CEE has noble pursuits and I am glad to have been a beneficiary. RSI changed my life, and it is still until today. I hope CEE will have more opportunities for everyone!
CEE has been a significant part of my life and the lives of many other high school students that it's helped. CEE not only creates life-changing experiences through its programs; it also creates a community which people could be a part of for many years to come. The labs and lectures run at the USABO camp remain an integral part of my memory, and the friends I've made at USABO are too many to count. They've contributed greatly to improving the STEM community nationwide by running both RSI and USABO free of cost. I hope the organization continues to strengthen for years to come with the support of its alumni and partners.
- Carolina
I was invited by CEE to participate in its annual Research Science Institute (RSI) program held at MIT in Boston. It was an amazing experience that has helped me excel in my endeavors as a high schooler.
The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) stands out as a truly remarkable institution dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientific leaders. Watching my own kid inspired and transformed by this organization, I am thoroughly impressed by CEE's commitment to inspiring and supporting young individuals in their scientific research and innovative endeavors.
One of the most commendable aspects of CEE is its inclusivity; the program is offered free of charge, ensuring that students from all economic backgrounds have the opportunity to participate. This is particularly important in the field of science, where access to resources is often a barrier to entry for many talented youths. By removing this obstacle, CEE ensures that passion and talent are the only prerequisites for success.
CEE does not just educate; it builds a community. The environment cultivated here is one of the best for motivated youths who have demonstrated high achievements. The program is designed to not only challenge these bright minds but also to foster lifelong friendships among peers who share similar ambitions and interests. This sense of community is a cornerstone of CEE, providing a network of support that often extends far beyond the program itself.
Furthermore, the nurturing and caring environment promoted at CEE encourages collaboration over competition. This approach is essential in today's world, where teamwork and cooperation are as critical as individual brilliance. Students learn to work together, share ideas, and build upon each other's strengths, which is vital for their future careers in science and beyond.
I had a life changing experience at their summer program RSI and CEE's leadership and commitment to STEM education is a cornerstone of America in my opinion
RSI is a wonderful program that offers truly invaluable experiences to young people. Beyond the research opportunities at top institutes, it provides a unique opportunity to become independent and make friends with similar values before college. I am also grateful for the chance to volunteer, serving and supporting this community.
The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) is excellence in itself. CEE trains students, teachers and more for excellence in their professional and personal lives. My son, River Grace, was selected to join the Research Summer Institute (RSI), sponsored by CEE, for the summer prior to his high school senior year. Already a high achiever in science, math, and other academic pursuits, he describes his summer at MIT and Harvard as truly transformational. He conducted novel research with top scientists in the exciting area of human visual perception with the goal of enhancing national security. He ultimately published his work in a world-renowned scientific journal, but moreover simply living and working with such an intellectually rich world and working alongside like-minded peers gave him the knowledge, understanding, and connections that continue to serve him daily now, seven years later. Building upon this experience, he earned two BS degrees and a minor from MIT, and is now near completion of medical school, all the while continuing to perform novel scientific research and publishing in top global scientific and biomedical journals. My son so appreciated his RSI experience that he went on to serve later as an RSI counselor, an RSI student mentor, and ultimately the RSI Assistant Director. In fact, this summer he is taking a break during his fourth year of medical school (with his medical school dean's enthusiastic support) to return again as a mentor to 2024 RSI students interested in the biomedical sciences. The CEE team treats my son like part of a family, and what an amazing family it is - highly enthusiastic people who build outstanding platforms for success. It should be noted that RSI is arguably the most prestigious summer research experience for high school students anywhere, thanks to CEE. I personally have interacted with CEE, so I can attest directly to its great value to STEM education. CEE's Teacher Enrichment Program brings professional enrichment to our nation's STEM teachers through interactive meetings with STEM leaders in academia and industry. I served the Teacher Enrichment Program, providing Florida teachers with a glimpse into the realities of cutting-edge research at the interface of science and engineering (through my work on the technological application of animal supersenses - including the thermal "vision" of rattlesnakes and their kin). CEE was the link that brought me, like many other STEM professionals, together with teachers to share exciting developments and opportunities, and to discuss how to guide students more effectively toward wonderful STEM careers. Could it get any better? Yes! CEE does all of this at NO COST to teachers, students, and parents of the young people served. It is simply amazing that CEE provides so much to so many, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, at zero cost. CEE is an organization that truly makes the world a much better place.
