MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Summer
mites.mit.edu
Courtesy of Mites
At one of the top universities in the world, they’re on a mission to diversify STEM. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is known for many transformative innovations, and you can add “MITES” to the list. The MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) summer program advances access and equity in STEM through an immersive on-campus experience. The opportunity is one of three at the school — MITES Summer, MITES Semester, and MITES Saturdays — offered as hybrid STEM and college prep opportunities.
With a curriculum built around academics, hands-on projects, mentoring, and networking, MITES Summer offers a challenging yet supportive learning environment with world-class resources. The program is designed to help participants realize their full college and career potential, especially students from underserved backgrounds. For six weeks beginning in late June, students benefit from mentoring, pre-college counseling, and social events while taking advanced STEM coursework with the opportunity to explore topics like genomics and machine learning not offered by many high schools.
All program costs, including room and board, are paid by the program and its sponsors. High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are welcome to apply. There is no minimum GPA. MITES is looking for hardworking students interested in STEM with a strong academic record and encourages applications from communities underrepresented in science and engineering, including those who are Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian. You can find frequently asked questions and apply online.
As associate director, recruitment and admissions, Reimi Hicks leads MITES efforts to attract and admit talented and passionate scholars and staff from across the country. She first joined MITES in 2015 and works to create spaces where students can learn and connect as they pursue their interests in STEM. Hicks holds a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Brown University and a master’s degree in biology from the University of Maryland, College Park.
As a champion of STEM students and ambassador for MITES, what would you like our readers to know about MITES Summer? One of the best things about MITES is that we offer STEM education and resources most participants would not experience otherwise. So it all starts with access, and the opportunity for people to come together with like-minded peers who want to use their knowledge to build a better world. Our MITES Summer students become part of an affirming, highly motivated community where they can engage with admissions counselors, build lasting relationships with mentors, participate in seminars with STEM professionals, and have a rewarding experience designed just for them.
How does MITES Summer help prepare students for college? Our MITES Summer students get to experience real college life on campus as well as the greater Boston area. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been in an academic setting away from familiar surroundings or perhaps family responsibilities. So in addition to strong academic support, participants are learning practical skills and gaining confidence that will prepare them to be successful when they get to college. We also see our scholars develop lifelong friendships with one another over the course of the program, establishing supportive peer groups they will probably know for the rest of their careers.
Do students earn a certificate when they complete the program? Each student receives a written evaluation from their instructor at the culmination of the program. The student’s evaluation outlines their strengths and growth areas and highlights their contributions to the class. Many participants submit their evaluation as supplemental material with their college applications.
What would you say to someone who’s interested in applying, but unsure if they would be accepted? I would tell them to never turn down an opportunity! I encourage students to apply if they have a passion for STEM, have worked hard in school, are determined to positively impact their communities, and would like to better prepare themselves for a career in a STEM field. Our selection process is holistic, meaning that we consider a variety of factors; test scores are accepted but not required, and there isn’t a minimum GPA. Also, we consider key skills for workforce success like creativity, perseverance, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. If you are interested, please get to know us online and apply!
WONDR NATION Internships
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Photos courtesy of Wondr nation
If you like a fast-moving environment and technology is your game, WONDR NATION may have an internship that’s right for you. WONDR NATION is the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s digital gaming and entertainment business that manages online gaming for Foxwood Resorts Casino. The company is expanding the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s digital footprint while partnering with other tribes and technology companies to create unique and engaging online experiences.
As the woman-led, tribally owned company grows, they are looking for new talent through apprentice and intern opportunities. WONDR NATION’s apprenticeship pathway gives people a chance to learn about the industry while earning college credits through a certificate program. There’s also a WONDR NATION associate program that provides opportunities for newer professionals to develop a portfolio of projects in online gaming management. To learn more, go to the Careers page of WONDR NATION’s website, where you can also sign up for email updates.
WONDR NATION CEO Anika Howard learned about the industry through a Harrah’s Casino internship while earning her MBA at Arizona State University. After excelling in an associate program for future gaming leaders, she went on to develop interactive products for the world’s most successful casinos. Anika was named one of “25 People to Watch for 2018” by Global Gaming Business, received the Nevada Women’s Fund 2018 Women of Achievement Award, chairs the Global Gaming Women (GGW) DEI committee, and is co-chair of African Americans in Gaming. She was tapped to serve as WONDR NATION CEO in 2022.
Since many of our readers are just beginning their careers, tell us about your path to online gaming. I‘ve had an interesting and somewhat nontraditional path. As a technologist who’s creative by nature, I had not previously considered gaming. During my associate rotation, I started to see how technology could really streamline operations and change the way the company engages players. I shared my ideas at a time the company was looking to innovate, and that began my journey.
