SSP International, Inc.

felt like more time and effort was spent on image and branding than on the program

SSP has provided me with the educational opportunity of a lifetime and a truly transformative experience, especially for those who lack access to experience what it's like to conduct real scientific research in a web lab environment. I highly recommend and encourage any junior to apply for this program and experience the SSP experience during their last summer of high school!

SSP was a truly transformative experience! 11/10 would recommend!! :D

The most amazing organization I have ever been involved with. Absolutely changed the couurse and trajectory of my life. I dont know what I would have done without it, and I recommend it to anyone who is able to do it.

Truly an experience of a lifetime! I had the best time my life this summer at ssp, and I hope that others can also enjoy the experience I had!

SSP was truly the experience of a lifetime. I made some great friends there, and the learning was packed with incredible things.

loved my ssp experience, truly once in a life time:)

Attending SSP was one of the best experiences of my life. It’s an amazing opportunity for kids looking for further exposure to science. The professors were fantastic and you could really tell they cared.

lifechanging experience. if you told me i could relive the summer of 2023 again i would say yes everytime

As both an alumnus and a donor, I've seen firsthand the transformative impact of SSP International. The skills I gained during my summer were instrumental in my physics career. Now, as a donor, I'm impressed by how they've expanded to five campuses while maintaining the program's quality. Last year, I visited and was blown away by the students' asteroid research projects. SSP consistently produces confident, skilled young scientists, and I'm proud to support their mission. Whether you're a potential student, parent, or donor, I highly recommend getting involved with this exceptional organization.

Words cannot describe how amazing SSP is. It's truly the "education experience of a lifetime". I've learned a lot and gained a lot of skills, and also have made friends from all over the world. The people at SSP are some of the most talented, hard-working, and passionate people I know. SSP made my junior year summer the best summer ever, and I made so many wonderful memories that I'll never forget. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity & this program.

SSP has become one of the only places I can say that I have felt truly connected to everyone at my campus (and even those who aren't at my campus!). Every person at SSP is passionate about science, learning, and doing research. Every person has a different set of unique ideas for problem-solving, and being able to be among and learn from a group of intelligent young minds has sincerely changed the way I perceive life and refurbished my love for science, and specifically Astro! I am so grateful to have had the chance to have made memories with everyone even if it was just for a transient moment in time.

I attended the 2023 biochemistry program at Purdue, and it’s an incredibly fond memory of mine. It was a great introduction to lab techniques that I wouldn’t have had access to at school, and it felt great to learn for the sake of learning rather than for a grade. The residential aspect also made me feel a lot more prepared (and excited) for college — it’s kind of like a trial run, if I can put it that way. More than anything, though, I genuinely could not be more grateful for the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. The staff put in a lot of effort to pick our lab groups and roommates, and it showed. I loved working with and getting to know my lab partners and being able to hang out with everyone. SSP’s motto is that it’s the academic experience of a lifetime, but it’s a truly vibrant place all around, not just during labs and classes. There’s an incredible network of alumni, and (I hope) I’ll be staying in contact with everyone in the future :D

The praises of alumni are not exaggerated. SSP certainly changed my life, especially as a low-income, first-generation student. Forever grateful for the wonderful, immersive, and truly extraordinary experience.

SSP truly transformed my academic journey through my teens. I never knew how fascinating astrophysics was because I had never been exposed to real research-grade telescopes.

It was one of the best decisions of my high school life to come to SSP. I met some of the most hardworking, intelligent, inspiring people there, some of whom I still keep in contact with today. Even if I didn't understand something, I knew that I had a class of 35 to rely on. The professors and teaching assistants were understanding and helpful, always looking to make sure that no one was left behind despite the difficulty of lessons and the extremely fast pace at which we were learning completely new material.

Attended the Summer Science Program in 2023 and had a blast. The mentors were all very instructive and showed attention to each and every one of the students, creating a collaborative environment where everyone thrived. I knew I could count on them with any questions I had. The material itself was extremely interesting, and we got access to industry-level software, which I found fascinating. On top of that, the field trips were fun, educational, and engaging. Overall, I'm extremely glad I attended SSP, and would highly recommend it to any students interested in science.

Had the best summer of my life with a community of diverse and interesting people coupled with an amazing faculty, where I got to learn about so much that I would've never learned about had I stayed within the confines of what is taught at my school. I am extremely grateful towards SSP and everyone within its community that helped make my experience possible, as it has had an impact on me that I know will continue resonating throughout all my future interactions.

SSP is goated (greatest of all time). We need a 6 star option for their inspiration of STEM in high schoolers. Their biochemistry program really helped my stem journey at university.

SSP exposed me to people I never would have otherwise met who have made me a better person in many different aspects. Even though I did the program virtually, SSP faculty put in extra effort to make it feel like a community. I'm always excited to see an SSPer in the wild.

SSP was a phenomenal experience. Even after attending college, I am still close with the SSP community, and they are always people I can share interesting finds in science with.

SSP was the best 5.5 weeks of my life. Not only did I meet some of my best friends there, but the entire community is very accepting, friendly, and genuine right from the beginning. If you don't understand something, the whole community is there to support you. SSP takes you on both intellectual and physical adventures--I learned so many amazing things, spanning physics, math, astronomy, and more! I feel as if I was able to discover myself at SSP in many ways; the experience has transformed me into a more confident, self-assured, and curious individual. I wouldn't have traded this experience for the world.

I was a 2023 participant and can confidently say that I had one of the best experiences of my life. It was effortlessly fun, academically enriching, and challenging in the best way. It exceeded my expectations in nearly all aspects. Besides merely being prestigious, Summer Science Program intellectually stimulates participants before introducing them into a lifelong network.

SSP is an absolutely incredible organization, the best in my opinion. The application to SSP's programs are free, and the organization provides generous financial aid to participants (thank you, by the way!). Being a participant is a great experience. You get to dive deep into science surrounded by like minded peers and supportive faculty. Everyone is very kind and respectful. It truly feels like a community. The community does not stop there. Once you become an alum, you have an even bigger community of people who care about you just as much and are willing to help you succeed. I am incredibly grateful to call myself an SSPer!

One of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The program itself gave me the confidence to really pursue challenging academic opportunities, and I can still feel its effects today. I also have been connected to a worldwide group of peers who are really talented—many of who I still keep in touch with in the years following the program. SSP never ends; it just evolves, and it only gets better. Thank you SSP!

The program helped to expose me to scientific research. Before I attended the program, I would have thought research was an impossible path, but after DOING science at SSP, I found my confidence grow and am considering by doing research for my future. SSP really impacted my life!

I attended SSP in 2023, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. SSP not only showed me my own potential, but introduced me to some of my best friends. Everyone there was so extremely talented and passionate, and working together has shown me the importance of collaboration and teamwork in every situation. I loved the challenging yet so intriguing lectures and Problem Sets, as well as the amazing field trips. SSP has given me a community I know I'll keep in touch with forever, and has inspired me in so many ways.

SSP was an eye-opening, life-changing, future-altering experience that drastically shifted my viewpoints on science and learning. It immersed me in a unique environment with special individuals around me, all equally passionate and dedicated, creating a melting pot of culture and ideas. Not only did I build a community of lifelong friends, but I also faced challenges and problems that invigorated my brain and thinking. Overall, SSP is one of the best opportunities for high school students and was fantastic!

SSP is the definitive summer program experience. I attended the program last year, and I must say that "the experience of a lifetime" is not just a catchy slogan, but the straight forward truth. When you embark on the six week journey, not only do you take an intellectual deep dive in a major STEM field, but you also get to meet the best of people, who are not only the greatest of minds, but more importantly, the greatest of hearts. It was truly a privilege to be a part of something as unique and brillant as this program, and I hope to return to SSP in the future, in one way or another.

I can say, without a doubt, that my time at SSP Astrophysics in 2022 was by far the best 5.5 weeks I have ever experienced. I had an incredible time, making amazing friends and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am very proud to be an SSP alumni, and I hope that many many more young adults get to enjoy a similar life changing experience at SSP!

I loved SSP. It was very life changing and allowed me to learn more about myself as a student and also as a person. The research was VERY immersive, often keeping me in the lab for hours on end. The assignments helped me develop my skills in academic writing and rewiring myself to think more scientifically. I made many friends that I keep in touch with today, the memories I made will last a lifetime.

I learned a LOT of things about astronomy and physics here, and going to SSP has reaffirmed my interest and love of STEM. HIGHLY recommend this to any STEM passionate high schooler!

Had an amazing time at SSP and will forever be grateful for having gotten enough financial aid to attend. The statement "academic opportunity of a lifetime" on their website is not an understatement and I've learned so much and made so many amazing friends there that I think of this summer as one of my best so far.

SSP really did change my life. The program not only gave me the chance to do real science, but also helped me a learn great deal about myself and the power of collaboration and cooperative learning. I made memories that are more dear to me than I can express, and found incredible friends whom I’m still in touch with today. I’ll always be grateful to have gotten to experience it all.

I was one of the few who had to get online because of the travel restrictions. They have done a great job accommodating (not in its literal sense) us.

The meat of our online experience was an introductory cosmology course covering topics from Friedmann's equation to quantum gravity. Despite the difficulty of the content, our instructor maintained a balance between mathematical rigor and conceptual understanding which made the experience illuminating with manageable workload (the math for those topics in their purest forms are outright daunting for high schoolers).

But what I enjoyed the most was the spacecraft design project. To build our spacecraft, we had to start from scratch, learning from previous space missions in real life. The research process was extremely fun, as we got to understand different parts of the spacecraft. Yet because we were not constrained by budget, we could also use our imagination. I remember one group tried to use a super-powerful engine to get to the Oort cloud for exploration. Our instructor also gave us constant feedback and guidelines as to keep us on track and not feel intimidated.