The programs offered by the Center for Excellence in Education are truly life-changing for students!
We had excellent experience with CEE, it provided a great platform for the children to connect with each other, and help them build life-long friendship, all in a very intense and challenging program. It was a lot of effort to put the program together, it was much appreciated.
The Center for Excellence in Education gave me the support, access, and network I need to become a successful scientist. I am grateful for all they have given me, and I look forward to seeing how they help future young scientists.
This experience is truly transformational and was absolutely a highlight of my high school years. RSI is incredibly enriching, and I hope many more can benefit from the Institute!
For 39 years, CEE has tirelessly provided programs to nurture high school and university scholars to careers of excellence and leadership. Participants benefited significantly from the programs. The skills they learned at CEE helped them conquer many academic obstacles and allowed them to better serve and contribute to the communities they are involved in. My daughter participated in CEE’s RSI in 2019. We are very grateful that CEE gave her the opportunity which has made a significant impact on her life.
The CEE Leadership Team and staff are entirely dedicated to student educational excellence. They offer cutting-edge research programs (RSI) and internationally renowned competitions (USABO). Through CEE, many students have become leaders in the STEM field for decades. In the world of overwhelming social media, which influences students daily, CEE differs and stands out for its impactful roles in science, education, and generational investments.
I participated CEE's 40th Anniversary Celebration at Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, Oct. 14th 2023. All the members are fully engaged in all the activities, which are well organized. We not only heard stories from distinguished Nobel Laureate speakers, but also about the research topics and living stories of the RSI alumni
I had the opportunity to attend CEE's Research Science Institute, and it has been a life-changing experience. I've made life-long friendships, and my scientific passions for all STEM-related have flourished ever since. I got to conduct my first wet-lab research, which was really exciting! I'm truly grateful for all the support which CEE has provided me!!
RSI was a life-changing experience for me. I am so grateful to CEE. The work they do is truly amazing!
CEE's RSI was the greatest academic experience I have had the chance to be part of. CEE has helped a lot in my growth as a student.
Our daughter attended the RSI program and loved every bit of it. She made long-lasting friends. The program gave her an opportunity to explore and learn different areas and meet some incredible and renowned people in their fields.
As a student who has participated in CEE's Research Science Institute (RSI), I certainly give CEE my highest praises. CEE's dedication to promoting education was apparent in the very first day of my attendance in RSI. At RSI, I was able to meet so many great individuals who are just as passionate about STEM as I am; as a result, I was both able to learn more than I had learned in any other six-week period and make many lifelong friends. CEE's phenomenal job in running RSI has encouraged me to further my passions not only in STEM research but also in STEM education throughout my time in college and beyond.
CEE has many meaningful programs for youth education. My daughter was fortunate enough to benefit from one of their summer research programs, RSI, where she met many talented young students and got exposure to an incredible community and developed long lasting friendship too! Cannot wait to tell everyone how great this organization is and how wonderful their programs are! I am also fortunate enough to be one of their donors to support CEE continue making our education excellent!
As part of RSI, thanks to the CEE, I was able to reach new heights in my academic skills. Coming from a poor secondary school, I did not have many rigorous academic experiences available to me. The CEE challenged me and my RSI experiences molded me into a well rounded person and granted me a fantastic international network. I am forever indebted to the CEE for the positive impact they had on my life!
Attached is a photo of me and some Rickoids during RSI's iconic "swanky casino night" social event.
