Research

A central feature of the SOARS program is a ten-week summer immersion program in which proteges conduct scientific research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) or at laboratories of other SOARS sponsors. During this summer research experience, SOARS participants (proteges) perform original research, prepare scientific papers, and present their research at an end-of-the summer colloquium. They also participate in active learning workshops in which they develop and refine their writing and presentation skills.

Typically, SOARS proteges begin the program the summer before their junior or senior year, and each protege can participate in the summer research program up to four times. This allows proteges to explore the breadth of geoscience over multiple summers, improves their application to graduate school, and eases the transition into graduate school.

Mentoring

A unique and important aspect of SOARS is its strong, formal mentoring structure. Strong mentoring helps proteges succeed academically and professionally, and the formal structure ensures equal access to strong mentoring. All SOARS proteges are supported by up to four mentors: a science mentor to guide research practice; a writing mentor to improve scientific communication skills; a community mentor to help navigate scientific and local culture; and a peer mentor - a protege who has participated in the program in previous summers - to model effective scientific and professional practices.

Community

Another unique feature of SOARS is the strong and supportive community of proteges that develops from the critical mass of diverse students living together, working on related scientific projects, and collaborating to develop and refine their leadership, professional, and communication skills. This community is an important exception to the ubiquitous experiences of isolation that discourage academic and professional success.

SOARS also helps proteges hold on to this community as they move into the broader scientific community. SOARS encourages and funds protege participation in national and regional conferences; provides protege-led skill building seminars on topics including proposal writing, graduate school admission, and effective communication; and offers ongoing career and academic guidance.

Comprehensive Financial and Professional Support

SOARS provides comprehensive financial support to proteges. During the summer, SOARS proteges receive competitive wages, travel assistance to and from their research site, and paid housing. For many proteges, these benefits are essential - they depend on summer income to help support their continued education. SOARS also supports field experiences and other unique opportunities, participation in regional and national conferences, and up to half of graduate school expenses.

MENTORING - A Powerful Social Practice For:

• Learning and Teaching
• Acquiring and Developing Knowledge and Skills
• Promoting Careers
• Valuing Self and Others
• Valuing Community
• Leadership Training
• Career Guidance and Counseling