“Studies have shown time and time again that with diversity comes innovation.” — Anika Howard
How did you know this was the right opportunity for you? Foxwoods and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe have always been forward-thinking when it comes to technology. When they recruited me, they were trying to get the right balance of someone who could help bring their online gaming vision to light and also generate support from the tribe and the tribal council. I could see how that was possible with the tribe as an active participant, and now my team and I are making it happen.
As one of a few Black woman executives in a male-dominated field, what kind of team have you built? Since the beginning of my career, I have built teams with diversity. It’s important to create a model that says you can bring diversity in and have a team excel even if they don’t look like everybody else. Studies have shown time and time again that with diversity comes innovation. Because diversity isn’t just what you look like it’s also about how you approach a challenge. I like finding people who think differently and are naturally curious; they know how to deal with problems and create solutions.
What thoughts can you share on mentorship for readers who might want to be a CEO someday? When it comes to mentorship, you don’t always have to find someone who looks like you; they can be someone who truly believes in you. Early in my career, none of my mentors looked like me, and that’s okay. Mentorship is nice, but it’s even better to have sponsors. Sponsors are those who are putting you out there and saying your name at tables that you haven’t been invited to sit at yet. They are working to provide the opportunity for you to be seen.
You’re in a pioneering role, with many “firsts” to your credit. Do you have any additional guidance for our readers? Building Wondr Nation, I have the opportunity to be a part of every single component, from strategy and structure to branding and communications. I’m passionate about it because the company needs to be tribally rooted. I think that translates to guidance about having a strong foundation, and the importance of being rooted in what you believe about your work. If you have the vision to know where you’re headed and the foundation to stay on track, you’re off to a good start.
Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI)
gocoastguard.com
Video still via gocoastguard.com; headshot via linkedin
It’s a branch of the U.S. military unlike any other. The U.S. Coast Guard is the only armed service in the Department of Homeland Security, with both civilian and military responsibilities that include search and rescue, coastal and waterway security, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection. And while it’s not easy to get into the Coast Guard, one way they make it accessible is the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI). The CSPI scholarship program is for college juniors and seniors interested in training for a Coast Guard career.
CSPI Scholars become active-duty Coast Guard Officer Trainees and earn E-3 pay-grade military benefits, salary, and health care. Each participant is assigned to a university where they complete their degree as a full-time student with paid tuition, books, and fees. All scholars complete a boot camp their first summer, carry out temporary orders during school breaks, and meet with assigned mentors throughout two years of CSPI training and study. After completing their degrees, CSPI Officer Trainees attend a 17-week Officer Candidate School before receiving their initial career assignments at the rank of ensign.
To be eligible for CSPI, your school must be within 100 miles of a Coast Guard unit or recruiting office and meet the federal definition for one of the following minority-serving institutions:
Students selected for CSPI enlist under a four-year contract and serve a three-year active-duty commitment. See the Coast Guard online for more information about pay and benefits and how to apply.
Lt. Tia Grandville is a proud alumna of Spelman College and officer recruiter at the Coast Guard’s Hampton Roads Recruiting Office in Virginia. She shares how CSPI is making a positive difference.
Why is a program like CSPI important? For decades, minorities have felt isolated, experienced helplessness and self-doubt, and have had their confidence, talents, and skills diminished. It’s so important that we create spaces for them to be and feel included. Seeing people who look like you or having access to people who may come from similar backgrounds or have similar experiences provides a sense of inspiration. Each day I put on my uniform, I do it for all the young Black girls I’ve mentored, my younger sisters, my nieces. When they (children) see me, it’s as if I’m a superhero, and they know they can do it too.
How important are mentors in CSPI and beyond? All CSPI scholars are assigned a mentor. This is a critical part of the program for participants as they adjust to their new roles. I owe a lot of my accomplishments and successes to my mentors and support system. It’s important to have mentors who not only offer career guidance and advice, but who also provide that support and encouragement we all need. Women face a lot of unique challenges and it helps to have someone that you trust and can talk to about certain issues. It’s important to have mentors who don’t look like you. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from having a diverse mentor group.
What makes serving in the Coast Guard meaningful for you? Being a woman, and specifically a Black woman, in the service is very special right now. I have seen an increase in women recruitment, more diverse Coast Guard Academy and Officer Candidate School graduating classes, Black women attaining the rank of captain, the commissioning of a cutter named after the first African American female master chief petty officer, revising the grooming standards to be more inclusive, and so much more. Seeing all the women in leadership roles and those who are making an impact will only draw in even more passionate and dedicated women in the future.
Why is it so rewarding to serve as a recruiter? People, especially youth and young adults, are my passion. I want to see all of them succeed as they develop into tomorrow’s leaders. I interact with the public on a daily basis, educate them about the Coast Guard and CSPI, and share my personal experiences as a CSPI recipient and Coast Guard officer. I thoroughly enjoy visiting the different universities and building relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents to increase awareness of the Coast Guard opportunities in diverse communities.