Experiential Learning

Students participate in an experiential learning project for 20 to 25 hours per week throughout the eight-week program – four weeks in a micro- internship and four weeks on a research project.

In the micro-internship, students develop transferable skills, learn what future career opportunities may be available, and build professional connections. They work on short-term, project-based assignments meant to give them exposure to a particular industry.

The exploratory research projects are a wonderful way to gain exposure to research for the first time, under the guidance of a mentor. Opportunities could include smaller independent research projects, shadowing of existing projects, directed reading and discussion in a field selected by the student, etc.

The purpose of the experiential learning component is not only for students to gain initial experiences in research and workplace settings, but also for them to develop close relationships with supervisors who have an intentional desire to mentor young students as they grow and develop over time, regardless of specific academic and/or career interests. 

The micro-internships and research mentors will be identified by the Stanford Summer Fellows Program. Once accepted into SSFP, fellows will be able to indicate their preferred areas of interest and will be matched with one of the opportunities provided. Placements will be announced in early April.