Plenty of summer offerings to be explored

Back to school after a relaxing winter break meant, for many juniors at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) High School, the return to hard work and summer preparation.
Students interested in devoting their summer to an experience of growth and learning have applied or are in the process of applying to programs that will challenge them and provide them with important skills that are sure to come in handy for the road ahead. Susan Szaluta, HAFTR’S college guidance counselor, is assisting students in this endeavor.
Whether it is an internship, science research, or another type of academic program, there are many avenues of interest ready to be explored. The Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, at Stony Brook University, is a program that gives students the opportunity to take part in intense scientific research. The Siemens STEM Institute is perfect for the student who wants to conduct high-caliber science experiments while engaging with top science, technology, engineering and math experts. The Summer Science Research Program at Rockefeller University offers students lab time, offering the skills to discover and learn.
If not interested in science research, there is still something for you Technion Institute representatives visited HAFTR recently to discuss a Modern Orthodox summer program that is 5,619 miles away.
STEP (a technology and start-up program) is geared for those with an interest in technology and business. STEP teaches the importance of entrepreneurship and about the global high-tech industry. While working in groups, participants create and market high tech products. Visits to Israeli start-up companies are also part of the fun. The program is unique in that you get to spend the summer at the institute.
These are only some of the amazing summer opportunities offered. Some programs are competitive, requiring students to fill out detailed applications. The college guidance office is available to advise students on which programs best meet their needs. For juniors, who are looking for a summer of research, growth, and unique experiences, there are plenty of options.