SERC Science Scholars

The Student Environmental Resource Center is excited to offer its first SERC Science Scholars program with the theme of “Simplify Science” in July 2023. As climate change impacts every facet of our lives, equipping all individuals with the fundamentals of science and its analytical tools provides the launchpad for newfound, interdisciplinary applications to emerge. This program strives to support each scholar’s natural learning style in an intellectually inspiring environment.

We’ve designed an original curriculum to make mathematics, ranging from precalculus to multivariable calculus, and coding accessible to all students, regardless of their prior knowledge. Our approach to STEM education prioritizes intuition-based understanding over rote memorization and centers on applying this knowledge to climate issues, such as air pollution and wildfires. 

The SERC Science Scholars program is comprised of two components:

1. Curriculum is designed to equip scholars with the mathematics and coding fundamentals for upper-division applied sciences (e.g., geosciences, civil engineering), regardless of their prior knowledge.
2. Camping is designed to encourage connection to the natural world and reflect on how concepts of science, sustainability, movement, and outdoor community engagement can improve your lifestyle. 

Logistics

Curriculum, led by Thao Tran

• July 17-21, 10am-3:30pm 
• Mandatory attendance
• Lunch provided

Camping at Garin Regional Park, led by Jed Lee

• July 21st 4pm departure, July 23rd early afternoon return 
• Optional, but highly encouraged
• All meals provided

Eligibility

We highly encourage students who come from first-generation, low-income, and underserved backgrounds or have simply struggled to learn STEM to apply to be a scholar. Graduate and undergraduate students of any academic year are eligible to apply.

Application

Application Link: tinyurl.com/SERCScienceScholars

When answering the short answer questions, prioritize clearly communicating your experiences over rigorous writing (e.g., don’t feel pressured to meet the word count, you can keep your responses succinct). While that may be needed for other applications, we are more interested in learning about your honest experiences in STEM and how we can create an inclusive space.

Deadline

• Priority deadline: 11:59pm on Sunday, July 2nd. You will be notified by July 7th of the status of your application. Those who submit by this deadline will directly inform curriculum design.
• Applications will be accepted until Sunday, July 9th.

Materials

Due to the design of the program, in-person attendance is necessary. However, at the conclusion of the program, we will provide the materials on our website. Please check here in August 2023.