Program Overview

The Summer Experience for Wheaton Outstanding STEM Scholars (WOSS) is an immersive 4-week program for incoming first-year students. It introduces selected scholars to the professional and technical skills needed to succeed in STEM at Wheaton and beyond. This competitive summer experience is specifically designed to foster a sense of belonging by demystifying unwritten rules that hinder diversity in STEM and by increasing access to research opportunities and comprehensive mentorship.

The WOSS Summer Experience includes three major components:

  • Workshops covering lab skills and professional development
  • Research under the supervision of Wheaton professors
  • Off-campus trips that promote camaraderie and exploration of Massachusetts and Rhode Island

All aspects of the summer experience, including meals, on-campus housing and transportation, are offered at no cost. At the end of their successful participation, scholars receive a $2,000 stipend. They are also formally inducted into the WOSS Program, which gives them access to WOSS-specific social events, workshops, and comprehensive mentoring for their entire Wheaton career.

Mission

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

Goals

By participating in the WOSS Summer Experience, scholars will:

  • Build a supportive network of peers, faculty and staff
  • Gain meaningful experience conducting and presenting scientific research
  • Develop technical and professional development skills that will promote early academic success and increase their competitiveness for future experiential opportunities in STEM

Dates

Sunday, July 12th to Saturday, August 8th, 2026

Eligibility

  • Incoming first-year Wheaton student (Class of 2030)
  • Intended major in a STEM discipline outside of Nursing
  • Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Application Process

To be considered, students must commit to living on campus during the summer and attending Wheaton in the Fall of 2026. Please note that 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.

Selection Criteria

  • Evidence of interest in STEM
  • Demonstrated commitment to promoting participation and success of first-generation students, low-income students and students of color in STEM
  • Potential to benefit from participation in WOSS programming
  • Willingness to commit fully to all aspects of the WOSS Summer Experience

Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning on April 22, 2026. Finalists will be contacted mid- to late-May. For any questions, please contact:

Juvenal Lopez, Ph.D., Founding Director
[email protected]

Christina Reppucci, Ph.D., Co-Director
[email protected]

Apply Now