Teens stretch minds in scholars program

t's not every day a teenager gets to explore hands-on medical procedures, build a robot, or investigate the mysteries of the mind, but at the University's Rochester Scholars program that's exactly what a group of local teenagers is getting a chance to do.

Sponsored by the Office for Special Programs, the two-week academic experience gives high school students the opportunity to investigate challenging topics in the sciences, the social sciences, engineering, and the humanities.

Close to 150 students from regional high schools are participating in this summer's 13th annual program that continues through August 1. Taught predominantly by University faculty and staff as well as visiting instructors, classes cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Argument and Debate, a session that emphasizes public speaking skills, critical thinking, organization, and research.

• What's Up Doc? Exploring the Pre-med Experience, a session where students get an inside look at the medical profession and learn what it takes to become a medical professional.

• Memory: One of the Mysteries of the Mind, a session where students learn basic and up-to-date concepts and models of memory through didactic and hands-on experience by performing classical memory tasks.

"Rochester Scholar is an intellectual alternative to traditional summer camps," says Gayle Jagel, director of the Office for Special Programs. "And the benefits are far reaching and lasting. The classes encourage students to engage in exploration and innovation, and many students leave with an enhanced sense of self-esteem, not to mention strong friendships with peers who share similar intellectual and creative interests."

In an effort to offer programs to a younger group, the Office of Special Programs launched Rochester Scholars "jr." this summer, a week-long program that ran from July 14 to 18, targeted to students in grades 6 to 8. The sessions offered 36 students a chance to experience the American Revolution as a colonist, learn the fundamentals of drama using improvisational exercises, practice the ancient skills of martial arts, and reflect on the personal writing of teens during the Holocaust.

Jagel says the office has plans also to offer year-round programs for youth that will include weekend classes and sessions during school breaks. There are also programs for adults, including noncredit courses like wine appreciation, and many continuing education classes.

"I want to encourage faculty and staff to take advantage of all that the Office of Special Programs has to offer them and their families," says Jagel.

To learn more, visit www.rochester.edu/college/osp.

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