“SUMMER VENTURES IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS” AS A MODEL OF COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS PROVIDING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OPPORTUNITIES TO CONDUCT AUTHENTIC GEOSCIENCE RESEARCH

Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics (SVSM) is a cost-free enrichment program for North Carolina high school students who are academically motivated and interested in a career in science or mathematics. The Global Environmental Monitoring: Technologies and Applications course within the program hosted 8 high school students from throughout North Carolina and provided opportunities for geoscience research. Students were able to lead their own research study, learn various field monitoring methods, write their own research paper to submit for publication, and present their research. Collaborations were established by leveraging faculty-initiated partnerships with governmental and non-governmental agencies to provide the contextual infrastructure needed to effectively complete authentic science research in a short timeframe. In this presentation, we describe a collaborative model to engage the next generation of geoscientists by providing opportunities for high school students to work with university faculty to engage in authentic research. Students can leverage this experience to get into colleges and enhance their competitiveness for scholarships. This is critically important for students who may be first-generation and/or need financial assistance to afford a post-secondary education. Student projects were completed through partnerships with Merchants Millpond State Park, Hammocks Beach State Park, and Aegan Rebreathe. Individual cases will be shared including examples of student research projects and products.