Another gem of the program is the guest lecture. Researchers in different subfields of astrophysics talked about their personal anecdotes and career advices for us, all of which are incredibly valuable for high school students who are only aware of their interest but not necessarily of their future careers.

SSP definitely deserves a lot of praise.

I attended the Summer Science Program in Astrophysics in Summer 2022 and it was the best experience of my life. I met so many amazing, smart, driven kids like me who loved science and math. It was a really rigorous program, but we all loved the challenge it gave us. The research was amazing, too. It was awesome to know that I could actually conduct research and be able to find the orbit of an asteroid! I loved this experience so much, and I will never be the same afterwards.

SSP was indeed an "experience of a lifetime." I still cannot forget the moments that I spent at the program with my friends, TAs, and staff. I had so much fun and learning which has motivated me to take on more challenges.

I will forever be grateful for SSP for introducing me to some of the most brilliant students and for giving me the chance to conduct research and learn from so many people and sources. My summer at SSP was the best summer of my life and solidified my love for science and inquiry.

A great academic program for high schoolers. You will learn a lot. You will meet a lot of great people and discover an amazing community. The summer science program is built on several good core values, including collaboration and discovery. Its connect program serves to help keep members involved.

If I could, I would, without a doubt, attend this program again.

My experience in the Summer Science Program was nothing short of life-changing. It showed me what it means to collaborate with fellow young thinkers and learners, and how it feels to contribute something truly original to an endeavor bigger than yourself. Over a year after the program has ended, I still feel that it has prepared me to begin life in college at one of the world’s premier educational institutions. I felt that I did not have much experience in scientific fields before I participated in SSP, and because I was given the chance to learn at SSP, I now am fortunate to have numerous incredible opportunities available to me.

SSP is one of the most meaningful experiences I've ever had, it truly embodied the spirit of exploration in the sciences that I craved. It connected me with an amazing community of people, all of whom I felt connected to and understood by. The guest speakers, lectures, professors, everything was just so amazing, I often felt I was dreaming. Though the actual camp may have only lasted five weeks, I know the memories I made there will impact me for the rest of my life.

A once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity! Gave me the resources, guidance, and environment to complete real astrophysics research. Truly bolstered my future professional goals and my qualifications as a college applicant.

I hold the 18th of March 2022 as one of the best days of my life. I woke up at 8 AM to have received the most beautiful email I could have desired, my acceptance letter to the Summer Science Program in Astrophysics in Boulder. In shock but delighted, I called my parents to tell them the big news. I immediately started researching the visa application process and was luckily able to obtain one in time to participate in the camp. Several weeks before my departure, while doing my astronomy preparation, I was struck by a revelation from thoughts I had been having for a few days: I was leaving my family for six weeks to engage in what people call the experience of a lifetime. My heart would beat like crazy, my palms and feet were sweaty and cold because of the nervousness, and my inner self was not only pleased but indeed happy.

I took a flight from Budapest and arrived in Munich for a short layover, and then I had the next flight to Chicago. Once I arrived there, I learned that my next flight to Denver got canceled, so I had to go and talk to an airline assistant. They were able to give me another ticket, but it caused me to arrive in Denver one day earlier than previously planned. I had to call the Site Director to pick me up at 1 AM because, as a minor, I could not get a room at the hotel next to the airport. I arrived on campus at about 3 AM as the first participant. Having woken up the teacher assistants, I had ironically made a dramatic entrance.

On my first day in Boulder, as the other participants started arriving, I got to know some of them. I created initial friendships, engaged in academic and casual conversations, and met my future team members. On our second day, as a team, we wrote our asteroid proposal to explain to the professors which asteroid we wanted to analyze for the next five and a half weeks and why. We were assigned 1993 MO, a medium-sized, rather dim than bright rock, and we started specialized observations using an advanced telescope to take photographs. Then, we used an astrometry tool to calibrate the pictures and identify the celestial position of the asteroid.

On the observatory deck, we would start by setting up the telescope and preparing it to open the roof. We took multiple sets of different images to ensure that each observation night would result in successful, usable data. Astronomy is a rather delicate field requiring perfect weather conditions, even the slightest cloud could affect the precision and quality of our observations. This is why we had to postpone several observation nights and could not waste any of the prospective ones. Toward the end of camp, we had finished the observations on the asteroid, so we decided to use our last few observation nights creatively. My team chose to take pictures of the Eagle Nebula using a filter with a very long exposure time, waiting was worth the results. Using another astrometry tool, we added color to the black-and-white photographs creating a beautiful and colorful memory.

On the other hand, our lectures on different math, physics, astronomy, and programming topics were very useful in preparing us for our final project, a final, consistent report on our asteroid. While I was confident about my math skills before arriving at the camp, I was unsure about my physics knowledge and was relatively new to astronomy and programming. Nonetheless, the brilliant lectures and guidance from our professors and assistants aided enormously in solving problem sets and eventually composing the final report. Spending whole days in the observatory, we developed many codes to help us write our last code and solved tons of math, physics, and astronomy problems to ensure we did indeed understand the entire process we were using.

Our final week involved finishing the Orbital Determination code. Starting from the images obtained from several observation nights and based on five-week-long accumulated information from lectures, we coded a very intricate program to determine the orbital elements of our memorable rock. Although just a beginner when I arrived at the camp, I fulfilled the very complex, final task, something I did not think myself capable of five weeks before. The work on the report flew naturally after that, and after some days, we finished it. It represented the result of a five-week-long, great collaboration combined with exhausting coding, intensive problem sets, and unforgettable observation nights. Moreover, we sent the data obtained with the aid of the pictures taken on the observation nights to the Minor Planet Center, and it was reviewed and ultimately published.

Our last day could not have lacked more tears. It was time for each member of the SSP team to go their way and explore the mysteries of the universe on their own. At the airport, I walked most of my fellow scientists to their gates, where we said our goodbyes. Eventually, the time came for me to be accompanied to the gate and return to reality back home. I was so glad to have taken part in this surreal experience, but as for any journey, it was time for it to end. I entered the airplane and found my seat. I left the American ground and all my friends and arrived nine hours later in London. Then, Frankfurt followed, and then Budapest, where I saw my parents again. My tear reserve was empty by that time, but the sight of my parents filled my heart with warmth. They took me back home, and after two days of non-stop traveling, my first American experience had finished.

Months later, I regularly flip through the report and the pictures on my phone and remember everything as if I was just back in my seat in the observatory. I am sad because every beautiful experience must end at some point. Nevertheless, I am joyous to have lived the experience of a lifetime.

Dragoș Monea - Romania

I really loved this experience, working in the lab and solving difficult problems really made me a better person, and I got to meet some of the most amazing people. I have gained some friends that I will hopefully have for my whole life and joined a really amazing community. I am so appriciative of the opportunity to go to the Summer Science Program.

Truly the educational experience of a lifetime. SSP gives its participants the rare opportunity to be challenged outside a school environment, and it encourages them to ask the thoughtful, difficult questions along every step of the research process. It has encouraged me to not fear failure, and it has encouraged me to form amazing friendships. There is no other program like SSP. Its impact will stick with me for many, many years to come.

I absolutely loved my experience at the Summer Science Program. The whole summer I had the privilege to study astrophysics with some of the smartest people I've ever met. If it was not for this camp, I would have never considered a career in theoretical physics. I hope that this program can serve countless more young and curious high schoolers like myself.

Attended SSP at the University of Colorado Boulder this summer, and it was truly an experience of a lifetime — the best 5 weeks of my life. Throughout 39 days, I learned a loot about astrophysics, while enjoying the fast pace of learning and meeting amazing people!!!

SSP helped me find what it was like to be an astrophysicist. By combining the techniques of physics, math, astronomy, and programming, I learnt how to calculate orbital determination by using RAs and Decs. I loved this experience and it nurtured my experience as an aspiring scientist.

The experience in the Summer Science Program is the best memory of my high school! I have never learned so many things in any six weeks before, and I have never met so many great friends with passions for science and talent for all different things in a short amount of time. After entering the college, all SSP alumni who participated in SSP in any year are very good friends and I have got a lot of very useful pieces of advice from SSP alumni that are essential to my path. All the SSP alumni are excellent people socially and academically. Most SSP alumni have been actively involved in volunteer teaching. All SSP alumni are very friendly and collaborative individuals.

It was online in my year, yet it was not any less interactive. It accommodated participants in all time zone well with very creative schedules. Even the observation was made into an experience that is as close to the entirely hands-on experience. Everyone helped each other as much and the excellent TAs and Academic Directors answered a lot of questions, taught all very well, and guided us to explore as much as we can.

The guest lectures are certainly very inspiring! Leading people in all different fields of physics or science have encouraged us to be courageous enough to explore and challenge. It helped me to get to know further which subfields were preferable to me, and it just amazed me with all the novel ideas, advanced technologies, and almost magical demonstrations.

Everyone tries to bring the best experience together in the six weeks! And after the six weeks, there are SSP connect, roundtable, etc., and a lot of different activities to help the college application and learn about research in the field for the participants of the year. And the SSP people kept meeting each other at annual dinners, in the open houses, in college, in self-organizing activities, in events in different fields, and through zoom!

It is really an experience of a lifetime!

Even during COVID times, SSP was truly the experience of a lifetime! The curriculum and teaching is extraordinary, almost as much as the people I never would have gotten to meet if not for this amazing program. I'll never forget the memories and experiences I had, thanks to SSP.

