced high school students with distinguished mentors, hands-on research opportunities, and professional experience in their field of interest. With the support and guidance of volunteer mentors and IEA staff, students learn about working in a variety of professional settings and advance their skills through the pursuit of knowledge and exposure to optimally challenging learning experiences. Students not only experience growth intellectually and personally, but are able to make pertinent and lasting connections with their mentors and like-minded peers.

2019 Program Details

Site Locations

Greater Los Angeles Area

Check the Sites and Mentors page for site specific details.

Program Dates

Session I: Saturday, June 15 – Friday, July 5, 2019 (3 weeks)

Session II: Saturday, July 6 – Friday, July 26, 2019 (3 weeks)

Both Sessions I + II: Saturday, June 15 – Friday, July 26, 2019 (6 weeks)

Session III: TBD

Application Deadline

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

*The online application will become available in mid-October.

Eligibility

In order to be considered for the program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be a rising 10^th, 11^th, or 12^th grader
Must be under the age of 18 for the duration of the program
Be highly motivated, high-achieving
Have an interest in pursuing an advanced topic through an in-depth course of study

Some sites require students to be of a minimum age or meet certain prerequisites; these requirements will be listed with the site description.

Program Fees

Session I: $975

Session II: $975

Both Session I & II: $1,950

Session III: TBD

Scholarships and payment plans are available to students in need, and financial concerns should not discourage any student from applying. Please contact the Senior Program Coordinator, Niña Abonal, at Explore@educationaladvancement.org for more information.

Program Fees cover:

Weekly college and career workshops and excursions
Orientation Day and Culmination Ceremony
Matching mentee with a mentor
High-quality mentoring experience
Laboratory and/or materials fees
Direct support from IEA staff throughout the duration of the program
Personalized e-portfolio upon successful completion of placement

Application Check-List

IEA utilizes our portfolio-based application to determine eligibility and to match qualified applicants with the most appropriate sites and mentors. Applicants will be required to submit the following:

General Application Info
2 Reflective Essays
Sample Work
1 Letter of Recommendation
Current Unofficial Transcripts
Most Recent Standardized Test Scores (if available)
Professional Resume or Brag Sheet

Transportation

Students must provide their own transportation to and from their work site, weekly excursions/workshops, orientation days, and the final culmination ceremony. IEA staff would be happy to assist with navigating and making recommendations for transportation options and routes.

Housing Accommodations

Students are responsible for securing their own lodging for the entire duration of their program session.

Application

apply online

*Check back in mid-October 2018 for the 2019 application.

apply now

“I have learned so much in depth knowledge about biology, colleges, and working in a lab. My high school could never offer me an experience like this in a classroom.”

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– Alumnus 2018

“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.”

–
–Alumnus 2017

You can help

Provide a Hands-On Experience:
Host or Sponsor an IEA Extern

A gifted mind that is fed and fostered can achieve great things. By funding the IEA EXPLORE program, you will not only change a life, you might also spark a discovery that changes the world. Please consider:

Hosting an Extern. Share your professional expertise, time, and support through direct mentorship.

Sponsoring an Extern. Help ensure that no child is ever turned away due to lack of funds.We’ll match you with an IEA Extern and keep you posted on his or her progress and the results of their efforts.

SUPPORT AN IEA EXTERN