The Institute for Excellence is providing a six-week academic enrichment summer bridge program at Mason’s Fairfax Campus for rising 11th (current 10th) and 12th (current 11th) graders from our local public-school systems. Students will have the option to take either a STEM or Humanities (non-STEM) track and receive college credit. The Institute for Excellence is designed to promote students’ critical thinking skills by encouraging participants to plan and act in creative and innovative ways. Together with our partners Dominion Energy and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), EIP is contributing to Dominion Energy’s Building Hispanic Talent Initiative program.
This hybrid program provides participants with credit for college level coursework. In addition, students engage in a series of college and career success seminars and activities. The program is free for students.
The Institute for Excellence is designed to promote students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills, both skill sets needed to be successful in a 21st century economy.
The program is held in the summer with the first two weeks online and the remaining three to four weeks in person. Programming takes place at George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. First2Conserve culminates with a field trip designed to provide students with networking opportunities and hands on activities.
Eligibility for participation
– Students must be rising 11th or 12th graders
– Be a participant in the following school districts:
Alexandria City, Arlington County, Falls Church City,
Fairfax County, Manassas City, Manassas Park City,
and Prince William County.
– 3.0 Grade point average (cumulative)
– At least a “B” average in science and math coursework
– Have taken or be enrolled in Algebra 2 at the time of application
Application Deadline May 5th
If you have any additional questions about the program or application process, please contact the EIP office at eip@gmu.edu
Exploring Dominion
First 2 Conserve
First2Conserve: Careers in STEM and Alternative Energy is designed to increase students’ exposure to careers in alternative energy and to increase the number of all students, particularly Latinx and historically marginalized youth interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Earn College Credits
Students take course work and will receive college credit from George Mason University.
College Credit courses will include:
College of Science (COS)
PHYS 131: Intro to renewable energy (3 credits)
EVPP 201: Environment and You: Issues for the Twenty-First Century (3 credits)
COS 120: Introduction to Research (1 credit)
Global Citizens
Global Citizens: Human Diversity and Connection is designed to increase students’ exposure to the most pressing issues facing humanity. Our goal is to increase dialogue amongst all students, particularly Latinx and historically marginalized youth.
Earn College Credits
Students take course work and will receive college credit from George Mason University.
College Credit courses will include:
College of Humanities and Social Science (CHSS)
CHSS 103: Undergraduate Colloquium (1 credit)
GLOA 101: Introduction to Global Affairs (3 credits)
Health Science Academy
Health Science Academy is designed for students who are curious about a career in health. The Academy will partner with one of Mason’s many health-focused academic programs to provide a college credit-bearing course. In addition to the course, students will also have the opportunity for field trips or shadowing in the health and medical field.
Earn College Credits
Students take course work and will receive college credit from George Mason University.
College Credit courses will include:
- KINE 100: Introduction to Kinesiology (3 credits)
Intro to Education
Intro to Education: Teaching, Learning, and Schools will introduce students to educational issues related to learning, schooling, and teaching. The course will examine roles of teachers and the nature of American schools and learners.
Earn College Credits
Students take course work and will receive college credit from George Mason University.
College Credit courses will include:
- EDU 200 (3 credits)
Sports Management
Sports Management will focus primarily on the sport industry, including professional sport entertainment, amateur sport entertainment, for-profit sport participation, non-profit sport participation, sporting goods and sport services.
Earn College Credits
Students take course work and will receive college credit from George Mason University.
College Credit courses will include:
- SPMT 201 (3 credits)
Entrepreneurship
Business 101: Entrepreneurship is a course offered by the School of Business that aides young business professionals in understanding the skills necessary to be successful entrepreneurs. Students will also be exposed to other business career options and the opportunity to explore GMU partner organizations for potential future internships or employment.
Earn College Credits
Students take course work and will receive college credit from George Mason University.
College Credit courses will include:
School of Business
TBD