At the Summer Science Program, I learned the meaning of dn.

Truly changed the way I approach research, science and learning! The best 5 weeks of my life and an amazing experience that I’m so incredibly grateful to have been a part of.

SSP was the best five weeks of my life! I just learnt so much, both academically and socially.

SSP was everything I expected it to be and more - I was academically challenged in many ways and met people who really understood me. I learned so much every day, and I definitely look back at the program fondly.

I participated in the Summer Science Program in biochemistry, and it was the most exceptional, life-changing experience that I have ever had! It really improved me as a person on so many levels, including academically as well as socially and emotionally. I was so blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of this, and I really want to underscore how worthy of a program it is to support.

This was an awesome experience. I highly recommend!

Without a doubt, SSP has truly been a life-changing experience. SSP has given me a summer I’ll never forget.

Pioneered my passion for science. A 6-star rating should be invented for this nonprofit.

SSP was an amazing 5 weeks of intense academics, social interaction, and learning in almost every sense of the word. I loved working with the amazing staff, TAs, and participants on the problem sets and research projects.

It was an amazing experience. The best educational experience of my life so far.

Great summer program and very organized and well-run. Highly recommend all science-interested high school students to participate.

SSP is truly the educational experience of a lifetime!

This program was the educational experience of a lifetime. I would be unable to participate in this program without financial aid, so I’m incredibly grateful to all of the past alumni and donors that made it possible for me

Completely life changing educational experience - something that will stay with me for many years to come!

Attending the Summer Science Program is a phenomenal experience that provides an enriching environment for any academically driven high school student. The staff and teachers at SSP provided a welcoming environment where each student is given the resources to thrive, despite being challenged by the engaging curriculum and the research project that makes the program worthwhile.

SSP gave me so much this summer. Even though it was virtual, I still enjoyed our project and our lectures and our community a lot! Most importantly, though, it built my confidence as not just a science, math, and programming student, but as a whole person. I’d highly recommend this program to any high school sophomores and juniors interested — it really is an experience of a lifetime.

SSP Biochemistry is a well planned immersive experience for the students, with enriching field trips to industrial labs as well. It's a really great program to get an idea of what a career in research is like. Also, the people you work with for 6 weeks become some of the closest friends you'll ever have!

I could not have thought of a better way to spend my summer. Although initially daunting, the prospect of spending five and a half weeks studying and practicing astrophysics soon became one of the highlights of my academic career, as well as my life. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to challenge themselves with undergraduate level academics as well as forge bonds that last a lifetime.

I attended SSP Biochem at Purdue in 2019, and this amazing experience totally changed my life for the better! I was able to connect with peers who were passionate about science and learned a lot from them. SSP also made me realize how much I loved doing research and allowed me to take a closer look at how research was conducted at a college level. During lectures, lab sessions, assignments, and other fun activities, I had the best time and loved every moment. Thank you SSP!

My experience was absolutely amazing! I highly encourage anyone who is on the fence about whether or not SSP is right for them to apply. It’s worth it!

(Also if you are low-income, don’t worry! There is very generous financial aid. Some participants pay nothing!)

I participated in 1969- first class that included girls! Incredible and heartwarming that this program continues to exist and expand over the years. Best wishes for this year's group and future SSPers.

Wonderful organization and summer program to introduce the brightest minds of their generation to fun and challenging astrophysics research

Still the best experience of my life. I miss the people so so so so so much.

Spectacular experience. Challenging yet accessible topics combined with the instruction of amazing professors and collaboration with brilliant peers.

I am so grateful for my time at SSP last year. Not only was I introduced to the research process, but I met so many truly amazing people. I miss it so much!

Such an accepting, supportive, collaborative, compassionate group of students and educators. I love SSP and I am so grateful of the opportunities they have given me.

It is not an exaggeration to say SPP was a life changing experience because SSP allowed me to confirm my passion to pursue science in the future.

I am a graduate of SSP '19 at CU Boulder. SSP was one of the most fun and transformative experiences in my life. Initially, I was skeptical that I would enjoy myself with no computer and classes 6 days a week. And while I can't say that I was always thrilled to wake up and go to lecture after a long night of observing, I can say that in the end that's not what I remember. I remember the great friends and times I had, whether it was playing midnight soccer after OD reports were submitted, watching anime in Arnett, or practicing for the talent show. Also, you can't beat the experiences of using the telescopes and imaging or just stargazing.

Life changing experience that made me passionate to not only continue in science but also to collaborate with great people.

Extremely well-organized and rigorous experience. The staff really care about the students. Would highly recommend to anyone that wants to take advantage of such an excellent opportunity in STEM research!!

Best summer of my life! Spending 6 weeks with the coolest students around the world immersed in scientific research was an eye opening experience. The field trips were very fun and memorable, and the staff were great! Financial aid helped my family immensely, and I wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise.

One of the best experiences I had. Very challenging but also very worth it.

At first I was apprehensive about attending, but I'm glad I did. SSP was one of the most formative and fun experiences of my life. Despite long working hours, it was easy to bond with my peers and connect over how tired we were.

For six weeks I got to spend every moment of every day doing what I love with people I love. I absolutely love astronomy and I already knew it was what I wanted to pursue as a career, but this only solidified these feelings. I also used to be incredibly shy before coming here, but I got to meet all sorts of people who understood me and who shared these same passions and quirks as I did, and who all loved learning. I already know that the people I met here will be lifelong friends, and I love how supportive and loving of each other we all are, whether it be socially, academically, or otherwise. I really can't put into words how grateful I am for this experience, and I already know that I'm going to try my hardest to be a TA when I'm older.

SSP was not only an intellectually invigorating research experience, it was a camp where I was able to meet some of the best people ever. In 39 days I was able to develop friendships of equal caliber to those of which I have been developing back home for the past 7 years. (@SSPpurdue)

For six weeks I worked with a team of 2 other amazing students under 2 equally amazing instructors to do real science. You can’t really get that experience anywhere else as a high school student.

I gained a newfound love for the natural sciences, found out more about my capabilities, and met some of the most vibrant and interesting peers in my life through this program. Words alone cannot even come close to expressing my experience here.

SSP will give you a genuine chance to explore and ponder the night sky, physics, astronomy, mathematics, and programming, but most importantly, yourself.

[SSP Astro @NMT]

The Summer Science Program in Astrophysics is a 5.5 week immersion into true experimental science and research. One observes, programs, and calculates the orbital trajectory of an asteroid and writes a paper on their findings, all while learning cosmology, orbital mechanics, optics, observational astronomy, and quantum mechanics. It was a transformative experience for me, not only for its rigor but also for its lessons in collaboration, experimentation, and perseverance.

SSP has definitely been the most unforgettable and rewarding experience of my lifetime. Not only did it allow me to get exposed to research and “real science”, it introduced me to 35 of the most intelligent and unique people I have ever met. Thank you SSP for this life changing summer :) (Biochem @UCSD)

SSP allowed me to meet 35 other bright individuals around the world and across America. Providing not just a challenging intellectual experience, it has allowed us to become a tight knit community working towards a common goal. Even after hours in the lab, you'll somehow still have energy to stay up and socialize with your amazing peers. SSP is as life changing as it says, but you won't know until you experience it. Thank you SSP, and all my fellow participants who made it a truly unforgettable summer. (Biochem @UCSD)

The best experience a high school science-oriented student could ever have! It was the best 6 weeks of my life, the most enriching summer I’ve spent, and I made friends with every participant. Working together to solve challenging problems, such as combining our individual knowledges to design a unique assay or lab report, was so exciting as we progressed onwards. SSP really nurtured a very positive environment, so much so that I think I really found my place at SSP and within the scientific community. Thank you so much for the memories!

Hands down the educational experience of a lifetime. I first learned about SSP as a freshman and was amazed about all SSP had to offer - immersive research that incorporates a variety of fields, exposure to exciting topics in STEM, an environment that focuses on growth and collaboration rather than cutthroat competition, and a wonderful community of students, faculty, and alumni overall. It’s been 4 weeks since SSP ended, and I am reminded each day of how fortunate I was to have this opportunity. SSP is unique in that it combines the best aspects of a research internship (hands on work, dealing with roadblocks with real data and overcoming them, having a final product that can impact the scientific community) with a traditional educational summer program (lectures to learn new topics so you truly understand the research not just do work, experience of friendship, group activities). The curriculum and research at SSP is very well organized and methodical, with clear assignments and goals for each of the 6 weeks, ensuring that everyone is aware and on track. Thus, even though there was a lot to do, I quickly realized that it was achievable given dedicated effort (which wasn’t hard since it was all so engaging and time flew by). From observing the beautiful Boulder sky at midnight to thinking about and rejoicing over problem sets together to writing the final orbit determination Python program to all the fun challenges and field trips, there really was not a single dull moment at SSP. The faculty went above and beyond in ensuring that we all were successful and enjoying, both on the academic and social front. I am fascinated and immensely thankful as to how 7 individuals can work so hard while bringing unparalleled enthusiasm to the table each day and night. These 6 weeks have provided me a strong foundation in the research process, piqued my interest in new topics of science I had not looked into before, and given the gift of acceptance and joy in an amazing group of peers. Another aspect that definitely stands out about SSP as a nonprofit is its alumni culture. The alumni of this program are incredibly dedicated to continuing to serve its mission, coming back as TAs, hosting guest lectures, and contributing to its sustainability so that many generations ahead can experience the work of art that is SSP. SSP exceeded my expectations in all aspects, and I am extraordinarily grateful to be able to continue to be a member of the SSP community for many years.