As a 2-time USABO Camper, CEE has completely changed how I view the subject of biology - from a boring memorization-based subject to an extremely intricate, complex and intertwined field, with many connections to other sciences. I don't think that I would have chosen to continue my study of biology and computational biology into college if it were not for the exceptional experiences the CEE made possible for me.
CEE does a fantastic job of promoting excellence in STEM and biology through competition, camps and workshops that motivates students to reach their highest potential. The entire team of volunteers are selfless and passionate about promoting STEM across students across the country and tirelessly work to create the next gen STEM leaders of future through their efforts. Go CEE!
RSI was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience for me. Besides the learning, I was able to meet so many like minded people from around the world and make incredible memories.
I participated in USABO, and had an amazing experience. The CEE truly cares about its students and wants to give them the best experience possible.
CEE has always been very supportive and provided me with so many opportunities, including the chance to meet some of the world's most talented youth at the International Biology Olympiad. Being involved in CEE has really changed my life!
As a mentor for summer RSI students, I can confirm that CEE truly attracts the best and brightest high school students in the world for this program, and does a wonderful job supporting them to help develop the next generation of scientists.
High quality programs! Directing our world towards a better future as leaders in STEM and more. Attending CEE’s RSI was truly a life changing experience.
The CEE is vital to continuing research and education by highschoolers at the highest level. I would be worse off had I not participated in their events.
CEE runs amazing programs for high school students that turn out to be life-transforming experiences. I attended RSI (run by CEE) over 20 years ago and I still use skills learned in the program and am friends with people I met there!
Fantastic experience as a participant—an incredible learning experience and lifelong friends. A completely unique organization doing really great work.
The RSI program truly helped me grow as both a scientist and leader! Made for an incredibly fun and inspiring summer!
I was lucky enough to participate in the Summer 2001 session of Research Science Institute, one of CEE's flagship programs. It gives rising high schools seniors the opportunity to conduct university-level research at Boston-area universities, and more importantly, meet peers from across the country and the world. The people I met there have become some of my closest friends and professional contacts over 20 years later. And the fact that it's cost-free makes it accessible to children of all backgrounds.
My experience at CEE’s RSI program was unforgettable. They really drive learning and foster innovation, while still caring for all of their students’ wellbeing.
CEE hosts some of the premiere science experiences available to high school students in the US, and has for decades. For example, Research Science Institute gathers students across the US and internationally to learn from top professors and engage in research while building a network that can support them throughout their careers. Biology Olympiad is another program which engages a large number of students and the top students have excelled at the international competitions. CEE also provides excellent resources for science teachers available virtually as well as other methods where available.
RSI/CEE is a fantastic resource for STEM-oriented high-school students. It creates life-changing opportunities to carry out real research with leading academics and has been a springboard for many leading scholars today. Its continued outreach and support for these fields makes a tremendous difference.
This non-profit does not support the students that they serve and continually hounds alumni for donations because their development staff is unable to raise funds on their own. Even their social media presence is ONLY to hound people for donations. There is no investment back into the programs they run or the staff that actually runs the program, the investment is to the grossly inflated salaries of the higher ups.
There are far better STEM organizations to donate your money too.
As an attendee of multiple CEE programs, I can absolutely say that CEE has provided me with so many opportunities to further my learning and meet other passionate, inspirational individuals!
RSI is incredible. The opportunities, experience, and environment made by CEE is none other. Truly is the best.
CEE is an exemplary organization that supports the Research Science Institute and the USA Biolympiad. I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to be involved with the latter, and am utterly grateful for the inspiration it has served for my future endeavors in science as I begin my undergraduate degree. CEE deserves recognition and fundraising to continue creating a future generation of young scientists, and its work has been outstanding.
CEE provides wonderful support for the alumni of their program. Also, I grew personally and academically through the USABO program. I am grateful for all that CEE does.
The CEE has greatly benefited so many students in their STEM journey and they deserve more donations/support!
