[ana2345]

Hi,
Does anyone here know of any opportunities for high school students to do chemical research over the summer? I've been searching online and so far I've found the ACS's SEED program, but that seems to have family income requirements that I do not meet.

Thanks in advance.

[Grundalizer]

Yeah it's pretty ridiculous you can't get an opportunity to study if you are an excellent student, just because you aren't poor.  When I was in highschool, I just emailed this one biotech company in my area, saying i loved science and wanted to work in a lab.  They didn't really know what to say because it had never happened before, but after a week the email got passed along to the right person.  I came in for an interview and long story short, ended up with a summer internship doing PCR and gene cloning when I was 16, it was THE best summer I've ever had, but I screwed it up by drinking and smoking and not showing up some times or showing up late.  I got the work done, I just looked unprofessional, but I was still a teenager and didn't care at the time.  I look back on it as a learning experience, as viewing it as a regret is a little harsh.

My advice, do what others don't expect you to do, go the extra mile.  Track people down, send emails, ask ask ask and ye shall receive.

[chsteven]

You should visit the science department at your local colleges.  From what I heard, they usually offer research opportunities.

[Fluorine]

I agree, community colleges are a great place for this. I'd recommend contacting the professor directly (via email) if possible to show initiative. In my experience professors are more interested in 'passion' and 'willingness to learn' rather than experience, though this will vary person to person.