The summer science program is by far the best research experience I have ever had - over 39 days I made friends, did actual science, and learned from two extraordinary professors, 4 TAs, a wonderful site director, and a multitude of world class researchers and scientists. If you are thinking about applying, do it. I thought I had no chance of getting in, but I did. The benefits of this program are by far worth the time it takes to apply.

I went to Purdue Biochemistry and it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I feel it has prepared me for college and what lies beyond.

SSP is not only the best research program available to high schoolers, but it’s the only high caliber program with 100% financial assistance... an amazing feat.

6 weeks and 39 days with some of the most talented and unique individuals in the world. The only regret I have is that it didn't last longer :). I'm so glad and thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in such an amazing program and conduct high impact wet-lab research. From tough days in the lab to weekends filled with entertainment, SSP was the perfect embodiment of the "work hard, play hard" mindset. I learned so much about myself and grew as a person over these intense weeks as SSP was truly a life-changing experience for me.

It was great. I loved the program and it was life changing.

This was one of the most life-changing and eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had as a high school student. It has given me the push forward I needed to see scientific research as a main career option.

This is honestly the best program and I am so glad to be able to participate in it. It transformed my perspective on the world. All the professors and assistants are very genuine. They take care of all aspects of students. SSP's generous financial aid allows any passionate students to participate. I recommend SSP wholeheartedly.

SSP is a journey of discovery, exploration, collaboration, and reflection. In just five and a half weeks, I have been immersed in science, biochemistry, and research while having fun and forging friendships with a diverse and vibrant family of SSPers. As a truly transformative experience, SSP has shaped my perspective, my goals, my aspirations, and my very own self.

The Summer Science Program is more than simply a research program - it is a deeply emotional and life-changing experience. For 6 weeks, I had the privilege of working with 35 other amazing and brilliant participants. On Day 1, we entered campus as colleagues. On Day 39, we left the dorms as lifelong friends. The program exposes you to compassionate and engaging mentors, inspiring peers, and every facet of scientific research and paper-writing that can be crammed into 39 days.

Thank you for changing my life, SSP!

I consider SSP to be one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only was I able to learn more about a field I so love, but also meet some of the most utterly amazing humans across the planet! The faculty is absolutely stellar; they not only care for your growth and learning experience, but also your well being. Every week, we'd abandon our little niche (comprised of Driscoll (dorms) and our computer lab) to go on "mandatory fun" excursions. As much as we wanted to complete our tasks, these trips were a gentle reminder that we still need our breaks.

SSP undoubtedly changed my life, and I am 99.9% sure that it would change yours as well (:

SSP provided me with the best educational experience of my lifetime. Not only did I learn about slewing telescopes and astrometry, but I formed the bonds with the people that I now call my closest friends. SSP is something truly special; it is one of the few real idealistic havens on Earth.

SSP is really op, best academic experience of my life.

SSP was the best way I could have spent my summer. Surrounded by a supportive community who was just as interested in science as I was, I was pushed to my limits, expanding my horizons in the process. SSP made me a more confident in what I can do, and assured me of my interest in the field of STEM.

I was at SSP this year at the CU Boulder campus and it was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. It was really cool to get to use the telescopes and collect and analyze real data, a major step up from those simple high school labs. Although it was challenging and debugging code and processing images got somewhat frustrating at times, I loved the project. SSP definitely made me want to do more research in the future and sparked a new interest in astronomy in me, since beforehand i was mainly interested in math and physics. Not only did I get my first real taste of research, but I also got to meet so many people from across the nation and across the world who are as interested in STEM as I am and who are also high achievers academically. I felt like I could relate to them all much more than any other group of people I’ve met before. The community at SSP is great and I’ll love everyone there forever. As cheesy as it sounds, SSP was definitely the experience of a lifetime.

Before going into this program, I had no idea what to expect-- but whatever picture I had in my mind was immediately blown away. Through SSP 2018 (astrophysics division), I learned how to program in Python, how to handle an observatory telescope, and how to combine physics, math, and observations. The main impact that SSP had on me, however, was the connections I made with my professors and fellow students; these connections will be with me for the rest of my life.

Such an amazing program! I attended SSP in Biochemistry and couldn't be more thankful. The program definitely challenged and stretched my mental capacities. I learned many valuable lessons like accountability for yourself and your peers. SSP also exposed me to the science field and industry, and I built friendships with kind students from all over the world.

Easily the best experience of my life. Academically challenging, fun, great community. SSP is something super special.

I attended SSP Biochemistry at Purdue University in 2018, and without a doubt, this was one of the best intellectual and social experiences of my life! Everyday, we were able to apply our learning from the lectures to the lab, and all of us were mentally challenged in ways we never thought possible. Beyond just the academia, we learned how to thrive from failure, how to value collaboration, and how to think like real researchers. More than anything however, I fell in love with the people. My peers were all so wonderfully curious, kind, and engaging. For the first time, instead of being the only one in class asking questions, everyone around me was asking questions I had never even thought of! SSP truly is the experience of a lifetime.

I had the privilege of attending SSP in Biochemistry at Purdue, and it made my summer the best I've ever had. I was constantly being pushed beyond my limits with lectures covering challenging content and labs riddled with failure, but I overcame it all with some of the most hard-working and motivated people I've met who I now view as family. SSP also taught me many non-academic life lessons such as valuing punctuality, being prepared for uncontrollable things like the weather, and even making smart choices in the dining hall with no parents to hold me accountable. The overview is not lying when it says SSP is a life-changing experience!

I participated in SSP Biochemistry this summer at Purdue University, and it was by far the best summer of my life! I am so thankful that I was given this opportunity to pursue research alongside some of the smartest and most passionate people I’ve ever met.

The SSP in Astrophysics was not only the best academic experience I’ve had but also one of the best social experiences. The teachers were articulate and the students keen and invested in their and their peers academic success, which made for an incredibly collaborative and fun environment. Best summer ever!

SSP was the most amazing experience I have ever had! I recently completed the astrophysics program in Boulder and it was better than I could have ever expected. I loved working, laughing, and talking with my fellow SSPers. I learned so much and made fantastic memories. I strongly recommend SSP to anybody who has the opportunity to apply.

The SSP in biochemistry surpassed all my expectations. The academic directors and TAs worked tirelessly to provide the perfect mix of rigorous research and lectures, and created an environment that not only accepted, but encouraged, experimentation and failure. This combined with field trips to advanced labs and research facilities provided a comprehensive glimpse into the world of drug discovery. SSP not only affirmed my passion for science, but also allowed me to make some lifetime friendships.

I just graduated from SSP’s 2018 astrophysics program and let me tell you, it was incredible. Never have I been surrounded by so many amazing people from so many different backgrounds. We struggled through problem sets together, went to the rec center together, and the memories I’ve had with them will remain with me forever. In addition, the research was fascinating and I couldn’t describe the feeling of pride I felt when we finally submitted our OD report.

I attended SSP in 1960. It changed my life. I learned substance, I learned to work in groups, I made a lot of friends I have to this day. It gave to me and I have tried to give back.

Attending SSP in 2000 was a turning point in my education. I had never been so challenged intellectually nor surrounded by so many inspiring peers in my life, and my classmates came from all socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures. It was a tough, thrilling, liberating month of science immersion. As a professor now, my efforts to improve equal access to higher education include donating regularly to SSP.

Well, it would help if they didn't violate the Americans with Disabilities Act...

I attended the Summer Science Program this summer, and it was a phenomenal program. The rigorous research we did was a very enriching experience, requiring immense teamwork, perseverance, and ambition to complete. The faculty and mentors were also amazing people who were willing to help us in every possible way, and Purdue provided us with outstanding facilities to work on/with. Finally, being able to spend 6 weeks with all the other great students has made SSP one of the best summer programs I have ever been to!

It was an amazing experience. The program covers both breadth and depth and through learning tons about physics, math, CS and astronomy I was able to identify areas of my interest and learn more about myself. It was my first research experience and the collaborative atmosphere made it even better. Apart from the academic aspect of the camp, I met so many different people from all over the country and the world. I made great friends and had the best 5.5 weeks of my life!! Go if you can!

Amazing experience! I attended the Biochemistry program and the faculty and participants were all so nice and helpful. I loved learning about everything and having the opportunity to work on research at the university level. If I could do the exact same thing, I definitely would, without a doubt!

I had an incredible experience during SSP. I'd never had opportunity to conduct research before, and SSP allowed me the chance to experience being a researcher. I hope many others can benefit from this project like I have.

SSP is one of the longest running science programs for students to have hands on research and experiential learning. It is an amazing program run by alumni and gives a life changing project to students. This project has created dedicated staff members who have fallen in love with SSPs dedication to young scientists.

I learned so many things at SSP that I probably would never have learned otherwise. From Python programming and vector calculus to celestial mechanics and astronomy, my horizons have been broadened by an amazing summer. The Summer Science Program truly is the experience of a lifetime!

SSP provided with me an educational opportunity I never would have thought possible. The sheer depth of the material we were able to learn and the immersive environments we were placed in, from guest speakers to field trips, created an inspiring atmosphere that I know will stick with me for a lifetime.

SSP was hands down the best summer experience I've ever had in my 16 years on this planet. It really helped me realize the extent of my own capabilities in terms of scientific research. In school, I enjoyed learning about science, but coming from a small town with limited opportunities I never had the chance to actively do science. I'm glad that SSP opened up my perception of what actually doing science entails. Was it difficult? Definitely, but with the support of the AD, AAD, TAs, and 35 other brilliant, amazing, and hilarious SSPers it was the most rewarding challenge I have ever undertook. In hindsight, the challenging nature of SSP is what I appreciate the most about it. I hope the research opportunities that I choose to pursue in the future will be as enriching and eye-opening as SSP was this summer.

