Pre-Orientation Program

The Phoenix STEM Pre-Orientation Program is a transformative two-week initiative designed to empower and prepare students wanting to study STEM-related disciplines for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their academic journeys. Geared toward high-achieving students ready to become leaders in STEM, the program sets forth three key objectives:

1. Foster a positive and inclusive environment within the STEM community, creating a supportive space for scholars to thrive.

2. Increase the number of students from under-resourced high schools graduating with STEM degrees by providing them with a foundational and collaborative learning experience.

3. Bridge the GPA gap within the first two years of the target population compared to their non-target counterparts.

These objectives are achieved by focusing on the strengths of our individual scholars, and on the strength of the supportive community we build. Throughout the two-week program, participants engage in a dynamic array of activities, including three comprehensive lectures and corresponding problem sets spanning disciplines such as Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. The program promotes collaborative learning experiences and offers guided tours of labs that may serve as hosts for incoming freshmen. In addition to academic immersion in the sciences, the "Discourse" component introduces HUM core expectations and modality, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Notably, the program features visiting lectures from distinguished professors from STEM disciplines, and insightful panels comprising both undergraduate and graduate students. It aims to instill a sense of community and inspiration among scholars, setting the stage for success as they transition into their college journey and beyond. Once the academic year kicks off, students will stay connected and actively participate with the Phoneix STEM team.