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Program Description
The Summer Scholars Enrichment Program (SSEP) is an
intensive 4-week academic program that serves rising
sophomores through rising seniors from groups traditionally
underrepresented in higher education—students who are first in their family
to attend college, those from low income families and those
who are African American or Latino. The program enrolls up
to 90 participants from the Los Angeles area and the Inland
Empire. SSEP participants live in Pomona’s residence halls
from Sunday night thru Friday evening.
NOTE: Please note, new applicants must
currently be enrolled in 9th or 10th grade.
The third summer
of SSEP is reserved for continuing SSEP scholars. Thus,
applications are NOT accepted from current 11th grade
students unless they've participated in SSEP previously.
Also
neither college nor high school credit is awarded for
participation in SSEP.
Curriculum
Program participants attend small classes of approximately
15 students taught by Pomona College faculty. The faculty
work with Pomona College students who serve as program
teaching assistants (TA’s). Each summer, all SSEP scholars
participate in two core faculty-taught courses, Math/Problem
Solving and Critical Inquiry: Analysis and Writing.
The mathematics faculty focus on developing scholars’
problem solving skills. Scholars work on problem sets that
not only review mathematical concepts from the past school
year, but also sets which require the exercise of reasoning
abilities and a willingness to work through a range of
possible solutions. Students are given at least one hands-on
exercise each week that involves collecting and plotting
data.
The writing faculty assigns students college level material
including poetry, short stories and textbook selections. In
summer 2008, the SSEP scholars considered several questions
in their readings: What does it mean to be woman or man in
today's world? How does the media impact my gender? As is common in liberal arts colleges,
students are expected to actively contribute to class
discussion.
Electives
In addition to the math and critical inquiry courses, each
scholar chooses two electives taught by Pomona College
students who serve as teaching assistants. Past electives
have included Intro to Japanese; Intro to Neuroscience; 9-11
and Terrorism; Dreamers, Fighters and Activists; Science and
Experimentation, and The Power of Story: Politics,
Resistance and Acceptance.
Research Opportunity
Beyond the faculty-taught courses and the Pomona-student-led
electives, rising 12th graders are given the rare
opportunity to work on a significant research project under
the direction of a Pomona College faculty member. Scholars
who will be entering their senior year will spend 10-15 hours per week engaged in these projects, which
culminate with a poster presentation of their research
findings at the closing banquet.
Co-Curricular Activities
In fostering a sense of community among participants, SSEP
provides several organized social activities. Featured
activities have included karaoke nights, basketball and
soccer games, pool parties, and a talent show.
In-residence students are treated to nightly activities such
as board games and outdoor activities. All scholars attend
three Friday field trips to, for example, an
Angels game, the Museum of Tolerance or the Los Angeles
County Museum of Art.
Selection Process
Evaluation of applicants is based upon academic achievement,
two letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Enrollment is limited to 90 participants and returning
applicants who continue to perform well are given priority.
Cost
There is no cost for participation in SSEP. Pomona College
will pay all costs for program materials, housing, food,
activities, and transportation. The program is made possible
through a grant from the State of California Educational
Facilities Authority. The James P. Irvine Foundation
provided funding for the first 3 years. The Office of
Community and Multicultural Programs was established through
the generosity of the Ranney E. Draper Family and the
College.
Application Information
A complete application includes the following materials:
- Complete application
form
(available online December 2008)
- Two letters of recommendation
- High school transcript
- 2 essays
To have an application mailed to you, send an e-mail
message to Sergio Marín at
ssep@pomona.edu or call (909)607-1810.
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