I participated in the Summer Science Program last summer, and it was one of the best experiences of my life! SSP provided an exciting and intellectually stimulating environment in which to learn and work. I learned a lot about science, but also a lot about myself and who/what I want to be. It was also eye-opening to work with such wonderful peers -contrary to my past experiences, group work was amazingly more efficient than working alone. It gave me confidence in my academic and social ability. SSP provided an amazing summer experience that will continue to help me as I go on to finish high school and into college.

I am very grateful to be a recent alum of SSP. Even at their newest branch of biochemistry, one has the sense that SSP is an old and honored organization that knows what they are doing and are incredibly passionate about it. As seen by the low tuition, high selectivity, and generous financial aid, SSP enables a brilliant and diverse group to assemble for a priceless educational experience. After listening to all whom worked to make the 2017 Biochemistry program possible, I can confidently conclude that SSP is a true labor of love. And after experiencing the authentic challenges and joys of the program, I can say that that labor came to fruition beautifully.

SSP provides the journey of a lifetime packed into one summer, impacting nearly a hundred high schoolers from a variety of backgrounds every year. SSP grants financial aid so that everyone who wants to attend can, and is a remarkable example of a nonprofit run on alumni donations.
SSP helped me discover a world beyond the bubble of my high school, and allowed me to take part in creating an experience of a lifetime, vested in tradition.
I loved every moment, from lectures to difficult psets to staying up late in the computer lab debugging. The stars there were unrivaled: both those in the sky and the peers next to me.

Attending SSP was the best experience of my life. I learned like I never have before, met amazing people from many places, and grew a lot as a person.
The content presented to us was consistently challenging, and I am amazed at how much I learned and accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Our professors and guest lecturers were not afraid to make things complicated, and the depth and complexity at which we were taught new topics exceeded anything I have ever experienced in school.
This learning experience would not have been possible without such an amazing group of people that I worked with. Everyone was so passionate about learning and science that it was impossible not to get excited about what we were learning. It was a great community, one that I had never experienced before, and I formed meaningful friendships that I will maintain forever. If at times anyone, including myself, felt lost or confused, everyone was more than willing to help and work together. It was a great experience to work in such a great team where there was no sense of competition. Everyone was in it together and wanted the best for everyone else.
The challenging workload and strong sense of community taught me a lot about myself and allowed me to grow a lot as a person. Looking back at all the things I was able to accomplish, I feel a lot more confident in myself and my abilities, and know that I can accomplish anything if I work hard and don't give up. Being an international student from South America, it was hard at times to deal with the difference in culture, but everyone was very open and accepting. In that sense, I grew because I learned about other cultures, and I now feel a lot prouder about my heritage and background.
All of this would not have been possible without the extraordinary SSP faculty. The professors, TA's and the site director put so much work, time and effort into making a great experience for us. All of the faculty were truly devoted to helping us learn and grow as students and people, and their passion was obvious in their interactions with us.
I am truly thankful to the SSP organization and everyone who supports it, and I will definitely contribute to SSP later in life.
I would encourage everyone who has a love for science and learning to apply. SSP has changed my life for the better, and I know I will accomplish more thanks to my experience.

If you have noticed, most of these "5-star" reviews are the usual empty reviews, lauding the community and experience and whatnot. I completely agree with these reviews-I learned so much and met some of my best friends even to this day at SSP. However, the administration and their actions tell a completely different story. It's been a couple years since I attended, but I am still traumatized by the way the adults at this program were comfortable with treating a 16 year old kid. Starting with a Teaching Assistant who was not qualified to deal with younger students, and was in fact, drunkenly hitting on my friend at the camp, to the site directors and even professors, the unprofessional behavior of the adults is simply shocking. In one instance, the site director asked me to sit with her in a room 1-on-1, with the doors closed, where she proceeded to mention that my "homosexual" behavior was offensive, when in fact, I had exhibited no such behavior. Furthermore, I was horrified to find out that this site director had gone around asking my friends whether I had made any homosexual advances, and upon finding no conclusive evidence, fabricating a series of minor rule infractions that led to my dismissal. During the camp, I sought out the help of the academic director concerning these matters, and I was simply dismissed, suggesting that I was in the wrong, and even when I was dismissed, I had hoped the Executive Director would understand the situation, but was instead blatantly called a liar. In fact, he accused me of lying to my parents of what had happened, when I had provided him with an extensive account of my time at SSP. To this day, I have nightmares about what happened at SSP, and although I agree that I had a great time making friends and learning about astronomy, SSP is a residential program, and so all aspects of the program should be considered in a review, including the administration.

SSP was a mix of greatest memories and most devastating disappointment in adults managing this program. The greatest memories include the friends and academic experience I had during my time there. The weekly field trips, late night observations, and small talks interspersed throughout the day were all amazing. Unforgettable shall I say. I owe a big part of my life to the few close friends from SSP.
On the downside, however, I lost all hope in the adults involved in this program. Teaching assistant, faculties, site director, and, perhaps most notably, program director. They have so cleverly executed the worst possible betrayal and, even worse, boast this 'achievement' by making jokes about it. The most disgusting part? They are proud of this.

For any decent human, betraying someone is more painful than getting betrayed by someone.

One of the best experiences of summer, hands down. You'll meet some real chill people, both friends and teachers, and learn a bunch of cool sh_t.

As almost a year eclipses since attending SSP, I cannot stress what remarkable work and close friendships I created at New Mexico Tech. The lasting impact this program has on us spans more than 5.5 ephemeral weeks.

After attending SSP, I feel ready to take on the world! I gained confidence in both my technical abilities and my teamwork skills.

The most amazing summer program ever for high school students looking to do real research, get challenged academically, and meet other kids excited about science!!

Needless to say that SSP was such an awesome experience. I have never felt so bonded to a group of people, not even with my family members. The minute I turned to line up for my airplane, I started to miss all the conversations and moments with these people. There was this girl called Elisa from Brazil. I thought I didn't know much about Brazil so it would be hard to have conversations with her, but it turned out that she actually knew a lot about Confucianism and Buddhism from my country, and we actually had so much in common. Now she is my best friend.

I want to cherish all the moments in SSP, even those when I had to sprint in the pouring rain because I didn't have a raincoat and those when I was dashing in the last minute to change for dinner dress code. After SSP, I have confirmed that I really love doing research, and I love a focused and involved environment like the one SSP provided. I don't want to be thin-stretched. I just want to have a clear topic that I can devote to because SSP has really helped me develop a habit of being calm and patient about learning. It helped me to get immune to this age of info-explosion.

Incredible non-profit that offers an even more noteworthy, life-changing experience to its participants. SSP provided me with the best summer of my life and some of my closest friends.

This program was definitely an enriching intellectual experience, although I already knew it would be going into it. However, I didn't expect it to be so much fun. Not only were there fun activities and things to do, but doing science there was fun as well, especially with the good friends we all got to make during the 39 days.

SSP is an amazing program that provides academic challenges to motivated and enthusiastic students. The people I met and things that I learned made a truly lasting impact on my life.

Absolutely the best summer experience I've ever had. A life-changing immersion in to science, and a (sadly short) visit to my home planet.

One of the most educating experiences of my lifetime. I highly recommend it to anyone intrested in science and astronomy.

SSP is a great summer program and the best educational experience of my life. At SSP, I had the opportunity to be challenged in ways that school could never have challenged me, and SSP gave me the confidence to challenge myself more in the future.

SSP was a great experience that challenged me and taught me how to work in a team. Plus, we got the chance to use a research-grade observatory, calculate astrophysics problems, and write code.

I love the Summer Science Program and genuinely think that it may have been the most valuable experience of my life so far. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is truly passionate about science and is willing to push their boundaries more than they ever have before.

I was so lucky to be able to attend SSP this summer. It was an incredible first research experience with other high schoolers interested in the sciences like me.

This was an incredible experience, both in terms of what I learned about physics and astronomy, but also in terms of how I grew as a person. You learn, better than anywhere else, I reckon, how to work in a team to meet a deadline. The environment intellectually is challenging, yet encouraging. The speakers who came to camp were incredible, a Nobel prize among them! And the teaching assistants and professors were, frankly, really, really awesome. They set the tone for the great environment at the program. I don't think there's any nonprofit out there that teaches kids science-- both the culture as well as the thing itself-- better.

SSP was an amazing educational experience. I learned how to use a telescope, did interesting problem sets, learned a new programming language, and made friends with some incredible people. I wish I could go back every year!

In short, SSP was the best thing I've ever done. I was an SSP student in the summer of 2016, and I feel very prepared to tackle college applications. More than that, I learned a great deal about myself during the program. I know now that I want to work at NASA without a doubt, and that I will be surrounded by incredible peers throughout my education and career.

I attended SSP at the New Mexico campus in summer of 2016. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Academics were stellar and challenging, and the people are still some of my best friends. Going to SSP was the best decision I ever made

There are two aspects to this program that need to be addressed. First is the academic experience. With regard to all the educational experiences, from the lectures to the astronomical research, the teaching was superb. I learned so much from this program, and it was SSP that really made astronomy interesting to me.

