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The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a residential enrichment program in which gifted high school students from around the world complete a challenging, hands-on research project in celestial mechanics.
By day, students learn college-level astronomy, physics, calculus, and programming.
By night, working in teams of three, they apply what they have learned to take telescopic observations of a near-earth asteroid, then write software to calculate the asteroid's orbit around the sun.
Stimulating guest speakers and field trips round out the curriculum.
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This venerable program has inspired young scientists for over 50 years, accelerating their intellectual and personal development, and motivating them to seek equally challenging educational and career paths.
Many SSP alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves at selective universities, then to positions of leadership in their chosen careers.
Established in 1959 at Thacher School in Ojai, California, SSP is now operated by an independent non-profit and takes place at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.
"SSP remains the most academically cohesive and intense educational experience I have ever had. That, I suspect, is true for most who are fortunate enough to attend it. If it weren't for SSP my vision would be narrower, my aspirations less ambitious, and my life less rich. I don't exaggerate."
--Dr. E.C. Krupp SSP '61, Director, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
"What surprised me was that it wasn't the rigors of learning orbit determination that had the greatest impact in shaping my outlook on life and my future career - but the social experiences.
Academically SSP is both rigorous and unique, but what makes it very special and very dear are the social, 'coming-of-age' experiences that I am absolutely certain cannot be had anywhere else. The bonding, the late night discussions, and the whole experience, are unparalleled even years later."
--Ryan Kabir SSP '00
read more quotes from alumni, young and old
The Summer Science Program values a diverse community in terms of gender, ethnicity, citizenship, socioeconomic status, and national origin. Young women and traditionally underrepresented minority students are especially encouraged to apply.
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Families of enrolling students may pay the program fee using a credit or debit card.
Add 2.2% to cover PayPal's transaction charge. To avoid this charge, pay by check or wire transfer.
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News
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Results are in for Challenge 12 for the classes of 2001-12. A total of 95 young alumni donated $4,063, leading to $5,808 in matching funds from the President's Council!
Congratulations to the Class of 2012 for highest participation with 26.
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Comments from 2012 students and their parents are posted.
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The annual Universal Times newsletter is available for downloading.
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The Gangnam Style MIT parody starring Richard Yoon '08 has reached 4.6 million views on YouTube.
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Caltech astronomer Maarten Schmidt, discoverer of quasars, was honored at the Westmont campus for his 33 guest lectures at SSP.
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