Apply Now! Your Summer Science Adventure Awaits!

Okay, you saw our social media posts about the Summer Research Apprentice Program (a.k.a. SRAP) that Wyoming EPSCoR is hosting this summer, you read the blog post, and checked out our website.  Ultimately, you've decided that you want to be a part of this summer's program.  Woohoo!  Except...what's next?  How do you apply?  Are there supplemental forms?  When is the deadline?  How do you know if you've been accepted?

If these are the questions floating around in your head, this blog post is for you!  I am here to walk you through the application process and offer guidance on what to expect from this year's SRAP experience.  Let's get started!

Application Process

Step 1: Head to our website and scroll to the section titled 'Program Details'.

Step 2: Review the program's guidelines and requirements.  If you have any questions, please reach out to our SRAP Coordinator, Lisa Abeyta.

Step 3: Download and/or print the application checklist and use to complete each portion of the application.  

*Please note all application materials can be found in the 'Program Details' section of the SRAP website.

Step 4: Review each portion of the application to ensure full, correct completion of your application before final document submission.

Step 5: Submit completed online application and email supporting documents to Lisa Abeyta by March 31, 2021 at 5PM MST.

Once each of the applications have been reviewed, you should expect an email regarding your application status and next steps.

Please Note

To be eligible for SRAP, applicants must have completed their sophomore year in high school by the start of the summer program, and/or be a current junior or senior in high school at the time of application.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Priority will be given to Wyoming residents and students who self-identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Chicano(a)/Latino(a) or Mexican American, Native American, Alaska Native, and/or who are women and/or first generation college-bound students.

Participants must provide their own transportation for sample collection, and be able to complete the entire program from start to finish.

If you are still excited for this year's online SRAP Program, head over to our website to get started on the application process!  Remember, all application materials must be received by March 31, 2021 at 5PM MST (no exceptions) to be considered.

If you have any further questions regarding the 2021 SRAP Program, please don't hesitate to reach out to your SRAP Coordinator, Lisa Abeyta! 

SRAP...The Program You've All Been Waiting For

 "Don't be afraid to open up to new people.  It's very fun and adventurous and so worth it.  At first I didn't know how to approach a new group, but with constant reminders from the staff that it's a judgement free and comfortable community...I enjoyed this program so much.  So much that I would love to come back."

-WolfStar Duran 

The Summer Research Apprentice Program (SRAP) serves as an opportunity to further STEM involvement for high school students.  A large supporter of underrepresented and first generation college students, the program prides itself on offering hands-on experience for young researchers.  SRAP aims to engage youth in STEM-related activities while providing access to resources that ensure higher education success.  

Students who participate in the SRAP program will experience living and dining on the University of Wyoming campus, engage in fieldwork, lab experiments, and data analysis, complete an end-of-program research presentation, and take part in educational outings.  A typical day might include waking up in a residence hall on campus, getting around, and heading to Half Acre Gym for a quick workout before eating breakfast with your friends at Washakie Dining Center.  From there, you and your cohort head to the field or the lab to work with your mentor on a personal research project.  Maybe you finish early and get to explore UW's Native American Education Research and Cultural Center.  You wrap up the day with dinner at the dining hall and prep your bag for that weekend's adventure to Pike's Peak before heading to bed, snug in your dorm room.  

While SRAP does its best to offer this immersive experience each year, COVID-19 is changing the way our summer 2021 program looks.  Participants will be able to tackle unique research projects from the comfort of their own homes using personal soil science kits that will be shipped to their door at the beginning of the program.  In addition to having their own equipment, participants will meet weekly with their mentors, and other UW faculty, via Zoom.  Each student will still have the opportunity to present their research findings, and can earn up to $1,920 upon full completion of the program and equipment return.

This year's SRAP program may look a tad different, but upholds the promise of STEM immersion for young researchers.  Wyoming EPSCoR is thrilled to be creating a one-of-a-kind online STEM experience for our 2021 participants!  

If you, or someone you know, is interested in the program or has further questions, please don't hesitate to check out our website or reach out to our SRAP Coordinator, Lisa Abeyta.  Lisa can be reach via email at labeyta1@uwyo.edu, or by phone at (307)766-6059.