Safwan spent the first week exploring the campus, getting to know his instructors, and connecting with students from around the world.

The virtual class of 28 students hit the ground running as they collaborated on their first project—building something in Minecraft with assistance from TA instructors.

Robert explored the Cambridge campus, the city of Boston, networked at several extracurricular events, and dove into his coursework.

Myra Anderson reports that her time at the Michigan Math and Science Scholars program has been “busy, challenging and fun.” She has adjusted to the quick pace of her course, and is learning how to take notes at the college level.

“This first week of MMSS has been very exciting. I have had the most wonderful time getting to know the university. As for the class, it has been pretty challenging but I am pushing through. At the end of class we took little trips all over the campus, we went to the law building, a museum, and a science center,” Kaleb says.

Ini-Obong describes her first week at MMSS as “very exciting.” She has settled in with roommates, met with instructors, and started “diving into classes immediately with lectures and dissections, as well as assigning presentation groups and topics.”

“Everyone, from students to instructors, is extremely supportive. The environment of this program truly feels like a community of writers who are here to lift each other and share their love of writing. I’ve had many excellent opportunities at this program ranging from workshopping with writers of all genres and talking to professional working writers and editors,” Sydney says.

David Weng reports on his initial experiences at the University of Chicago. He has been “enthralled with the program,” including the “stunning architecture, welcoming environment, and thought-provoking coursework.”

During her first week, Yahri reports that she loves being there and would like to enroll at the School of the Art Institute in the future. She has also been having fun meeting and learning about the diverse personal backgrounds of other student artists.

Yoonseo Jung (left) reports on her first week studying “Pathways in Economics” at the University of Chicago. Her first economics course, Yoonseo says she is enjoying “listening to lectures from real-time UChicago professors and other wonderful guest speakers.”

Abdul Hadi reports on his first week at the University of Chicago where he is studying “Biology and Its Modern Applications.” He has been enjoying his lab work, attending social events, and making new friends.

Eleven outstanding high school students from Carterville High School, Carbondale Community High School, Herrin High School, and the Illinois Math and Science Academy have earned merit-based scholarships from the Garwin Family Foundation (GFF) to attend highly selective enrichment programs in STEM and the Fine Arts this summer.

Jason Qin reports on his experiences at the MIT BeaverWorks Summer Institute, where he is studying Quantum Software.

Elaina Xiao reports on her experiences while attending Designing for Assistive Technology at the MIT BeaverWorks Summer Institute. Elaina says, “This is the most hands-on and interactive learning experience I have ever had remotely.”

Yoonseo Jung reports on her course, Fundamentals of Augmented Reality, held online via Zoom sessions, at Stanford University. In her first week, Yoonseo met with her classmates which she describes as being “some of the brightest, most hard-working students I’ve ever met.”

Katherine Herzog reports on her experiences at the Michigan Math and Science Scholars program where she is studying Catalysis, Solar Energy and Green Chemical Synthesis.

Sydney Davis reports on her experiences at the Iowa Young Writers’ Institute, where she is enrolled in Creative Writing this summer.