However, I think in an academic setting, the faculty should be supportive of students and the community as a whole. As a student, I was the target of homophobia from faculty members on site. I really didn't expect it, and during my stay in the program, I never even suspected. I thought as professional adults, the site director and teaching assistants and the executive director would be more rational and politically correct, but it was only after I was dismissed for arbitrary reasons I found their true intentions. My friends from the camp later told me that the site director asked them whether I had made an homosexual advances on them, which I believe is quite inappropriate. I was dismissed from the program without proper due process, and was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior when nothing of the sort occurred. In an official letter of my dismissal, I was not informed of the specific violations of the rules, but rather told that I was dismissed for "finding loopholes." I understand that the rules have been revised for the coming year to make rules less ambiguous to nullify my case, but if this wasn't the epitome of unprofessional behavior on the part of the SSP Board of Trustees, I don't know what is.

Honestly, I made some of the best friends at this camp, learned so much both about life and astronomy, but this complete disregard for ethics really made SSP a rather traumatizing experience.

A truly one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would only be possible with generation financial support. I discovered the world of research, met some of my best friends, and became much more prepared for college and beyond.

SSP is a focused, goal-driven oriented research program. It offers the experience to conduct research on the immediate knowledge from new lectures and concepts. It is by far the most meaningful and most intensive of all the summer programs my daughter has attended. I see the benefits from different dimensions in research, in learning, and in networking,
Many thanks to SSP, faculty, volunteers, and sponsors to make this wonderful program possible for our children.

My daughter learned so much from her experience at SSP; this is a fantastic program! I think it has and will enrich her pursuit in academics, and overall a wonderful way to get more involved in science and mathematics.

My Daughter has attended many summer camps program since middle school, but she said SSP is the best summer camp she ever had. The program is rigorous and busy, but she enjoyed it so much and loved it.
She not only benefits from learning through the wonderful academic activities, she also benefits from other social activities, like hiking, exercising and making so many friends from all over the states and the world.
It is clear to me that SSP was very useful for my daughter, it is something she will remember forever. I would like to thank you for this very special and worthwhile program.

My daughter finished her SSP this summer. She said that she had the most fun in a very long time during the five and half weeks. She obviously learned a lot knowledge as well. By spending time with professors, TAs and her friends, she developed critical thinking, learned problem-solving skills etc. I highly recommended SSP to every smart young people out there.

SSP excels at fostering independence with community and a love for learning. In addition, participants make valuable college connections with admissions representatives. I commend and highly recommend this rigorous program of study.

SSP is amazing! After spending the summer charting near earth asteroids our son has recharted his life direction. Thank you from our family!

Our son was lucky enough to get to go to SSP. He learned a lot about himself and science! It's an amazing program for students on the cusp of adulthood - it helps them discover their potential.

For those that wish to contribute to the wealth of human knowledge in their life, to work hard, to the best of their abilities, to see how demanding and worthwhile the world of science is, this program realizes that dream.

SSP changed me in every sense possible. I am a new person and now even more than excited to devote my life to science. I only wish I was on some rocket ship traveling in relativistic speed so that I could spend "more" time with the amazing and inspiring people I've gotten to know here.

Hands down best experience of my life. I made the best friends I've ever made, and I cherish every minute I spent working with my fellow students, staying up late chatting, and generally enjoying being a part of the SSP community.

SSP provided was one of the best experiences of my life. The late nights of observation, the friends I made, and the countless hours spent in the computer lab fueled my passion for learning more than ever before. I would give anything to experience it again.

I wish I could do SSP justice by this review. But I will just say that it was one of--if not the-- best experience of my life. The engagement with science was real, the work was hard and the focus of everyone there was unwavering.
If I had any complaints, they would perhaps lie in some of field trips from CU Boulder, or the rules enforced on campus, as, despite the fact that they say 'SSP has no rules', it does have many which could be overbearing. HOWEVER, those are my itty-bitty complaints, and I would no doubt relive my experience if I were given the chance.

Learned so much and met incredible people--overall, an amazing five and a half weeks!

Amazing life-changing experience! The best opportunity for students who are interested in science.

SSP was, hands down, the best experience of my young life.

Let's knock off some simple questions that I'm sure other people have done a better job of answering with eloquence: Was SSP good? Yeah. Was it worth it? Of course. It's easy to talk about this program as life-changing, but I'm going to talk about it in those terms that I adore the most - that's right, I'm going to talk about SSP as a series of (somewhat cryptic) analogies. Is it strange? Sure. Is it fitting? Somewhat. Here goes:
SSP is like the archetypal cup of cocoa during a winter's day. It's nice and comforting to hold that cup and look at that cup, but to really indulge in the cup, one must drink.
SSP is like a black ink Bic pen. Only with the guidance of the writer do words bloom on a page.
SSP is like a rotating wire-frame fan. Get too close, and it becomes kind of uncomfortable; lean back a bit, and enjoy its breeze.
Aren't these kind of quirky? Of course. But hopefully, what I hoped to convey in analogies will become a bit clearer: reading about SSP isn't wholly satisfactory. Take the chance. Apply. Tell people about it. Got in? Great. Take advantage of the resources that are your peers, TAs, and senior faculty. Let them tease out who you really are. Struggling with the OD? You're not alone. People have struggled with similar for over several decades. People have struggled with understanding the cosmos for longer. Finished? No, not really. You'll keep those friends in contact for a long, long time.

Since I've returned home from the Summer Science Program, I find myself talking about or thinking about my experience almost constantly. SSP was one of *the* formative periods of my life. All thirty-six of us bloomed intellectually and academically, as we learned the methods of classical orbit determination along with physics, math, astronomy, and programming in general. Completing the orbit determination project was one of the greatest accomplishments in my short life.
I learned so much outside of the classroom as well, about all sorts of topics - philosophy, literature, math, chemistry, all just from talking to my friends and TAs. The environment was one of intellectual passion - it was one of the first times I had met people as excited to learn as I was. We stayed up late doing problem sets, observing, playing cards, or just socializing, and I made some of my closest friends through the process.
The Summer Science Program makes such a difference in the lives of its students. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend, which included a full scholarship to the program. This is truly one of the greatest educational experiences offered anywhere!

The 5.5 weeks at SSP were the best of my life, set in beautiful and breathtaking New Mexico. This was also a time in which I worked the hardest I have ever worked in my life. SSP is no trivial undertaking. When the organizers said this was one of the most academically rigorous available programs, they made no understatement. Only the network of friendships allowed one to sail past the hurdle that is scientific research. Perhaps it was the knowledge that we were students with the same interests passing through the same difficulties which allowed for a bonding experience. This gave me a first taste of true collaborative scientific research. Perhaps it was also the sight of the Milky Way stretching across the sky on every clear night which made it worth it. What was definitely worth the weeks of hard work was seeing our orbital elements printed from our orbit determination code. We always had support, always had help, were backed and lectured by top notch professors, went on field trips to beautiful locations, and truly did some hardcore astronomy. SSP is a once in a lifetime experience, one that I would not trade for anything in the world.

SSP will forever be my home. I was accepted by everyone and felt comfortable. But, I was also constantly on my toes because of the academic challenge. Those 5.5 weeks were no doubt the best few weeks of my life. There is nothing in this world that I would trade for that experience. I have learned a myriad of things about myself intellectually and socially. I feel like I took a huge step towards discovering who I am and what I am capable of, and, along the way, I made friends to last a lifetime.

This is cliche, but SSP was life changing. You want to do something that you'll have memories from for the rest of your life? SSP. It's more than just learning and science, it's an exposure to the world, a chance to make connections and find where you belong. It's amazing.

SSP is a truly incredible program. It combines the independence and intensity of an instense college course load of physics, calculus, and programming with the care of a summer program. So many steps were taken to make all of us comfortable at SSP: from being greeted with smiling faces at the airport, to having fun signs on our doors when we arrived at the dorms, to having fun activities throughout the program to keep us from being overwhelmed with the workload. I think the experience I had that is most exemplary of the quality of SSP was the day when we submitted our final reports. I couldn't get one of my programs to work and I was extremely frustrated, as the deadline was approaching. One of the TAs noticed and came over to talk to me. She told me to step outside and take a break, gave me a Coke (caffeine!) and got the AD to come to our lab. When I came back inside the AD was there, helped me fix my problem, and my team was able to submit our report on time. The staff at SSP care so much about us learning and being happy and it definitely shows.

SSP irrevocably changed the way I view the world. I am truly grateful for the experiences that I will cherish forever, whether they were from 2 o'lock programming in the computer lab or 5 am discussions about anything from doge to classical music on the Rock. I made friends that I know I will keep in touch with the rest of my life, with whom I will be able to pick up conversations like nothing has changed because we spend the most incredible 6 weeks of our lives together.

SSP, while being one of my most memorable and life-changing experiences, is truly indescribable; words are simply inadequate. I arrived expecting merely a five-week academic challenge, but I have received so much more. This program has not only stretched me intellectually, but it has also unmasked to me the diversity of brilliant minds in this world. Each and every one of us has limitless potential so long as we continue to reach. And reaching is precisely what SSP has so artfully and deftly taught us to do -- reaching academically, reaching socially, reaching mentally, reaching psychologically.

SSP was by far the greatest 5.5 weeks of my entire life. It has brought wonders to me, not just in academics. After hearing so many great things about the program from online and the handbook, I had very very high expectations for the program. Even with these high expectations, SSP far surpassed it. Two weeks into senior year at school, I've realized the value of having challenges in the fields of math and science during the program and how I learned so much in 5.5 weeks. Through valuable lectures from teachers and even more valuable help from TAs and my fellow peers, I learned my true capabilities as a student and did some super cool scientific things during the summer. Perhaps the most valuable part of the experience though were the people I met and the times we shared together trying to finish our codes on time or relaxing in our free time. The fun I had with some of the greatest people I ever met made the program special. Even a month later, I still miss this program so much and realize how much it has changed me.

