Program Description

The Young Engineering and Science Scholars (YESS) program at Caltech is a three-week summer residential program for exceptional underrepresented minority high school students and others who feel they would benefit from the program. YESS is designed to expose students to the excitement and rigor of science research. By giving students the opportunity to interact with other talented students from across the country, the program also aims to create a community of scholars. In the past several years, many of the top students from the YESS program have applied to and attend very competitive colleges and universities, including Caltech, MIT, and Stanford.

Courses

All YESS participants take two research-oriented science courses led by Caltech graduate students. Each course includes lectures, hands-on experiments, project work, research presentations and lab tours. The courses aim to expose program participants to fundamental science principles while giving them the opportunity to propose further questions in the fields. Additionally, a computer programming workshop will be offered.

Research Experience

By participating in YESS, students will get a head start in gaining research experience and exploring a career in science and engineering research. YESS students complete group research projects. The projects are mentored by graduate students and postdoctoral scholars actively involved in research at Caltech.

Lab Tours

Caltech is known for its state-of the art laboratories and astronomical research facilities. As a YESS student, you will get an inside look into several of these facilities, including the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Faculty Lecture Series

Caltech has an outstanding faculty-including several Nobel Prize winners. YESS students will have the opportunity to hear faculty present on their current research and areas of expertise.

College Admissions Workshops

Through workshops, informal gatherings and small group discussions participants receive specialized advice and tips for strengthening college applications directly from Caltech Admissions Officers.

Field Trips

The Caltech campus is located in beautiful Southern California just outside of Los Angeles. YESS participants will experience the activities, events, and cultural phenomena of Pasadena and Los Angeles including the beach, Hollywood and Old Town Pasadena.