Program Overview

The Wheaton Outstanding STEM Scholars (WOSS) Summer Program is an immersive 4-week experience for incoming first-year students. It introduces them to the professional and technical skills needed to succeed in STEM at Wheaton and beyond. It is specifically designed to reduce the barrier to entry into research experiences in STEM and promote meaningful interactions between incoming students and Wheaton faculty and staff. This summer program aims to foster a sense of belonging and capability by demystifying unwritten rules that hinder diversity in STEM.

WOSS is a residential program with two academic components. In the mornings, students attend a skill- and professional development-based course. In the afternoons, pairs of students conduct research under the supervision of a Wheaton faculty member. On the weekends, students participate in activities that promote camaraderie and exploration of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

This program was established in 2024 by the Wheaton Inclusive STEM Excellence (WISE) initiative, which is funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The WOSS Summer Program is offered at no cost. In addition, it covers food, housing and transportation costs during the program, and provides students with a $2,500 stipend at the end of their successful participation.

Mission

To broaden participation in STEM by including more first-generation students and students of color.

Goals

By participating in the WOSS Summer Program, students will:

  • Belong to a supportive network of peers, faculty and staff
  • Gain meaningful experience conducting and presenting scientific research
  • Engage with offices, resources and interest groups on campus
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Have a heightened sense of belonging in STEM and at Wheaton
  • Serve as campus leaders to further the WISE mission of diversifying STEM

Dates

Mid-July to mid-August 2025 (specific dates will be announced soon)

Eligibility

    • Incoming first-year Wheaton student (Class of 2028)
    • Intended major in a STEM discipline outside of Nursing
    • Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above
    • U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Note: As of May 2025, passengers will be required to have a Real ID or passport to board domestic flights. Therefore, to be considered for the WOSS Summer Program, out-of-state students must have either a Real ID or passport in their possession by the time they submit their application, if they intend to fly to Massachusetts.

Application Process

To be considered, students must commit to attend Wheaton in the Fall of 2025, and they must have indicated on their college application that they are interested in pursuing a STEM major; all such students are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning on April 22, 2025. Finalists will be contacted during mid- to late-May.

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated interest in STEM
  • Demonstrated commitment to furthering the WISE mission of advancing participation and success of first-generation students and students of color in STEM
  • Potential to benefit from participation in this program
  • Willingness to commit fully to all aspects of the program

Check out our FAQs for more information.

Please check back in early 2025 to apply to the 2025 WOSS Summer Program. For any questions, please contact Professor Lopez.

Contact

Juvenal Lopez, Ph.D.
Director of the WOSS Summer Program
[email protected]