I am an RSI alum and will earnestly claim that RSI and CEE were life-changing experiences for me. The mission is to strengthen the backbone of education - STEM fields - and open up the worlds of building, research, and engineering. I am very grateful for RSI and CEE and highly recommend the organization.
CEE is incredible organization. My daughter participated RSI . She learned a lot and built her up for research interest. She had a such wonderful experince. It is well run!
RSI, run by CEE, was the catalyst that helped to launch me into a career in science. I volunteered for the program for several years after I attended in an effort to give back. It is an incredibly impactful program, and one of the best science summer programs in the world. It has had a meaningful impact on the frontiers of science, by training and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
As an RSI alum, I can attest that this organization is doing great work to advance STEM education and support the development of young scientists. CEE also fosters a wonderful community!
I perceive the RSI - program sponsored by CEE, as a wonderful opportunity to meet talented people and work on advanced projects early, seeing one of the best examples of science. I was nominated to present my project done at Harvard at European Union Contest for Young Scientists. I think that even short internships can be very impactful if done by people aiming at excellence. CEE connects talented people and inspires to achieve the best level of competence.
I went to RSI as a student fifteen years ago. It was my first experience with research, and also a fantastic chance to make friends and join a vibrant intellectual community. As a grad student, I served as a mentor to help give back to the program. Now I’m a professor, and remarkably I still collaborate with some of the folks I met my first year of RSI, and I'm good friends with many more :)
CEE brought me into a community that really challenged me and encouraged me to pursue levels of academic inquiry I never knew were accessible to high school students and, subsequently, achieve academic success that I never knew I was capable of. It's the network that drives this organization's success. First, that was comprised of the peers I met who made me realize what we were capable of, then the mentors who helped us get there, and now, 14 years later, we pay it forward by mentoring the newest generation of students.
I attended RSI program in the summer of 2010 and it was a life changing experience for me. I got exposed to real science research with world renowned professors and for the first time I realized perusing a degree in science at a top US university is not a far fetching dream. RSI opened the door to my college education in physics and a career in engineering. I’ve been donating and giving back to RSI every year since I started having income.
I was given the incredible opportunity to attend RSI, a free summer program that CEE organizes, in 2007. It was a life changing summer that directly inspired me to pursue my doctorate in computer science, years later. Thank you so much, CEE, for everything you've done for me and countless others!
CEE is a truly incredible organization and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the Research Science Institute. My experience has propelled my career and given me access to a lifelong network of the best and brightest in STEM!
CEE has done an excellent job in providing young talented students with the opportunity to excel. I was lucky enough to be part of CEE's Research Science Institute program, which was one of the best experiences in my life.
I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in RSI in 2008. It was one of the most formative experiences in my life, and it has opened so many doors for me in my education and career.
Provided me with an amazing opportunity to be exposed to research and learn to write about it and present it. Gained meaningful connections that are lasting a life time.
The CEE made my stay in the research science institute possible. As a 17 years old, this was a wonderful international science experience. CEE motivates the scientists of the future and gives them tools to succeed in their career, already at very early stage.
Attending CEE's RSI as a high school student was a transformational experience for me. It gave me exposure to scientific research and put me in contact with a valuable alumni network. Few nonprofits provide students with the opportunities that CEE does.
I am a Research Science Institute (RSI) alum. RSI was a transformational experience for me, where I developed a lifelong passion for research.
Our son attended RSI in 2020 and it was an amazing academic program with exposure to world class faculty and mentors, like-minded peers and challenging coursework. Thank you CEE!
Review from Guidestar
Our son participated in RSI in 2019. It was a life changing experience for him; the research he did, the people he met and the friends he made had a profound and extremely positive impact. CEE is truly a world class organization that benefits both the young adults that participate in the program and their parents for years to come. We feel very lucky.
Review from Guidestar
As parents of a RSI alumni, we truly appreciate the life-long impact The Research Science Institute (RSI) has brought to my child. Amazing program to nurture exceptional high school scholars to careers of excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are very grateful.