SSP has been an amazing influence on my life. As an alumni, I was able to meet some of the most amazing friends, colleagues, and inspirations at the program. Moreover, SSP gave me a opportunity to challenge myself intellectually, really pushing me to see how far I could go. For sure, SSP has established itself as one of the most life-changing experiences of my life, and without it, I would not be the person who I am today.

SSP is an amazing experience. If you already know calculus/physics/astronomy/programming, you might not learn much in these subjects, but you will certainly become a more efficient worker and problem solver.

SSP was an incredible, life-changing experience - it's hard to believe quite how much 5.5 weeks can change you. Greater than the educational aspect, perhaps, is the atmosphere and camaraderie developed by having 36 bright kids learning and living together. The benefits last long past the program, with friends and learning partners for life.

I attended this program in 2013, and I can tell you that it is nothing short of life-changing. It challenges you in unimaginable ways and pushes you across the limits you thought you had. Personally the program has invoked a great sense of hard work in me. It has exposed me to new areas of science, given me real-life experiences of people who work in this field and possibly how my life would turn out if I chose to pursue that field. It is truly "an experience of a lifetime"!

It's difficult to describe in just a paragraph the full SSP experience. It was magical. Everyday was an adventure of learning about both the Universe and people. I made incredible friendships. My days (and nights!) were filled with constant joy and excitement in the company of amazing people. My zest for life was renewed. My perspective on life became clearer and I look towards the future with greater optimism than ever before.

I had an amazing experience at the Summer Science Program (SSP) in 2013. SSP was definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had. The staff was all friendly and incredibly helpful, the TA's were just fantastic, and all the little details were taken care of perfectly by our amazing site director. SSP forced me to push past my limits, redefine them, and then break them all over again. It shows every student that goes through the program that there is really no limit to what you can achieve.

Summer Science Program is not only a science program - it's a limit-pushing and potential-exploring program. I had never imagined that I could spend 24 hours working continuously without a minute of sleep, and I had never dreamed that I could have a talent in designing as a science geek.

I was a student in 2013 at the Westmont campus, and I had a blast. I can honestly say that SSP was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had. Not only did I learn a lot and accomplish things that I'd never imagined I'd be able to do, but I also learned a lot about my own interests and ambitions. SSP has made me confident that I will be successful in college, and it helped me learn a lot more about my own ambitions for my future. I can't imagine what my summer would have been like at SSP, or where I would be now, but I am incredibly thankful that the program exists and that I got a chance to participate.

I've grown so much stronger and better because of the amazing SSP experience. And the friends I made at SSP will stay with me for the rest of my life. SSP is place where everyone accepts and trusts and cares for you; a place that will inspire you beyond imagination!

SSP is a unique academic and social experience you won't get anywhere else. I got to know so much about different scientific fields, worked collaboratively on a research, and entered the 55-year-old alumni family of great warmth.

The Summer Science Program not only created an amazing academic environment, it also allowed for dozens of life lessons, and everyday gave me the opportunity to see the world in a new perspective. Constantly challenged, I can truly say that this camp changed my life and I am forever grateful for everyone who played a part in my happiness and growth.

The Summer Science Program was a life changing experience for me. I arrived not really knowing what to expect. I had read about all of the work, and quite honestly it freaked me out. But starting day one I knew all of my worries were for absolutely no reason. SSP was the most amazing experience of my life. It brought me together with a great group of people who I believe will be lifelong friends, and helped teach me how to excel especially when struggling through a problem. The only problem I have with SSP is that I wish it had been at least twice as long.

SSP is where I re-discovered myself. I am a better person now simply from all the people I met and interacted with. I am more certain about my aspirations and more confident in what I want to do now as an individual.

Overall, this was the most amazing academic experience in my entire life. I will never look at science the same way ever again, and nor will I look at my whole life the same. I was a bit bipolar about it once it first ended, but now... I have to say, I never regret learning what I learned, doing what I did, and meeting who I met.

Thank you so much, SSP!

I attended SSP in 2013 and learned much about the college environment and science research. The teachers and TAs were very helpful, and I learned so much science and math in five and a half weeks. It was very challenging but very rewarding because I finally experienced something that made me think. I made many close friends and it was very sad to see everyone leave on the last day.

SSP is simply amazing, the experience of a lifetime.

SSP completely changed my life. I have never viewed the sciences in such a way. The asteroid determination project has truly changed my views on research based sciences. Although the program is academically rigorous, it also emphasizes on the social aspect. I have made many connections within this program that will serve for me in the future. Thank you SSP!

SSP is a fantastic summer program. I attended the program in the summer of 2013 and had a very rewarding experience academically and socially. Learning astronomy, physics, programming, and calculus along with 35 fascinating people is challenging and exhilarating. While you might think that SSP's motto "the educational experience of a lifetime" is mere hype, let me assure you that the program lives up to its advertising.

SSP was a completely life changing coming of age experience. It had given me a maturity,confidence, and friendships that amaze me and will last the rest of my life. There is somethin magical about the experience for almost every SSPer.

SSP is an amazing, unique experience, that taught me so much more that could be expressed in a text box. After participating in 2013, I now feel more aware of what I'm capable of, and feel more sure of my decision to study the sciences, not to mention all of incredible professors, friends and knowledge gained along the way. It was truly a pivotal experience, and I'm proud of all the I and my friends accomplished this summer.

I attended SSP in the summer of 2013 and it was the most challenging and rewarding experience. The immersion into a college-like environment with 35 other brilliant young adults supported by excellent faculty made this summer camp eye-opening. It is perfect for bright high school students interested in science who want a challenge and aren't afraid to have fun working hard.

As a 2013 SSP alumni, I have to say that this program was life-changing. Coming from a low-income family, I was offered a full scholarship, including travel money, and I could not be any more grateful. The experience I had at SSP cannot be replicated. The students, the staff, and even the visiting lecturers all made it an enriching and exciting 6-weeks. No other science camp could have given me the lifelong memories that SSP has.

I went to SSP as a student in 2013 and loved it. The professors were amazing, the students were brilliant, and I learned so much more about my capabilities.

SSP, or Summer Science Program, is a program that seeks to engage students in a professional manner. The program raises high school sophomores and juniors to a collegiate level and pushes their limits far past any high school education could.

That being said, as a lucky participant of this wonderful program, I know how amazing SSP truly is. Every one of the students feel that their classes are moving too slow. Kids who are in IB or AP or dual enrollment classes feel that way. Simply spectacular.

But don't let this talk of intense education fool you; SSP esteems fun just as much as it does learning: the two in fact go hand in hand. The students collaborate on both projects and pranks, lessons and laughs.

SSP allows students to understand that in the professional world, there is so much more than what television, movies, or books can tell you.

Oh, and not to mention the lifelong friendships that develop. Those are pretty great too.

I honestly have nothing to say that hasn't been said over and over, simply because it is all true. This program was the best academic experience of my life so far.

I was a student of the Summer Science Program at New Mexico Tech in 2013. It was by far one of the most exciting and interesting experiences I have lived so far and I am sure I will be able to say the same at any point of my life. All those nights spent taking photos of what we hoped to be our asteroid and the emotions felt when we first blinked them, revealing that moving shining dot are some of the most amazing memories I have. Also, joining this program was not only a six-week experience, but also a lifetime journey, a student involved in it becoming part of the SSP family for the rest of his/her life.

An amazing, life-changing experience. SSP is truly perfect.

AS both a participant and a volunteer for this program I must say it really goes above and beyond to provide students with a helpful and unique experience. It challenges you in ways that make even top colleges seem easy, while teaching you important skills such as teaching yourself and learning from your peers

SSP made me confident in my abilities while giving me the hardest academic challenge I had ever been faced with, and inspired me to pursue a career in the sciences. I am now better able to tackle problems that I might have dismissed as too hard before, and more likely to step out of my comfort zone and approach new ideas.

Summer Science Program, Socorro, NM 2010. I determined the orbit of an asteroid and spent my nights programming using vPython. Wait, it gets worse. Damn place was full of baby rattlesnakes and spiders, freak weather, terrible food... and spherical trigonometry. And I hung out with the most mature, creative, and smart high schoolers I'd ever seen. It wasn't really about the math or the science. It was about knowing that you could do something crazy like determine the orbit of an asteroid without even knowing calculus by dint of sheer hard work and ingenuity, and know that you had a crew of 35+ other people in the same boat, helping you every step of the way. I've never bonded with a group of people like that - first time in my life I felt a sense of community. If I could go back in time and do it again, I would hit the repeat button, creating an infinite loop.

SSP is the best summer of my life thus far; it really was a pivotal point in my life. In the summer of 2011, after my junior year of high school, my passion for physics/astronomy and a google search brought me to the Summer Science Program in Socorro NM for five weeks of astronomy, physics, and computer programing with thirty-five fellow nerds from around the world, culminating in a final project (tracking and calculating the orbit of a near-earth asteroid and submitting the data to JPL) and lifelong friendships. I have raved about this experience in college essays, research applications, and letters to friends because SSP furthered my understanding and love of physics and helped me decide that the area i want to pursue in my studies is theoretical astrophysics. It also provided a curriculum that challenged me to reach my full potential with intellectual room to stretch my wings and no longer bump my head against the ceiling; in fact; under the stars there is no ceiling in sight. As wonderful and enriching as the academic experience is, our studies are really more of an excuse to gather a diverse group of intelligent, passionate, and fascinating individuals who each bring so much to the collective experience, sharing knowledge, skills, philosophies, and peanut M&M's. SSP provided the community I had been searching for my whole life; a peer group who shared my passion for scientific exploration, where I was not the only person to exclaim, "Math is BEAUTIFUL!" and quantum tunneling can become an inside joke! We sang, danced, played ninja, napped, stargazed, taught, learned, and laughed....The energy, collaboration, and bonding are without compare. I lived an entire life in those five weeks, learning so much, and sharing so many experiences; I will always cherish these memories and encourage others to participate.

