Students in the new Discovering STEM in ACES Program (DSAP) engage in STEM-related learning activities focused on food, agriculture, human, and environmental systems. Students have the opportunity to work in their area of interest, with a team of their peers, lead by industry leaders, ACES staff, and current ACES students. 

Two weeks of lectures, hands-on activities, and demonstrations centered on real-world issues will help students discover how ACES is related to to their career goals. Depending on the COVID-19 situation, one week will be conducted virtually via Zoom, and the second week will be in person on campus.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SUMMER 2021 REPORT

Discovering STEM in ACES requires the following:

One recommendation form from either a STEM teacher or counselor and transcripts are to be emailed to Diana Rodriguez (Pre-College Program Director) at drodrgz1@illinois.edu

• Online Application
• Counselor Recommendation Form
• Teacher Recommendation Form
• Current High School Transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
• Application Deadline Friday- April 15, 2022

The program dates are from July 10-23, 2022. This is a FREE experience. Students work together in teams based on their area of interests listed below.

• Exploring engineering and technology
• Discovering veterinary science and animal health
• Understanding nutrition and science of healthy living
• Studying plant biotechnology
• Developing new food products
• Pursuing a career in ecology and conservation
• Learning about food safety and food security
• Discovering careers involving children and families
• Thinking about teaching science as a career
• Recognizing your talent in communications
• Exploring finance, marketing, and management
• Pursuing a career in the healthcare industry
• Exploring careers that impact policy and law

PARTICIPANTS

• Current high school rising juniors and seniors are welcome to apply.
• Display curiosity, cooperation, work ethic in their reference(s).
• Display an interest in learning more about STEM areas on the essay.
• Ranked in the top 25%; and have a B average in Science (natural sciences), Math and English.
• We strongly encourage the participation of traditionally underrepresented ethnic minority groups, under resourced communities, students with disabilities and/or from urban areas to apply.

INTERVIEWS

All eligible students will be interviewed virtually via Zoom conferencing in May 2022.

SPONSORS