Review from Guidestar
I am a RSI alum, and the program has had a profound impact on my life far beyond the direct education I received at RSI.
The RSI program allows high school students come together to learn in an environment that is more expansive than is typically available in a high school classroom. Simply being exposed to peers who are similarly fascinated by science and math can be the biggest impact for many of the students. But the program also gives participants an opportunity to do real cutting-edge science, working with a mentor at the top of their field.
The impact of RSI does not end with the close of the summer. The alumni network has proven to be strong and dedicated to advancing not just fellow “Rickoids” (as participants are called), but society in general. Looking at my fellow alumni, Rickoids are not just pursuing STEM, they are leading some of the most interesting research out there. And those who don’t end up in STEM fields directly seem to be leading in other fields as well.
I proudly give annually to CEE based on my experience, and volunteer my time to support their programs. It’s just a great organization doing great things.
I participated in the RSI program as a foreign student almost 30 years ago and I continue to benefit from the program through the incredible network of its alumni. RSI most profoundly affected my career and my personal life. It was a life-changing experience.
After earning a bachelor's degree in physics, I got into all of the top 5 physics graduate programs and in 4 years earned my doctorate from one of them. For the first half of my career I was a research scientist. More than 10 years ago I started a business which I am still running. CEE staff and the alumni network have been helpful to me during every step of my journey. They have supported me and have given me confidence to reach for the sky. They have also provided me with concrete tools, help and connections that I continue to leverage.
RSI alumni network is great! If you pose a question to the RSI alumni you are sure to get thoughtful expert advice on any topic - from deeply technical ones, to how to best spend your political donations or what restaurant to go to. Truly an incredible network.
CEE is one of the charities that my husband and I support every year and will continue to do so.
CEE is an incredible organization that has touched the lives of so many students. I attended the Research Science Institute myself, and I am immensely grateful to have had such a wonderful experience. At RSI, I had a chance to further explore my interests, develop my passion for science, and learn from my peers. Not only did RSI provide me with invaluable research opportunities and exposure to both academia and industry, but the community CEE creates at RSI is also incomparable. So many RSI alumni come back to the program year after year to help staff and give back to the program that has given them so much. Moreover, Ms. D and the staff at CEE truly work tirelessly, going above and beyond to support each and every student, current or alumnus. I owe so much to CEE — it is such a special and impactful organization.
I attended the Research Science Institute in 1985, and it was an incredible experience. Way beyond reinforcing my desire to pursue STEM (computer science), the friendships and personal connections I made at RSI have lasted my entire life. I have had the great fortune to host several RSI students over the years, and their intelligence, curiosity, and work ethic has only reinforced my opinion of the Center and its programs.
I believe whole heartedly in the Center's mission and people, and I also volunteer my time to help it connect with its alumni.
CEE is an amazing organization which provided me with life-changing educational opportunities. Through their Research Science Institute (RSI) program, I had an incredible summer where I was exposed to the highest level of scientific rigor ever in my educational career. The dedicated professionals who give their time to organize and support every single one of CEE's programs should be greatly commended for the work they do to support some of the greatest academic opportunities for students. It is safe to say that CEE's RSI program was the first to give me a chance to develop my knowledge and passion for science, and is greatly responsible for my academic trajectory today. Without RSI, I would not have had so many of the opportunities I had following my participation. I am so grateful to RSI and CEE for giving me and other students such unique opportunities. CEE is truly an important and impactful organization.
MT
RSI '18
Thirty years ago I attended their program Research Science Institute (RSI) and then served as a counselor the following summer. The experience was transformative for my life and career. Thanks in part to the mentoring I received during those summers (about how to think about and communicate about scientific problems) I'm now a professor of physics at a major university. And over all this time I've kept in touch with my mentor from those summers as well as CEE staff and a number of other campers and counselors.
