Summer Science Immersion Program

Prepare for the demands of college-level science coursework with a weeklong program of labs, field trips, and other activities

Students at work in a chemistry lab in the Nucleus

"By the end of the week, I had friends I could rely on throughout my next four years. The summer program provides students with a huge network willing to help at any point, even post-graduation."

Sarai Ortega

SScIP Alum and Former Peer Mentor

Read More about the SScIP
20 Students

This year, the SScIP will invite 20 students to campus for a weeklong program of college-level coursework

Applications are now open for the Department of Natural Sciences' Summer Science Immersion Program (SScIP). The SScIP is a weeklong program designed to introduce students to the expectations and demands of college-level coursework. The theme of the program, "The Chemistry of Life," makes this program particularly appropriate if you are planning to enroll in introductory biology or chemistry in your first semester.

This program is open to all, and we encourage applications from first-generation college students from:

  • Groups traditionally underrepresented in science, and/or
  • Under-resourced high schools

What does a typical day look like?

The SScIP is focused on cutting-edge science, and aims to help students build habits critical to academic success in the sciences. Days will be full, with activities including:

  • Hands-on laboratory experiments
  • Explorations of various topics, such as the structure and function of biomolecules
  • A field trip to Griffith Observatory, the LA Natural History Museum, or the Long Beach Aquarium

Over the course of the program, students will have the opportunity to:

  • Create peer networks,
  • Establish strong relationships with science faculty
  • Learn about course offerings in science and math
  • Explore the resources available across the Claremont Colleges.

 

Student Voices

The entrance to the Nucleus
"SScIP was a great way to meet professors, gain confidence in your skills and knowledge, get unfiltered advice from mentors and learn in a small close-knit group of students. ... The professors are incredibly supportive, and throughout the first semester, I consistently reached out to the mentors and professors for advice or help."

Gray Gardiner '29

SScIP Student

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2026 SScIP will run from August 16–22, 2026.

  • Students will move in the afternoon/evening of Sunday, August 16
  • Classes and labs start the morning of Monday, August 17
  • SScIP concludes on the morning of Saturday, August 22

The SScIP is completely free for all participants. Students are housed on campus at Pitzer and Scripps, where their room, board, and meals will be paid for by the Department of Natural Sciences. 

DNS will continue to provide housing and meals to SScIP participants after the program ends if they choose to stay on campus and aren't involved in Pitzer's orientation trips or the Scripps first-gen program.

Applications can be submitted at any time, but must be submitted by July 5th, 2026. Admissions will be on a rolling basis and the program is capped at 20 students, so please apply early.  Normally you will be notified regarding your admission to the program within 1-2 weeks of submitting your application. 

To apply, email the following information to the program director, Prof. Marion Preest (mpreest@natsci.claremont.edu):

  1. Name
  2. Your pronouns
  3. Mailing address
  4. Phone number
  5. Email address
  6. College you are admitted to
  7. Please tell us why you are interested in participating in SScIP (1 page max)
  8. Please tell us about your high school math and science background (1 page max)