Fairmont State to offer first-generation rising freshmen immersive summer programs

Fairmont State University will provide opportunities for first-generation incoming freshmen to engage in summer internships and immersive programs prior to the fall semester.

Fairmont State will serve as a host site for three First2 Network internships taking place July 10 – 23. Faculty in the University’s College of Science & Technology will lead the following internships:

• Research Area 1 – Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy – Faculty Advisor, Matt Scanlon
• Research Area 2 – Stream Health – Faculty Advisor, Mark Flood
• Research Area 3 – Accuracy and precision of 3D scanners when digitizing human skeletal remains – Faculty Advisor, Kristy Henson

First2 Network summer interns will reside on the campus of Fairmont State University for two weeks with travel and room and board provided for the residential immersive experiences. Interns will also receive $600.

Eligible students include recent high school graduates who are first-generation college students or other underrepresented students majoring in STEM and preparing to enter their first year of college in the fall of 2022.

Students participating in the First2 Network internships will be exposed to STEM culture through the academic components of the program, but also build relationships with members of the campus community.

A student previously participating in First2 Network opportunities at Fairmont State expressed in a survey, “The First2 Club has connected me to individuals on campus who have faced the same struggles I have faced being a first-generation student and provided a support system made up of peers as well as faculty and staff members across campus.”

To learn more about First2 Network summer internship experiences offered at Fairmont State, visit https://first2network.org/summer-internship-sites/.

Fairmont State University will also host the Datha and Gene Smith Fellows Summer Bridge Program July 10 – 16. All first-generation students are invited to apply to the immersive one-week experience where they will learn about campus resources, attend workshops, stay in University Terrace, meet other incoming freshmen, explore Fairmont and hone the skills needed to be successful as a college student.

Meals, lodging and all activities are provided at no cost to students participating in the Datha and Gene Smith summer program. The application may be accessed at www.fairmontstate.edu/smithfellowsapp. For more information, contact Sharon.Carpenter@fairmontstate.edu or 304-367-4203.

“Immersive experiences such as the First2 Network internships and the Datha and Gene Smith summer program are invaluable to students and their success throughout their college journey,” said Abelina Suarez Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Erica Harvey. “These hands-on programs allow students to truly hit the ground running prior to their first semester as freshmen, while building connections, a community and support system to help them acclimate to life as a college student.”

In addition to summer internship opportunities, students meeting certain criteria are eligible to apply for the First2 Scholar program which provides assistance to students throughout the academic year. Students participating in summer programs, including the First2 Network internships or the Datha and Gene Smith Fellows Summer Bridge Program, become competitive candidates for the First2 Scholar program. For more information or to access the application for the First2 Scholar program, visit https://first2network.org/students/first2-academic-year-scholars/.

First2 NetworkFirst-Generation StudentsFirst-Generation STEM StudentsDatha and Gene Smith Fellows Summer Bridge ProgramFirst2 ScholarsErica Harvey