RSI can accommodate only a limited number of students who already have shown impressive science and math capabilities by junior year of high school. CEE realizes the importance of exposing many more students (including those who had fewer opportunities in school) to serious scientific thinking. Thus, CEE also runs a great program for school teachers, the Teacher Enrichment Program, which has reached thousands of teachers and hundreds of thousands of their students.
RSI is one of the last true meritocracies. They do not ask for any money from the students who apply and they offer life-changing experiences and an alumni network like no other. Their alumni go on to change the world in ways that benefit the whole world. Giving to RSI is money well spent.
It is with no exaggeration that I say CEE absolutely changed my life. I can’t even think of the words to thank them for everything they have done for me.
Growing up in the rural state of Kentucky, I had few opportunities to share my passion for research and worked by myself on most of my projects. I had low confidence in myself and my research and was ready to give up. But I will never forget the day I opened my RSI acceptance letter and I felt seen for the first time as a science researcher.
Since participating in RSI I have been awarded numerous international recognitions for my research, including the Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award at ISEF, none of which I would have even heard about if CEE hadn’t taken a chance on me. Not only did RSI give me valuable research skills, but they gave me the confidence to put my research into the world and keep on changing the world.
CEE values character and hard work above all else and I am sure that Admiral Rickover would be proud of the greatness they are inspiring in the world.
RSI'88 was quite simply a transformative experience during my high school years. Even now after more than 3 decades, I look back on my summer at RSI with great joy and affection. And this was all possible due to the vision of Admiral Rickover that has been most ably brought to life by Mrs. D And her staff who work tirelessly to promote excellence in STEM for countless young generations. RSI also builds a great network of individuals who stay connected far after the event and continue to be thought leaders and influencers in so many spheres of life. RSI is truly one of a kind and incredibly special, and I count my summer with RSI as one of the major milestones of my life!
RSI dramatically improved my life. This is a wonderful charity and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I grew up in a Hillbilly elegy sort of place, and went on to earn degrees from two elite colleges and start two companies with an MIT professor. More importantly, my whole career has been grounded in scientific rigor and aligning academic theory with real world business problems. This lodestar has kept me sane in spite of the unkind vicissitudes of corporate life.
None of this would have happened without RSI. Being admitted to RSI was, beyond a doubt, the luckiest break of my (so far) very lucky life.
I have the privilege of being an alumnus of the RSI (Research Science Institute) program, run by the Center of Excellence in Education (CEE). It is a unique organization, with the amazing and much-needed mission of popularizing STEM education and careers amongst our youth.
The impact CEE has made on my life cannot be summarized in a short review. However, I do wish to emphasize the following:
1. If there is one word that summarizes the essence of CEE, it is 'Merit'. CEE goes out of its way to support meritorious students, no matter their country, origin, income level. Getting into a CEE program is extremely difficult but tremendously rewarding.
2. CEE programs make a life-long impact. CEE supports its alumni in their choice of college, their onward career, their research and their continued involvement in mentoring future generations.
3. The relationships you build during the short duration of a CEE program stay with you forever. Think like-minded, super intelligent people, out to make a difference. It's 'Mensa on steroids' ! (I'm exaggerating a bit, but just a bit)
4. The organization is very well run. It has a caring, selfless attitude. No corners are cut, no hidden fees charged from students. The programs are top-notch in their quality and impact.
Organizations like CEE deserve our respect, effort, attention, resources.
An amazing organization that works to empower tomorrow's scientists and researchers. I've had experience with the Research Science Institute 2020 as a scholar. This was one of the best experiences of my academic and social life to this day!
Truly love what they do and looking forward to giving back in the future.
Ishan Khare
RSI '20
Could not have had a better summer!
Can't wait to give back what I can to the RSI community in the future. :)
YC
Rsi '20
CEE's RSI program was a life-changing experience for me, and a stepping stone to MIT. Over three decades later, the wonderful people running CEE still care about everyone who ever passed through their programs, and gave me career help.
-J.S. RSI class of 1988