Summer Programs Offer High School Juniors Free Tuition, Books, Transportation and Lunch
High school juniors of color or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and female students interested in science- and engineering-related careers are urged to apply for two free summer programs offered at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.
Minority College Experience (MCE) is a college exploration opportunity open to academically talented African American, Asian American, Hispanic, or Native American students—male or female—and to students from low-income families. Students enroll in a summer-session course to earn college credit and participate in career introduction field trips, workshops, and lectures.
A second program, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), encourages female high school students of all backgrounds to explore career opportunities in science, engineering, environmental studies, information technology, and the health professions. WISE students also enroll in a college summer course, earn credit, and enjoy special activities outside of the classroom.
Applicants to either program must be a high school junior with a grade-point average of 2.75 or better and a minimum SAT score of 900 or PSAT score of 90. There is no tuition charge for either MCE or WISE. In addition, the programs also provide students with their textbooks, parking permits or bus passes for commuting to and from campus, and a stipend for lunch. The only cost to participants may be admission fees for selected field trips. Both programs will begin Wednesday, June 14, and continue through Friday, Aug. 4.
Students who complete either program with at least a 3.0 grade-point average are assured admission to Penn State Behrend following high school graduation.
High school juniors or parents interested in learning more about MCE or WISE can contact Mary-Ellen Madigan, director of admissions and financial aid at Penn State Behrend, at 814-898-6100 or at mea1@psu.edu. Applications for both programs also are available online at pserie.psu.edu/admissions/mcewise.htm.