Credit: Aren’tYouAlex-Spencer?

One thing you have to know about me is that I’m a worrier. That’s why I’ve decided not continue Freebie Friday for now because I would like to be able to post free educational opportunities as soon as I hear about them without worrying that I could be posting after a deadline. Therefore, from now on I’ll be posting as soon I find about a scholarship or other free educational opportunity.

I’m also going to be labeling these opportunities as #Blerdkids because I’m a big fan of the “#Blerd” Twitter community and its unashamed embracing of all things educational and STEM. These people make smart look cool and that is important.

The idea that black “anti-intellectualism” or black students thinking being smart is “acting white” contributes to the achievement gap maybe caused has been debunked. I still worry, however, that our celebrity culture is making the route to success seem as if it has to be in front of a reality show camera instead of through going to college and working hard. We can counteract that message by surrounding our kids with other blerds even if it’s for summer.

With that let me tell you about a free summer science program for high school students who live near Stanford University:

The RISE (Raising Interest in Science and Engineering) Summer Internship Program for HS Students is sponsored by the Office of Science Outreach. It’s an intensive 7-week summer program for local Bay Area students (living within 25-mile radius of campus) interested in science, engineering, math, computer science, or psychology. Students spend 30 hours a week on the Stanford campus, working in an active research lab under the guidance of a mentor from the lab (typically a graduate student), and attending weekly group sessions that include field trips, presentations, hands-on science activities, and lab tours.

RISE is designed for bright low income students and those who will be the first in their families to attend college.

Although the program is regional, I think it’s important to post about these opportunities although they are regional because I’ve met so many parents and students alike who weren’t aware that such programs exist. If you know of anyone who meets the criteria below, please pass it on. Also, you can use this post as a springboard to search for opportunities for your child as well.

RISE offers participants:

An intense and rewarding research experience
Weekly community enrichment activities
A stipend of $2,500
Graduate student or post-doctoral mentor
A network of like-minded high school students who love science and engineering

Click here to find out more about Stanford’s RISE summer program and please pass on information however you can because the February 17th deadline is fast approaching.

So say goodbye to Freebie Friday for now and hello to #Blerdkids.

Do you know of any free summer science camps or other educational opportunities? If so, please let me know in the comments.