When I was a junior in high school I was selected to spend the summer at the summer science program in Socorro, New Mexico. I come from a fairly poor family and had never attended a summer program before (in fact, I had had to decline another prestigious summer program because of costs-- they gave me a half scholarship but that was not nearly enough). SSP gave me a scholarship that made it possible for me to attend-- I only had to pay my airfare.

The experience changed my life. I credit it with getting me into MIT, and more importantly with preparing me to learn at MIT. It also gave me a lot of good, brilliant friends around the world. Through alumni connections SSP also continues to give me opportunities for internships and scholarships and other enrichments.

SSP provides an unparalleled experience in the foundations of scientific exploration to rising High School seniors from around the world. The program not only teaches advanced topic in astrophysics (and in doing so, prepares the next generation of scientific leaders), but provides life lessons in team work and collaboration. SSP has an illustrious history of over 50 years. SSP is managed and directed by its graduates. My wife attended SSP, and cites this as a formative event in her development as a biomedical researcher. Now, we are both involved in actively supporting SSP.

I attended SSP in the late 2000s, and to this day it remains on of the most positive and formative experiences in my life. I am constantly running into other SSPers -- even those from other classes! I can confidently say that SSP changed the trajectory of my studies (and perhaps life?).

SSP is an incredible summer program that offers high school students the opportunity to see what the modern fields of astronomy, physics, and technology are all about. It offers a hands-on learning experience combined with access to some of the greatest minds in the world. For me personally, I have met amazing friends in the program and have gotten the chance to see the world through a new pair of lenses (both figuratively and realistically speaking). To put into perspective what this program means to me, SSP is a program that I will always take the time to give back to.

I attended SSP in the late 1990's and it was the best summer I spent in high school. There's definitely something to be said about spending a summer with academically like-minded students from all over the world - it's both confidence-inspiring and humbling at the same time. The curriculum is challenging, and like college each student comes in with a mixed background. I had experience with calculus, physics, and computer science but no knowledge in astronomy, and the fellow students and TA's helped to fill the gaps I didn't pick up in lecture. The curriculum also has a goal - to apply what we learn to an actual project - tracking an asteroid! Day to day student life is well-balanced between lectures and guest speakers while still giving students plenty of autonomy. The field trips are meaningful - One of ours was going to Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and looking through the bay door window at the Deep Space One spacecraft mere months before it was launched into space. I truly feel my experience at SSP gave me the confidence to get into and be successful at MIT. SSP has a large community of supportive alumni; I don't think I could have attended without SSP's need-based financial aid - so thank you SSP and SSP alumni.

SSP is a program with history, known to inspire and enlighten. The students here are so brilliant and diverse. My participation in this program helped me decide my future. And here I am now--but of all the things I have done with my life, SSP will always be #1.

This program utterly changed my life, such that I can no longer recognize the person I was before it. 5.5 weeks in the atmosphere SSP creates helped me to realize my career goals, see just how far I could push myself, and gave me the social experience of a lifetime. Having never interacted with people just as passionate as I am, it was truly a breath of fresh air, and something I've been trying desperately to emulate since the program. It was truly monumental.

I'm still amazed by how many doors SSP opened for me in terms of my personal and academic goals. I met my best friend at SSP. I fell in love with science, discovery, and meaning at SSP. It was the summer of a lifetime, and I can't imagine where I would be without the experience.

Without a doubt, The Summer Science Program changed the trajectory of my life and career -- on multiple occasions.
As a student, I found the program enlightening and eye-opening. Not only did I learn an incredible amount about astronomy, math, and physics, but I found a group of peers who viewed and engaged in the process of learning in ways similar to myself. The academics of the program are vital to its appeal, but, as any attendee will attest, it is the camaraderie and friendships forged over the course of the program that truly change people's lives.
I returned to SSP as a teaching assistant on multiple occasions. Older and wiser, I didn't expect the program to be life-changing again -- but I was wrong. There is something about this program that irreversibly touches everyone it reaches. It is something that cannot be duplicated or imitated. It is a transformative experience for those lucky enough to be involved.

I attended SSP at the California campus this summer (2012), and had the experience of a lifetime. My experience there was defined as much by the amazing people I shared those 5 and a half weeks with, as it was by the intense exposure to Astronomy, Physics and Maths. Words truely cannot do this program justice. It only takes a glance to see that alumni from 3-4 decades ago are taking the time year after year to support SSP, all maintaining that the Summer Science Program was one of the most life-changing 5 weeks of their lives.

I attended this program during summer of 2012 and those five and a half weeks gave me the most amazing experience of my life. I learned and thrived in a way I had never before, and in a way I thought I never would. Additionally, I had the extraordinary privilege of spending time with some of the most dedicated, fascinating, and diverse people I've ever met. SSP is the highlight of my life and a magnificent program I fully endorse.

I was a student in this program during the summer of 2010, and it was a great experience. I was exposed math, computer science and physics that I would otherwise not have seen until attending college at MIT. This program is an amazing chance for bright high school students to meet other people with their interests and learn a ton.

I was a student in 1979 and I can state unequivocally that it was a life changing event. It was the first time that I was truly challenged intellectually, but it was done in a supportive environment, where part of the goal was to learn about personal limits. Like others I learned a tremendous amount of math and science in 6 short weeks, but more than that I got an introduction into the the life of a scientist. A lesson that has stood the test of time. I also met people who have become lifelong friends.

This program was a tremendous, fast paced, in depth, introduction to astrophysics taught at a level that kept everyone engaged. As students we learned that we could do original research (in this case the determination of an asteroid's orbit) that was meaningful at a global level. The program continues to contribute to our understanding of Near Earth Orbit asteroids today. As students, we met many of the brightest minds among our peers from around the country. With time, the quality of the program and its students has only improved. Run by its alumni, this program has made a difference in young people's lives for over 50 years. I made life long friendships, had great fun, and learned a tremendous amount in a short time.

I attended SSP in the 90's. Even though I was then enrolled in a high school known for its excellence in math and science, SSP taught me more in the short 6-weeks than any high school curriculum. The science instruction was hands-on, direct from the source (meaning from enthusiastic, top-rate scientists), and motivating (you had to really work for it). It was also really important to me, as a teenager then, to be put in a position to collaborate with bright and ambitious peers, day in and day out. I learned more from them than I ever thought possible, even as we were working out our differences (ways of thinking, working habits, sleeping habits!). In the long run, this aspect of SSP would stay with me the longest, and I think of it as the most valuable. For this same reason, the human dimension to the learning environment created and fostered at SSP cannot be duplicated in the high school or college classroom. After I got my bachelor degree, I went back to SSP as a TA, and for the first time understood first-hand how much care and attention was put into the work of teaching, directing, and inspiring the students, and I gained even more respect for the faculty back when I was a student. As for myself, despite the fact that I ultimately chose to pursue a career in the humanities rather than the sciences, I will vouch steadfastly that SSP was a life-changing experience.

SSP was absolutely life changing. I learned more than I ever thought possible and such in short time and I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting thirty-five of the most brilliant students throughout the US and even some amazing foreign students! SSP made me a better scientist, person, and friend. These were the best six weeks of my life and the best money I ever spent. SSP was worth every penny and much much more, but they were also incredibly generous with financial aid. If you are a high school student interested in math, physics, astronomy, or even just science in general, apply to this program immediately. If you are accepted and decide to attent I guarantee that it will be the most rewarding experience of your life so far.

SSP is definitely one of the best experiences of my life. I am an alumnus of the 2011 NM session of the camp and I can already tell I've made life long friendships. Take 36 of the best and brightest kids from around the world and stick them together for a few weeks, and you have the recipe for some insane amounts of fun and educational experiences. Of course, it was stressful at times, but as it was noncompetitive, everyone just ends up helping everyone else, which makes the entire experience much more valuable. It solidified my love of science and research and I would strongly recommend it to any other junior who was thinking about a career in science, physics or otherwise.

SSP was the most fantastic experience I've had in my life. It accelerated the personal and academic development of everyone who attended by dropping them into a challenging situation with thirty five other, equally passionate individuals. In fact, it was life-changing in many unexpected ways, from the honest, open conversations we had under the stars to, for some of us, being independent for the first time. We learned the importance of collaboration, the even greater importance of balancing work with fun, met awesome guest speakers, and experienced unsurmontable exhilaration. I would recommend this program to any high school student interested in science and research.

This was by far the best academic and social experience of my life. I learned and enjoyed so many things from what you can possibly get in a 5-week summer program, from the actual academic material, to collaborating on projects, to having fun with some of the most interesting people you can meet.

I don't have words to express what exactly SSP is. I attended the program this summer. Before the program I didn't know what to expect and after the program, I can say that SSP will exceed anyone's expectations. It's not only about the challenging course and asteroid tracking. In fact, with all the amazing you meet there, the course doesn't seem as challenging at all. You learn to live with and love people and science. :) You have to be there to know!

My five and a half weeks at the Summer Science Program are the best five and a half weeks of my life. The learning environment was phenomenal, the people were truly wonderful, and the experience was out of this world. This program has easily had the most influence on my life. Meeting so many other bright high school students who shared the same interest I do was exciting. It was definitely a life-changing experience.